I’ve just been on my first ever cruise holiday, and these are the things that surprised me the most
When it comes to holidays, I’ve always stood firm in the belief that cruises simply ‘aren’t for me’, opting to take to the skies rather than the seas for my city breaks and summer hols.
Well, that was until I was invited onboard MSC Cruises' brand new billion dollar cruise ship - and I’m not afraid to admit I was pleasantly surprised.
MSC Cruises, a Swiss-Italian cruise line well known for its luxurious European voyages, has just unveiled its flagship MSC World America in Miami, Florida, US, which will take passengers on a tropical voyage around the Caribbean.
Last week, I packed my bags and set off to Miami for the ship's naming ceremony, which saw Drew Barrymore be named as the ship's godmother (iconic).
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I wasn't sure what to expect, asking myself admittedly silly questions such as ‘Do they have UK charging ports?’ and ‘Surely the ship will provide beach towels, right?’
Well, I was soon to have all of my questions answered and boy, what a treat I was in for.
Checking in at PortMiami and boarding MSC World America
So, the first thing I didn’t consider at all was boarding the ship, which turned out to be very similar to boarding a plane - but much smoother with less tedious queues and no need for the stress of getting all your liquids into a plastic bag.
It was only two weeks ago when MSC Cruises opened its brand new cruise terminal in PortMiami, with the cruise giants claiming it to be the largest cruise terminal in the world.
Thanks to the use of bag drop-off points and biometric face pods for identity checks - which can process up to 36,000 passengers per day - the check-in and security process was incredibly easy, and all I needed was my passport and E-ticket.
My first look at the billion-dollar MSC cruise ship
Arriving onboard was, at first, overwhelming, which isn't surprising considering MSC World America can carry a staggering 6,174 guests and 2,138 crew members.
I was taken aback by the sheer size of the entrance alone, which resembles more of a luxury shopping centre than a ship.
There are winding staircases, a birds-eye view across all the main decks and what they have to offer - including shops, bars and restaurants - and high ceilings.
It's easy to forget you're even on a ship.
The World Galleria atrium displays an impressive LED ceiling featuring a range of visuals, including the US flag, scuba divers, and marine life - fitting with the MSC Foundation’s new Marine Conservation Centre located on its private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, in the Bahamas.
This new centre will support the marine research and coral conservation work carried out by the MSC Foundation's flagship Super Coral Programme.
Another thing I noticed about the ship’s main public areas is how clean it felt - the marble floors sparkled and it had a lovely ‘expensive’ smell… very Jo Malone-esque.
Are cruise cabins really as small as I’d imagined?
Okay, I’ll admit I was a tiny bit sceptical of what my room would look like, first imagining a simplistic box room with barely enough space to squeeze in my suitcase. But I was surprised at how much my cabin - a balcony Aurea room on deck 11 - had to offer for my stay.
The balcony was, of course, the highlight, offering gorgeous views of the ocean which was incredibly relaxing to wake up to.
The comfortable double bed - which can be split into two singles - had the option of two soft pillows and two firm ones which was a great touch, especially for a picky sleeper like me!
My room was equipped with a wardrobe, an ensuite bathroom with a shower, towels (including two beach and pool towels), a hair dryer, a safe for valuables, an interactive TV, a telephone, a stocked mini-bar, easy-to-use air conditioning and a mix of electrical outlets and USB charging ports.
Rather than a physical key, all cabins can be accessed using the MSC Cruise Card, which is synced up to your MSC Cruises account and allows you to make purchases onboard.
Exploring what MSC World America has to offer
Once I’d finally got my bearings, I soon got to grips with MSC World America’s layout, which is divided into ‘seven districts’ and made easy to access with the clever lift system.
There's tonnes of entertainment to take your pick from, which includes the first-ever at-sea Dirty Dancing in Concert, hilarious comedy shows, a casino and - one for the Brits - karaoke nights.
