MSC Preziosa

    MSC Cruises

    MSC Preziosa

    MSC World America

    MSC Cruises

    MSC World America

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    Ship Comparison

    MSC Preziosa vs MSC World America

    The MSC Preziosa offers a classic European cruise with a touch of glamour, while the MSC World America delivers a bold, modern, and activity-rich Caribbean experience tailored for North American tastes.

    The verdict

    Choosing between MSC Preziosa and MSC World America comes down to your cruising style and desired destination. Preziosa, a seasoned Fantasia-class vessel launched in 2013, offers a more traditional European-style journey, blending opulent decor with family-friendly amenities and diverse itineraries across Northern Europe and South America. It's a ship that embraces a relaxed, yet glitzy, atmosphere. World America, on the other hand, is a newer, larger World-class ship designed with the North American cruiser in mind, providing a modern, high-energy Caribbean experience. It boasts an array of innovative thrills and a significantly expanded kids' program, making it ideal for families seeking constant engagement and a lively atmosphere. While both offer the exclusive 'ship-within-a-ship' Yacht Club, World America pushes the boundaries with its sheer scale and novel attractions, whereas Preziosa retains a charm rooted in its established elegance.

    Choose MSC Preziosa if…

    Travelers who appreciate classic European cruise design, a touch of old-world glamour, and itineraries exploring the diverse beauty of Northern Europe or the vibrant cultures of South America. It's also well-suited for families and couples seeking a fun, relaxed, and affordable experience with a distinct Mediterranean flair, along with those who value the exclusivity of the Yacht Club.

    Best for

    • Travelers seeking a classic European cruise experience with opulent decor.
    • Families and couples looking for a fun, relaxed, and affordable Mediterranean-style vacation.
    • Guests interested in diverse itineraries across Northern Europe and South America.
    • Those who value exclusive amenities and personalized service within a 'ship-within-a-ship' concept (Yacht Club).

    Avoid if

    • Passengers who prefer understated, minimalist design over glitzy decor.
    • Guests who prioritize consistent, unhurried service in main dining rooms.
    • Travelers sensitive to floor-to-ceiling mirrors in cabins.
    • Those seeking the very latest in cutting-edge thrill rides or extensive modern entertainment options.

    Choose MSC World America if…

    Families and active travelers seeking a modern, high-energy Caribbean cruise with a vast array of innovative attractions and dining options. It caters specifically to North American preferences, offering a lively, bold environment with extensive kids' clubs, thrilling slides, and diverse entertainment, all while providing excellent value for weeklong sailings.

    Best for

    • Families with children and teens seeking a wide array of activities and dedicated kids' clubs.
    • Thrill-seekers looking for unique attractions like the Cliffhanger swing and Jaw Drop @ The Spiral slide.
    • Value-conscious cruisers interested in weeklong Caribbean itineraries from Miami.
    • Guests who enjoy a lively, modern, and bold ship atmosphere with diverse dining and entertainment choices.

    Avoid if

    • Travelers who prefer a quiet, intimate, or traditional cruise experience.
    • Guests sensitive to potentially crowded public spaces and louder environments.
    • Passengers who prioritize expansive cabin space and ample storage for longer voyages.
    • Those expecting consistent, authentic culinary experiences across all specialty dining venues without prior research.

    Overall Vibe

    MSC Preziosa

    The MSC Preziosa, launched in 2013 as part of the Fantasia Class, exudes a classic European elegance with a glitzy, glamorous feel. Her interiors feature signature elements like a real stone piazza and sweeping Swarovski crystal staircases, creating an opulent, almost theatrical ambiance across her 13 decks. The ship offers a relaxed and enjoyable cruising experience, steeped in a distinctive Mediterranean charm. It’s a vessel that feels established and comfortable, inviting guests to explore her beautifully crafted spaces at their own pace.

    MSC World America

    The MSC World America, a new World-class vessel with 22 decks, introduces a bold and modern cruising experience, blending elegant European design with American comfort. It’s built to be revolutionary yet harmonious, catering to guests of all ages from around the globe. The ship's design emphasizes innovation and excitement, featuring numerous themed districts and cutting-edge attractions, reflecting a commitment to a vibrant, forward-looking atmosphere. This is a ship designed to make a statement, offering a dynamic and engaging environment.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    MSC Preziosa

    Onboard MSC Preziosa, the atmosphere is generally glitzy, fun, and relaxed, embodying a European-style cruise. With a capacity for 3,502 passengers and a dedicated crew of 1,390, there’s a lively buzz without feeling overwhelmingly crowded. The ship attracts a diverse, international crowd, particularly those who appreciate a Mediterranean pace and aesthetic. While there's plenty of activity, especially around the pools and entertainment venues, there are also quieter nooks like the Diamond Bar & Library for more serene moments.

    MSC World America

    MSC World America cultivates a lively and energetic atmosphere, designed to be family-friendly and welcoming, particularly to North American cruisers. Accommodating 6,762 passengers, this mega-ship can certainly feel bustling, especially in popular areas like the Aqua Deck and World Galleria. Its bold, modern design encourages social interaction and engagement across its numerous themed districts, ensuring there’s always something happening. While vibrant, some spaces might be on the louder side, appealing to those who thrive in an active environment.

    Dining

    MSC Preziosa

    MSC Preziosa offers a range of dining experiences, including two main dining rooms, The Golden Lobster and L'Arabesque, both serving international cuisine with two dinner seatings. The adjoining Inca & Maya Buffets provide a casual, 20-hour option with pasta, pizza, and ethnic dishes, though staff service can be inconsistent. For specialty dining, guests can savor Japanese at Galaxy Kaito, steakhouse fare at Butcher's Cut, or gourmet Italian at Eataly and Ristorante Italia, which champion the 'slow food' movement. Room service continental breakfast is complimentary, with other main menu items incurring a fee.

