MSC Cruises just made a big splash in the North American market when it launched its largest-ever ship, MSC World America, sailing from Miami.
To gain further insight into the new ship’s significance in the market, we chatted with the line’s newly appointed senior vice president of trade sales in the U.S., Erin Douglas, who previously served as vice president of strategic partnerships.
Douglas now leads the brand’s trade sales and relations programs, reporting directly to Suzanne Salas, executive vice president of marketing, ecommerce and sales for MSC Cruises USA.
What does MSC World America bring to the cruise market?
MSC World America is ushering in a new world of cruising for our North American guests to enjoy. As the first World Class ship to sail in the U.S., [the vessel will offer] groundbreaking entertainment options like “Dirty Dancing in Concert,” the thrilling new Cliffhanger ride, new bar and restaurant concepts including the only Eataly at sea and seven distinct districts — all tailored to the American market.
The ship’s seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries are designed to maximize time available for guests to explore various ports of call, and all include a stop at MSC Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
What kind of opportunities does the new ship represent for travel advisors specifically?
As our travel partners know, the cruise industry is evolving to meet the growing demand for immersive, value-based and enriching travel experiences. As guests seek more high-quality and diverse options, MSC Cruises is responding with next-generation ships such as MSC World America — designed to set a new standard for modern cruising.
With cutting-edge design, superior comfort and sustainability initiatives, this new ship will provide travel advisors with an exciting and unique product to offer guests. MSC World America expands our travel partners’ offerings with new itinerary options and enhanced onboard experiences.
How does the new ship fit in with other MSC classes operating in North America, especially with seven vessels scheduled?
MSC World America is the perfect addition to our fleet of ships operating in North America. Having a World Class ship join our Seaside and Meraviglia Class ships currently sailing in the region broadens our guest’s options and offers the perfect vacation for every type of traveler, while continuing to provide our signature blend of European style and American comfort our guests know and love.
MSC World America is now sailing from Miami.
Credit: 2025 MSC CruisesWe are thrilled to welcome MSC World America to Miami and continue our commitment to the North American market by providing guests with our most innovative ships.
How should agents best differentiate between each MSC class, from Seaside to World?
Each class of ships offers its own unique experience. The Seaside Class, launched in 2017, is known for a design that brings guests closer to the sea, with ample outdoor spaces along with endless fun onboard.
Our Meraviglia Class, also launched in 2017, is known for its stunning array of indoor features, including a large indoor promenade and an indoor pool, perfect for cooler weather.
The World Class of ships, launched in 2022 with MSC World Europa, introduces a whole new world of cruising to MSC Cruises guests, as the largest class of ships yet, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and featuring a distinctive silhouette with a plumb bow, a Y-shaped aft and a signature 11-deck dry slide.
What can you tell us about upcoming West Coast cruises to Alaska and beyond?
We are thrilled to add Seattle to our U.S. homeports starting May 2026, making it our fifth in the nation. MSC Poesia will offer seven-night cruises to Alaska and Canada with calls in Icy Straight Point, Juneau, Ketchikan, Tracy Arm and Victoria, British Columbia. Guests based on the West Coast will also be able to enjoy MSC Poesia’s repositioning cruises between Seattle and Miami, which will allow for highly coveted sailings through the Panama Canal.
In addition, MSC Seascape will begin sailing out of Galveston, Texas, starting Nov. 9, offering seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries year-round. This is another key opportunity for guests to discover MSC Cruises as we expand beyond East Coast homeports to make our unique European style and beautiful ships more readily available to those living in the central and western regions of the country.
