MSC Cruises’ newest flagship, MSC World America, was officially christened on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the cruise line’s new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal.
The christening ceremony was headlined by actress Drew Barrymore, the ship’s Godmother. In keeping with maritime tradition, she cut the ribbon that smashed the celebratory bottle of champagne against the vessel’s bow, symbolizing good fortune for the vessel in all her future sailings. Captain Dino Sagani stood alongside Barrymore as she completed the maritime tradition. The event was also attended by actor Orlando Bloom, who starred with Barrymore in MSC Cruises’ “Let’s Holiday” TV commercial that debuted during the Super Bowl in February.
Before the ceremony, Drew Barrymore said, “It’s such an honour to be MSC World America’s Godmother, and I can’t wait to cut that ribbon tonight and wish the ship smooth seas and good fortune for years to come. I’ve had a lifelong passion for travel, which has always fueled my soul and left me with the most awesome memories. Millions of people will create their own memories aboard this beautiful ship as time goes by, and I know they’ll have a blast experiencing everything MSC World America has to offer.”
After the naming ceremony, guests were treated to an exclusive concert by Gloria Estefan and a drone and fireworks display. Guests then set sail on a 2-night celebratory cruise to the cruise line’s private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Guests will also be able to enjoy the ribbon cutting ceremony while on the island to inaugurate MSC Foundation’s new Marine Conservation Center.
The 6,762-passenger World-class ship is the second in its class but the first to be built specifically for the US market. She features 7 distinct districts, the largest MSC Yacht Club, enhanced family programming, and 19 stateroom categories. MSC World America will also debut the first-ever-at-sea “Dirty Dancing in Concert.”
MSC World America will spend her inaugural season sailing alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from PortMiami, with all her itineraries featuring a call at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas.