A New Mega-Ship From Europe Heads to the Caribbean

At the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard on the west coast of France, MSC World America is the latest mega cruise ship to near completion.Scheduled to cross the Atlantic in March, the vessel will be based in Miami, where it will offer Caribbean itineraries and take on the likes of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and Carnival’s Celebration.Like its massive competitors, the 1,093-foot-long ship towers 22 decks high, and is packed with dining venues, lounges and bars, and what has become the usual array of over-the-top features, including a sprawling water park.

The MSC World America will also have an over-water swing ride and an 11-deck-high dry slide.But what the Swiss, family-run MSC company hopes will really set the World America apart is the European influence on the ship’s design, its restaurants, activities and service.There will be Swarovski crystal stairs, a Mediterranean-inspired promenade, Italian marble details, as well as fresh croissants, authentic mozzarella and pasta, and artisanal coffee from Lavazza, an Italian company.In the United States, MSC World America will be joining three smaller MSC ships that already sail out of New York, Miami and Port Canaveral in Florida....