    MSC World America

    MSC World America boasts a diverse culinary landscape across its many venues. Main dining includes Hexagon, Bubbles, La Foglia, and Esagono, with Les Dunes catering to Aurea suite guests with flexible dining. The Il Mercato and La Brasserie buffets are extensive, featuring international flavors, fresh pizza, and mozzarella. Specialty options include HOLA! Tacos & Cantina, Butcher's Cut, Kaito Teppanyaki, Kaito Sushi Bar, the new Paxos Greek Restaurant, and Eataly at Sea, which focuses on authentic Italian gastronomy. Casual bites are available at Luna Park Pizza & Burger, La Boca Grill, and Harbour Grill. Continental room service is included, with some premium items for a fee.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    MSC Preziosa

    Entertainment on MSC Preziosa centers around the two-story Platinum Theatre, offering visual shows with dancers and acrobats that transcend language barriers. Live music can be found at the Green Sax Jazz Bar and El Dorado Piano Bar, while the Galaxy Lounge hosts late-night disco. For thrills, the Vertigo waterslide plunges riders 42 feet with a transparent stretch over the ship's side, complemented by the Doremi water playground for children. The Millennium Star Casino offers slots and table games, with a designated smoking area.

    MSC World America

    MSC World America elevates entertainment with a mix of traditional and innovative venues. The World Theatre and Panorama Lounge host elaborate shows, while The Loft offers comedy and dueling pianos. The All-Stars Sports Bar is a sprawling hub for sports fans. Unique thrills include The Cliffhanger, an over-water swing ride, and Jaw Drop @ The Spiral, an 11-deck dry slide. The Aquapark features a 90-degree vertical drop slide, VR rafting, and dueling body slides, alongside bumper cars in the Sportplex. A secret speakeasy bar offers a distinctive, themed nightlife experience.

    Cabins & Suites

    MSC Preziosa

    MSC Preziosa offers 1,751 cabins, with nearly 65% featuring balconies. Standard options include inside (139 sq ft) and oceanview (129 sq ft) cabins, all equipped with walk-in showers and ample storage. The ship also features 97 suites, including various MSC Yacht Club Executive, Grand, and Deluxe Suites, some with bathtubs. Aurea-class suites offer additional perks. While comfortable, some guests have noted minor details like flimsy plastic coat hangers and a floor-to-ceiling mirror at the foot of the bed that some may find unsettling.

    MSC World America

    MSC World America provides 2,614 cabins, ranging from studio interiors for solo travelers to expansive Owner's Suites within the fleet’s largest Yacht Club. Cabins feature a modern decor with light wood and chocolate brown tones. While the variety is vast, some standard cabins can feel a bit small with limited storage and cramped bathrooms. Unique offerings include Infinite Ocean View rooms with a sliding window that converts to a glass balustrade. Aurea cabins come with perks like priority boarding and thermal suite access, while Yacht Club guests enjoy butler service and inclusive beverages.

    Service & Onboard Style

    MSC Preziosa

    The service on MSC Preziosa aims for a European flair, with staff catering to an international passenger base. The ship's overall style is grand and eye-catching, featuring sparkling crystal staircases, white marble, and Murano glass accents. For those in the exclusive MSC Yacht Club, 24-hour butler and concierge services provide a truly Personalized experience. However, reviews indicate that main dining room service can sometimes be inconsistent and rushed, particularly during peak times, which might impact the overall dining flow.

    MSC World America

    MSC World America blends European elegance with a focus on American comfort, aiming for a modern and bold onboard style. The extensive MSC Yacht Club provides a highly Personalized experience with 24-hour butler service, a dedicated concierge, and a private restaurant and pool deck. While room attendants service cabins once daily, standard cabins typically do not include turndown service. The MSC for Me app is available to enhance the onboard experience, though some guests have found its usability to be a bit challenging at times.

    Best Itineraries

    MSC Preziosa

    MSC Preziosa is a fantastic choice for exploring a wide array of destinations. Her itineraries frequently take guests to the scenic beauty of Northern Europe, including the Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, and various ports across the UK, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands. She also sails to vibrant South American destinations, offering cruises to Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. This ship is particularly well-suited for travelers eager to experience diverse cultures and stunning natural landscapes.

    MSC World America

    MSC World America is ideally positioned for Caribbean enthusiasts, operating year-round from her homeport in Miami. Her itineraries focus on the sun-drenched Western and Eastern Caribbean, with popular calls including Isla de Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Puerto Plata, San Juan, Nassau, and MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. This ship is perfect for those seeking a warm-weather escape with plenty of beach time, water activities, and a lively onboard atmosphere tailored to the region.

    What reviewers say

    MSC Preziosa

    4.5/5

    MSC Preziosa, launched in 2013 as the fourth in MSC's Fantasia Class, offers a fun, relaxed, and affordable Mediterranean cruise experience. It stands out with new facilities like the longest single-rider body waterslide, a children's aqua park, and the first two Eataly restaurants at sea, catering to families and younger couples.

    MSC World America

    MSC World America is MSC Cruises' boldest claim to conquer the North American market, specifically designed for U.S. cruisers while retaining its strong Italian roots. It offers a terrific value for Caribbean sailings, boasting a family-friendly vibe and a stunning, modern design despite some noise issues.

    Itineraries to compare

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    MSC Preziosa

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