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MSC World America to feel different to sister ship, says innovation chief

MSC World America will undergo the most changes of any ship the line has built compared with its predecessor, according to its head of guest experience innovation.

William Monts de Oca Rivera said more than 30% of the ship’s public spaces have been revamped in some way when compared with sister World Europa.

He said that the addition of seven distinct ‘districts’ – the first MSC Cruises ship to have such a layout – would also give World America a different feel.

“It’s not very common to implement so many changes from one ship to another, especially the first prototype to the second, but we’ve touched over 30% of the public spaces in some way, shape or form, from Europa to America, because we want to deliver the best out there,” he said.

“We’re constantly changing, innovating and evolving to make sure we continue to make each ship better and better.”


More: MSC Cruises to ‘take the bar higher’ with next generation of ships


World America, currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, will be one of the biggest ships in the world with capacity for 6,762 passengers, the same as World Europa.

Slated for launch on April 12, 2025, the vessel will have 2,626 cabins and a Y-shape design to enable more cabins to have balconies, plus the largest MSC Yacht Club – its “ship within a ship” for suite guests – of any ship in the line.

There will be 151 suites at the rear of the ship with a larger Top Sail Club outdoor area, plus larger suites including the Owner’s Suite and two Royal Suites.

MSC Cruises executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago confirmed the “district” set-up would be “the future strategy” for all MSC ships.

There will be seven distinct districts on board: the adult-only Zen Zone focused on health and wellness; Family Aventura at the top of the ship; Aqua Deck for water-based activities; MSC Yacht Club for suite guests; the Terraces with marquee restaurants, bars and brand new comedy club; the Galleria, or “the heart of the ship” for shops services; and the Promenade, the outdoor section of the ship.

Oca Rivera said: “In each district, you’re going to find something to do, something to see, something to eat and somewhere to be.”

World America will have 19 restaurants, 18 bars and lounges, six pools and three entertainment areas.

Other new features include the Cliffhanger, which is the first overhanging swing at sea, the only Eataly Restaurant at sea and an adults-only comedy club.

Pictured: The Harbour, the family-friendly area on the top deck, under construction

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