MSC World America vs. Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean - Which is Best for Florida Cruises?

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CruiseFanatic77

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Alright, I’m planning my next cruise out of Miami in 2025 and eyeing MSC World America since it’s new and shiny. I’ve done Carnival (Mardi Gras, Celebration) and Royal Caribbean (Oasis, Icon) a ton, so I’m curious how MSC stacks up. World America’s fares are dirt cheap. Saw a 7 night Caribbean for $550 per person, way less than Icon’s $1200+! But I’m worried about food and service, heard MSC can be hit or miss. Anyone sailed World America yet? How’s it compare to Carnival’s fun vibe or Royal’s megaship craziness? Ports seem similar (Cozumel, Ocean Cay), but is MSC’s private island worth it? Spill the tea!
 
CruiseFanatic77 said:
Alright, I’m planning my next cruise out of Miami in 2025 and eyeing MSC World America since it’s new and shiny. I’ve done Carnival (Mardi Gras, Celebration) and Royal Caribbean (Oasis, Icon) a ton, so I’m curious how MSC stacks up. World America’s fares are dirt cheap. Saw a 7 night Caribbean for $550 per person, way less than Icon’s $1200+! But I’m worried about food and service, heard MSC can be hit or miss. Anyone sailed World America yet? How’s it compare to Carnival’s fun vibe or Royal’s megaship craziness? Ports seem similar (Cozumel, Ocean Cay), but is MSC’s private island worth it? Spill the tea!
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I’ve done MSC Seascape and a bunch of Carnival and Royal ships out of Miami, so I can weigh in. MSC World America looks like a step up from Seascape - newer, bigger, with that Eataly restaurant and a crazy dry slide. I liked MSC’s ships for the fancy vibe, like those crystal staircases, but the free food is meh. Pizza is amazing, legit the best I’ve had at sea, but the buffet gets old fast - same pasta and salads every day. Carnival’s free food is way better, with Guy’s Burgers and Blue Iguana tacos included. Royal’s Windjammer has more variety too. MSC’s specialty dining, like Butcher’s Cut, was awesome for $40, but you’re paying extra to get good meals. Service on MSC was slower than Carnival or Royal, felt like they were understaffed. Ocean Cay is chill, great beaches and a cool lighthouse show, but Royal’s CocoCay has more action with slides and zip lines. If you want cheap and classy, MSC’s fine, but Carnival’s more fun for less hassle.
 
This is my first cruise ever, booked World America out of Miami because the price was unbeatable. $600 per person for a balcony! Kids sail free too, which sealed it for us (got two kids under 12). I’m nervous about the food after reading reviews. Is the buffet really that bad? I don’t want to spend a ton on specialty restaurants, but I saw they have a taco place for $20 all you can eat. Worth it? Also, how’s Ocean Cay for kids compared to RC’s CocoCay? I looked at Icon of the Seas, but it was like $2000 per person, no way we can swing that. Any tips for newbies on MSC?
 
First Time Floater said:
This is my first cruise ever, booked World America out of Miami because the price was unbeatable. $600 per person for a balcony! Kids sail free too, which sealed it for us (got two kids under 12). I’m nervous about the food after reading reviews. Is the buffet really that bad? I don’t want to spend a ton on specialty restaurants, but I saw they have a taco place for $20 all you can eat. Worth it? Also, how’s Ocean Cay for kids compared to RC’s CocoCay? I looked at Icon of the Seas, but it was like $2000 per person, no way we can swing that. Any tips for newbies on MSC?
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Welcome to the world of cruiseing! MSC World America’s a solid pick for the price. I’ve sailed all the big lines out of Miami and Port Canaveral, and MSC’s the cheapest by far. The buffet’s not awful, but it’s crowded at breakfast and lunch, and the selection’s limited compared to Carnival or Royal. Stick to the pizza and made to order stations, and you’ll be fine. The main dining room is okay - pasta and seafood are good, but don’t expect Carnival’s fun vibe or Royal’s polish. Hola! Tacos is a steal at $20, my family loved it on Seascape, super authentic tacos and margaritas. Ocean Cay is great for kids - lots of shallow beaches and a splash area, but CocoCay’s got bigger slides and a waterpark vibe. MSC’s kids’ clubs are awesome, my 8yo loved the LEGO stuff. Tip: Book specialty dining early, it fills up. Also, MSC’s service can be slow, so be patient. Carnival’s more American and lively, Royal’s got the wow factor, but MSC’s value is hard to beat for a first cruise.
 
I’ve only done Carnival (Vista) and Royal (Allure) out of Port Canaveral, so I’m curious about MSC World America. The price is tempting, but I’m worried it’ll feel too fancy or foreign. Carnival’s vibe was super fun. Deck parties, comedy shows, and free burgers all day. Royal’s shows were next-level, like Broadway stuff. Does MSC have that kind of energy? I heard the food’s super Italian, which I’m not big on. Though I'd be willing to try Eately because I keep hearing about it. Also, how’s the entertainment? I don’t want to be bored on sea days. Ocean Cay sounds cool, but is it as fun as CocoCay?
 
VacationVibes22 said:
I’ve only done Carnival (Vista) and Royal (Allure) out of Port Canaveral, so I’m curious about MSC World America. The price is tempting, but I’m worried it’ll feel too fancy or foreign. Carnival’s vibe was super fun. Deck parties, comedy shows, and free burgers all day. Royal’s shows were next-level, like Broadway stuff. Does MSC have that kind of energy? I heard the food’s super Italian, which I’m not big on. Though I'd be willing to try Eately because I keep hearing about it. Also, how’s the entertainment? I don’t want to be bored on sea days. Ocean Cay sounds cool, but is it as fun as CocoCay?
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I’ve sailed MSC a bunch, including Seashore, and I’m booked on World America next summer. MSC’s vibe is different. Less “party all the time” like Carnival, more elegant with a European feel. Think glitzy atriums and chill live music. The entertainments solid but not as high energy as Royal Caribbean’s Broadway shows or Carnival’s deck parties. World America’s got Cirque du Soleil-style shows and a cool LED ceiling in the Galleria, which my teens loved on World Europa. Sea days aren’t boring. There’s a waterpark, ropes course, and that Cliffhanger ride, but it’s not as packed with thrills as Icon of the Seas. Food-wise, yeah, it’s Italian heavy in the main dining room, which I love (fresh pasta!), but Americans sometimes find it bland. The buffets okay, pizza’s unreal, but Carnival’s got more free options like tacos and BBQ. Specialty restaurants are where MSC shines. Hola Tacos and Butcher’s Cut are way cheaper than the steakhouses on RC like 150 Central Park and Chops. Ocean Cay’s more relaxed than CocoCay, great for beach time but fewer activities. If you want fun and cheap, stick with Carnival; MSC’s better for a classy vibe on a budget.
 
I’m torn between MSC World America and Carnival Celebration for a June 2025 cruise from Miami. Budget’s a big deal, so MSC’s $500pp is tempting vs. Carnival’s $800pp. I’m worried about MSC’s food after reading this thread. Sounds like the free stuff isn’t too great. Carnival’s got all those free restaurants like Guy’s Burgers, which I love. But MSC’s ship looks so cool with that slide and LEGO kids’ club. My 6yo and 10yo are picky eaters, so I need decent kid friendly food. Also, is MSC’s service really that bad? I don’t want to feel ignored. Any advice?
 
