Bringing the world to America MSC Cruises’ Gianni Onorato gives Lindsay James an update on the soon-to-be-delivered MSC World America and shares why it is increasing its focus on the US market in 2025 and beyond MSC Cruises is set for a landmark year in 2025. At the end of March, it will take delivery of its latest World-class ship, MSC World America. The vessel will then cross the Atlantic for its naming ceremony at the brand’s new $450 million MSC Miami Cruise Terminal – the largest in the world – in PortMiami, Florida, on 9 April. The ship’s inaugural season from Miami begins with alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries with calls in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Honduras and MSC Cruises’ private Bahamian island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO, is delighted with the ship’s progress so far. “MSC World America completed a series of sea trials in the Atlantic Ocean at the end of 2024 and early 2025 and is in the final phases of completion,” he says. “The vessel’s maiden voyage with guests onboard will operate a celebratory sailing to our private island of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas, where we will unveil a new Marine Conservation Centre for MSC Foundation – a base for marine biologists to conduct scientific research on coral restoration.” The first of the brand’s Worldclass ships, MSC World Europa, was delivered in 2022 and – at that time – was considered a hard act to follow, having won multiple awards for its design, sustainability and entertainment. However, MSC World America has a very different feel to its sister ship, and Onorato is confident the cruise line has yet again raised the bar. “MSC World Europa was the first in this class and has proven to be very successful but, as we always do, we look to improve and enhance each and every new ship,” he says. “I’m very much looking forward to seeing the ship’s seven distinct districts come to fruition. This is the first time we have introduced this design concept, which was done to enhance the guest experience so they can get the most out of their time onboard.” The seven districts will help guests identify areas of the ship that have been FEATURED INTERVIEW 38 “The USA is now our number one source market for guests that sail with us in all parts of the world”
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