By
Alex Smith |
MSC Cruises has selected actor and businesswoman Drew Barrymore as the godmother of MSC World America for the flagship’s naming ceremony on 9 April at the new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal, which will be the largest of its kind in the world.
Barrymore will cut a ribbon to trigger the traditional breaking of a bottle of champagne on the ship’s bow alongside fellow actor Orlando Bloom, who she co-stars with in the company’s ‘Let’s Holiday’ brand campaign that debuted during the 2024 Super Bowl.
“When MSC Cruises asked me to be the godmother of MSC World America, I immediately said yes!” said Barrymore. “I absolutely love to travel – it fuels my soul – and being part of something that helps people set off on incredible adventures is just amazing. There’s something so magical about cruises; they let you discover the world in this really fun, unexpected way. And to be able to name MSC World America and send the ship off with well wishes and good luck is such an honour.”
Suzanne Salas, executive vice president of marketing, e-commerce and sales for MSC Cruises USA, said: “As a family company with over 300 years of seafaring heritage, these events hold a special and personal significance for us. Drew is the perfect godmother for MSC World America, and we are thrilled to continue to partner with her for this campaign. She embodies our brand perfectly, with her exquisite style and grace, and her passion for the comfort and adventure we find through travel.”
Following the naming ceremony, MSC World America will depart on a celebratory three-night sailing to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ private island in The Bahamas. On the island, the MSC Foundation will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Marine Conservation Centre. The facility will serve as a hub for scientists and students involved in the MSC Foundation’s Super Coral Programme, as well as a place where guests can learn more about the programme’s mission to restore coral reefs that have been impacted by climate change.
MSC World America will be the first ship in the company’s fleet to offer seven onboard districts including The Harbour, a new outdoor venue for families featuring The Cliffhanger over-water swing ride, a ropes course, water park, playground, relaxation areas and complimentary grab-and-go dining.
The flagship will have 18 bars and lounges including two new concepts, the All-Stars Sports Bar and The Loft, a multipurpose venue for comedy and karaoke. There will also be 19 dining venues onboard, including the only Eataly restaurant at sea, a new Greek dining concept Paxos, four other separate speciality restaurants and two venues in the exclusive MSC Yacht Club . The ship also features an outdoor World Promenade for shopping, dining and one of the longest dry slides at sea and a three-level World Galleria with bars, shops and restaurants.
The ship’s inaugural season from Miami will start on 12 April. It will sail alternating seven-night Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean voyages, both of which will visit Ocean Cay.