I noticed how many family-friendly spaces there are, with an entire deck dedicated for those seeking out fun and adventure: this is where you can find the famous Cliffhanger, the only over-water swing ride towering 50 meters over the ocean… and yes, it’s much scarier than it looks in the pics.
There are three water slides, as well as bumper cars, a LEGO area for the kids and the ‘Jaw Drop’ spiral slide that takes you down from deck 20 to deck 8. However, it must be noted that certain attractions can only be accessed with an additional fee.
There's a fully equipped gym, seven pools and 13 whirlpools, with some being located in 'adult only' zen areas. Heaven.
I was initially worried about finding space to sunbathe by the pool, as I've always imagined these areas on cruises to be overwhelmingly busy, but to see thousands of sun loungers, sun beds and seats certainly reassured me.
Then there's the MSC Yacht Club, a luxurious ‘ship within a ship’. Guests who choose to stay in the Yacht Club are granted keycard-only access to their own pool and lounge spaces, as well as a private restaurant and spacious cabins.
For families and thrill seekers alike (Tyla)
Dining onboard MSC World America
Now, the question many ask about cruises… what is the food like?
Unfortunately, as a self-confessed foodie, I’ve long been under the impression that food onboard cruise ships consists of beige and uninspiring buffet spreads. But one of the biggest surprises during my time onboard was how much I actually enjoyed the buffet.
Ranging from a huge variety of cooked and continental breakfast options, picky deli bits for lunch, plenty of dinner options that consist of dishes from across the world and mouth-watering desserts, there’s something for everyone.
There are 19 dining spots in total, including the four main dining rooms that serve a set Italian-style menu, and the vibrant handful of speciality restaurants.
Special shout-outs go to the Kaito Teppanyaki & Kaito sushi bar, Paxos Greek restaurant, the ship's very own 'chocolate factory', and of course, the ship's American-style diners and sports bars.
When it comes to drinking, there are 20 bars - including a gin bar - lounges and cafes to enjoy all sorts of bevs, including cocktails, mocktails, wines, smoothies, juices, teas and coffees - though drinks packages must be purchased beforehand.
And for those who want to indulge in a frozen piña colada (or ten), you must be 21 or over.
This espresso martini was spot on, I must say (Tyla)
Exploring Ocean Cay
One of the biggest highlights of my trip was experiencing where the ship can take you - which, during my time onboard, was MSC Cruises' private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.
This island, which is partially man-made, is just one small part of all the itineraries that MSC World America offers and allows guests to take the time to explore the new Marine Conservation Center, sunbathe, swim in the crystal-clear ocean, and take part in a range of activities, such as wave-running, paddle-boarding and snorkelling.
Oh, and I can't not mention the epic beach party they regularly hold for guests!
Other areas MSC World America covers in its Caribbean itinerary include the Dominican Republic, Costa Maya in Mexico and San Juan in Puerto Rico.
So, did my trip change my mind about cruises?
Absolutely.
One of the biggest misconceptions I had about cruises was that I’d have little freedom to explore; you know, being trapped in a giant floating hotel and all. But this was disproved just minutes after setting foot onboard.
There was never a time when I was bored or struggling to find things to do - whether that was taking some time to read by the pool with a cocktail, conjuring up the courage to go on the Cliffhanger and the waterslides, enjoying one of the many live performance shows, browsing the shops, and even just taking in the views from the outside decks - cruising is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
Especially on a ship as magnificent as MSC World America.
Interested in sailing onboard MSC World America?
Sailing only from her home port in Miami, MSC World America is now doing seven-night and 14-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
With a number of cabins and packages on offer, prices can range from £600pp to over £2,000pp, so if you're a first-time cruiser like me, it's important to do your research and consult a travel advisor to find the best deal.
Or you can visit MSC World America's site for more information here.
Topics: Travel, Cruise, Cruise Ship, Holiday
Emily Puckering