MSC World America Cruise - B2B - August 23, 2025

MSC World America Cruise - B2B - August 23, 2025  (photo from May cruise while docked in OSJ)

Just the Facts

Ship:  MSC’s new flagship, the MSC World America

Captain: Giuseppi Galano (Italy)  —  Cruise Director: Everson Beville (USA)

Ports:  Miami FL, USA - Costa Maya, Mexico - Isla Roatan, Honduras - Cozumel, Mexico - Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas - Miami, FL, USA -  Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic - San Juan, Puerto Rico - Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas - Miami FL, USA

I’m cruising as a solo on a B2B (two) cruise, and I have good friends (Snoozemates) on these sailings.  This is my second & third cruises on the MSC World America, having just sailed in May.  Also, my 27th and 28th MSC cruises, and my 224th and 225th cruises overall. 

Saturday, August 23rd - Embarkation Day - Miami, Florida

I woke early, finished packing, and met my Uber driver at about 4:45 a.m. for my 7:00 a.m. flight from TPA to MIA.  The trip was smooth and I arrived in Miami just after 8:00 a.m.  My shuttle bus to the ship left at about 9:30 a.m. and arrived at the Miami MSC port facility at about 10:20 a.m.  Embark and Security went quickly, and I dropped my backpack in the cabin at 10:38 a.m.  My cabin is located between the aft elevators, so it's a great location.  I went up to the Brasserie Buffet on Deck 19 for knch and the Pork Chops were excellent.  Much better than the Roast Beef from the Carving Station.  I then did a walkabout, ending up at the All-Stars Sports Bar on Deck 8 Aft, just a deck below my cabin.  Once inside, I spotted my long-time cruise friend Mike sitting at the bar.  Small world.  I also saw Mirela (Brazov, Romania), a Bar Supervisor whom I met in May.  I enjoyed a few Strawberry/Mango Spiced Rum Daquiris while it rained outside.  It was actually lovely to cool the outside air.  We later went down to the Masters of the Sea Pub, where the Bartender recognized me and prepared an Elderflower Martini for me.  I will return for cocktails.  I returned to my cabin to rest this afternoon, and at about 3:15 p.m., Gusti, my Cabin Steward, delivered my luggage.  I then settled into the cabin for an extended B2B cruise.  At 5:00 p.m., I did a walkabout and then met Mike at the Masters of the Sea Bar/Pub.  I enjoyed cocktails until going to the Les Dunes Restaurant for dinner at about 6:30 p.m.  This restaurant is part of the MDR, exclusive to Blue-Diamond and Aura guests, and offers anytime dining.  We chose to eat outside on the promenade, which provided interesting people-watching opportunities, but was also very noisy.  The food was good.  I ordered two Shrimp Cocktails, the Pasta Bolognese, the Prime Rib entree, and a Catalonia Creme for dessert.  Afterward, I retired to the cabin due to the very long day.  It was an easy and rewarding embarkation day on the World America.