MSC World America named by Drew Barrymore at new Miami terminal

MSC Cruises’ new flagship World America has been named at a ceremony held at the line’s new cruise terminal in Miami.

The event culminated with the ship’s godmother Drew Barrymore cutting a ribbon to smash a bottle of champagne against the bow of the 6,762-passenger vessel, in keeping with maritime tradition.

Also in attendance was British actor Orlando Bloom, who features alongside Barrymore in MSC Cruises’ latest advertising campaign, which launched during this year’s Super Bowl.

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Barrymore, known for her roles in films including E.T, 50 First Dates and The Wedding Singer, said: “This is a true honour and a privilege. I’m so grateful to MSC Cruises.

"I have had a lifelong passion for travel, which has always fuelled my soul and left me with the most awesome memories.

“Millions of people will create their own memories aboard this beautiful ship as time goes by, and I know they’ll have a blast experiencing everything MSC World America has to offer.” 

The naming ceremony was followed by a gala dinner and a drone and fireworks display set against Miami’s skyline. 

MSC World America is the second in the line’s World Class and aims to “usher in a new world of cruising with reimagined venues, entertainment and dining concepts”. 

It is the first ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet to feature seven distinct districts, designed to “help guests choose their own holiday experience and maximise their time on board”.

The ship will now embark on a two-night preview sailing to the line’s private island in The Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, where the MSC Foundation will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to inaugurate its new Marine Conservation Centre.

MSC World America will depart on its first full cruise on April 12 and spend its inaugural season sailing from PortMiami, offering alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.

Photo: Anthony Devlin, Getty Images for MSC Cruises