MSC Cruises today unveiled Cliffhanger, the only over-water swing ride at sea, which will debut exclusively aboard MSC World America when the ship enters service in April 2025. The swing will tower above the new U.S. flagship’s top deck, nestled in the heart of the ship’s Family Aventura district and beckoning thrill seekers who want a rush of excitement.
Cliffhanger’s four seats start off close to the deck before powered arms lift them into the starting position—up and out over the edge of the ship. From there, riders are propelled back and forth, high above the waterline and dangling 164 feet (50 m) above the ocean below. The one-of-a-kind, edge-of-your-seat thrill ride will have guests feeling the wind in their hair as their view oscillates between the water below and the sky above.
MSC World America is set to become MSC Cruises’ newest U.S. flagship when she is named at PortMiami on April 9, 2025. Guests will experience a new world of cruising as they explore seven distinct districts, each with its own atmosphere, facilities and experiences waiting to be explored. MSC World America’s districts allow guests of all ages to choose their own vacation adventure and get the most out of their time on board.
During the ship’s inaugural season, MSC World America will sail from Miami with seven-night itineraries to some of the most sought-after destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean, all with stops at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve – MSC Cruises’ unique private island paradise in The Bahamas.
MSC World America is carefully designed to help reduce her impact on the environment. The ship runs on LNG, a lower-emissions fuel, and is ready for renewable energy sources. Shore power connectivity, where available, reduces emissions by allowing the ship’s engines to be switched off in port. Smart technology is used throughout the ship to ensure guests can travel in comfort while keeping energy and water use low. A robust onboard recycling program minimizes waste, and even the propellers are designed to reduce noise and avoid disturbing marine life.
MSC World America will create an eye-catching silhouette against the Miami skyline when she enters service in April 2025. The ship’s blend of American comfort and European design will provide guests with a truly memorable cruise experience, whether they’re searching for a relaxing tropical escape or an action-packed vacation.
The new World Class ship’s signature plumb bow will rise vertically from the waterline and her Y-shaped aft will open onto the impressive outdoor World Promenade. Overall, MSC World America will span 22 decks, measure more than 154 feet (47 m) wide, feature 2,614 staterooms, contain more than 430,550 square feet (40,000 square m) of public space.
Top-of-the-line Features and Facilities
- A re-imagined outdoor World Promenade, where unique dining, lounging and entertainment options are paired with stunning ocean views and unmatched LED light shows
- The indoor World Galleria—lined with bars, restaurants, shops and boutiques—topped with a state-of-the-art LED and kinetic light ceiling
- 13 restaurants:
- Six specialty restaurants, featuring two NEW concepts alongside guest favorites like Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki, and Hola! Tacos and Cantina
- Four main restaurants serving globally inspired cuisine and familiar American favourites
- Two buffets offering ample choices for casual dining
- Luna Park Pizza & Burger: Complimentary casual fast-food spot located next to Luna Park in the World Galleria offering quick bites around the clock
20 bars and lounges
- NEW! Sports Bar: New for MSC World America, this warm and inviting venue combines sports memorabilia, technology, and entertainment in a space where guests of all ages will feel welcome. Guests can grab a beer or soft drink and watch the game on one of the many screens while enjoying popular bar food like wings and sliders. Games like darts and foosball will be available, too.
- NEW! Comedy Club: New for MSC Cruises, the Comedy Club is a place where guests can come to kick back and enjoy some laughs. Evenings begin with an interactive and comical dueling piano experience that friends of all ages can enjoy. The laughter will continue with sets from amazing comedians that will rival some of the best shows in NYC and Chicago.
- The Gin Project: Offering an extensive choice of craft gins with classic cocktails expertly prepared by gin-tenders.
- Elixir – Mixology Bar: Expert mixologists creating handcrafted concoctions, featuring an outdoor terrace to enjoy pre- and post-meal cocktails while enjoying spectacular ocean views.
- Masters of the Sea: MSC Cruises’ classic British pub comes complete with a full-scale micro-brewery making MSC Signature beers on board.
- Coffee Emporium: A sleek and modern coffee house that is any coffee connoisseur’s dream, offering some of the world’s best coffee beans and a selection of brewing and serving styles including French, Italian, Turkish and Moroccan.
- Jean-Phillipe Chocolat shop and Café: Offering custom chocolates, coffee and other treats in a relaxed café atmosphere.
- More NEW concepts on the way!
- A striking 11-deck-high dry slide made of stainless steel, giving guests a fun way to reach the lower decks in style.
- Six pools and 14 hot tubs, including a spacious indoor pool with retractable roof and twin adults-only Zen pools at the aft of the ship.
- Expansive water park with water slides that include a VR experience.
- Kids Clubs featuring dedicated facilities for age groups ranging from infants to 17 years old.
- Three entertainment venues with all-new live entertainment and theatre shows.
- Stylish and comfortable staterooms and suites, including Infinite Ocean View cabins, balconies that overlook the outdoor World Promenade and connecting family staterooms.
The MSC Yacht Club, featuring spacious suites, dedicated lounge and restaurant, private pool and sun deck facilities, and 24-hour concierge and butler service as well as spacious, luxurious suites.
Ship environmental information
Renewable Energy
At launch, MSC World America will be one of the most energy-efficient cruise ships in the world, surpassing all design requirements under the International Maritime Organization’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). The ship’s latest-generation engines will reduce greenhouse gases emissions (GHG) by up to 20 percent, along with an 85 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions and a nearly total elimination of sulphur oxide and particulate emissions. The ship is capable of running on Bio-LNG and Synthetic Renewable LNG, either of which would achieve greenhouse gas emissions reductions of up to 100 percent.
Clean Water
Wastewater is treated to a very high quality that exceeds the standards in place at many shoreside municipal wastewater treatment systems worldwide and meets the strictest international IMO standards, including the so-called Baltic standard.
Waste Reduction
The ship is fitted with advanced waste management systems to reduce, reuse, and recycle the waste generated on board.
Commitment to net zero GHG emissions by 2050
MSC Cruises has reduced the intensity of its ship operations by 33.5 percent since 2008, and the company will achieve a 40 percent reduction ahead of the IMO 2030 target. Far beyond simply finding further operational efficiencies, MSC Cruises is embracing new technologies and identifying paths for switching to non-carbon and renewable fuels, while working with fuel providers and other partners on using Bio-LNG and Synthetic Renewable LNG in the near term.