NewbieSailor2025 said:
I’m torn between MSC World America and Carnival Celebration for a June 2025 cruise from Miami. Budget’s a big deal, so MSC’s $500pp is tempting vs. Carnival’s $800pp. I’m worried about MSC’s food after reading this thread. Sounds like the free stuff isn’t too great. Carnival’s got all those free restaurants like Guy’s Burgers, which I love. But MSC’s ship looks so cool with that slide and LEGO kids’ club. My 6yo and 10yo are picky eaters, so I need decent kid friendly food. Also, is MSC’s service really that bad? I don’t want to feel ignored. Any advice?
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I hear ya on the budget! MSC World America’s price is hard to beat, and the ship is brand-new, so it’s got that wow factor. Think waterpark, cool slides, and a fancy promenade. For picky eaters, the buffet has kid friendly stuff like pizza, burgers, and chicken nuggets, but it’s not as varied as Carnival’s. Carnival Celebration’s got Guy’s Burgers, Blue Iguana tacos, and a huge buffet, so your kids will probably find more they like for free. MSC’s pizza is awesome, though. My kids lived on it. It's actual, real, regular sliced pizza. You don't find that often on cruise ships. The main dining room has a kids’ menu (nuggets, pasta), but it’s basic.

If you splurge, Hola Tacos is great for kids, cheap at $20 for unlimited. Service on MSC can be spotty. Slower than Carnival, especially in the buffet. But it gets better as the cruise goes on. Carnival’s crew is more outgoing and feels more Americanized, if that makes sense. MSC’s kids club is fantastic, LEGO activities kept my 7 year old happy for hours. For your first cruise, Carnival’s easier with more free food and a fun vibe, but MSC’s cheaper and still great for kids if you’re okay with some paid dining...
 
I did MSC Seashore last year and loved the price, but the food was a letdown. The buffet was packed, and the main dining room felt like a budget Italian restaurant. The pasta was good but everything else was kinda bland or overcooked. I think they're low of staff... Hola Tacos was a game-changer though. $20 for all unlimited tacos and guac was amazing. Compared to the Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas, MSC’s free food really doesn’t come close IMHO. Windjammer had way more options. Carnival’s food was better too - especially the free tacos and pizza. World America sounds like it has more specialty restaurants, which is great, but I’m not sure I’d trust the free stuff. Ocean Cay was gorgeous! Way more chill than CocoCay. But my teens wanted more activities like Royal Caribbean’s water park. If you’re on a budget, MSC’s a good choice, but I’d pick Carnival for food and fun or Royal Caribbean for the whole package if you can afford it.
 
Thanks, everyone! Sounds like MSCs a good deal, but I’ll need to budget for a few specialty restaurants to keep everyone happy. Hola Tacos sounds like a must-do. For Ocean Cay, are there enough kid activities? Also, is the kids club free on MSC? Carnival’s looks fun but I’m worried about the party vibe being too much for my 5 year old.
 
First Time Floater said:
Thanks, everyone! Sounds like MSCs a good deal, but I’ll need to budget for a few specialty restaurants to keep everyone happy. Hola Tacos sounds like a must-do. For Ocean Cay, are there enough kid activities? Also, is the kids club free on MSC? Carnival’s looks fun but I’m worried about the party vibe being too much for my 5 year old.
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Ocean Cay’s great for kids. There’s a lagoon with shallow water, a splash pad, and watersports like kayaking, though some cost extra. It’s not as action-packed as CocoCay’s slides and zip lines, but it’s perfect for a relaxed beach day. My kids (6 & 9) loved building sandcastles and the ice cream stand. MSC’s kids club is free during the day (Doremiland 0–17), and the LEGO and Chicco stuff is a hit for younger kids. They do charge for late night babysitting, like Carnival’s Night Owls (about $7/hour). Carnival’s vibe is definitely rowdier. Think loud pool parties, alcohol, but the kids’ areas are chill and supervised. MSC feels calmer overall, which might suit your 5yo better. For food, stick to pizza in the buffet and maybe one night at Hola or Eataly. Get the dining package if you can, it’s like $80 for 3 restaurants. Saves a ton.
 
I’ll jump in on the ports since I’ve done all these out of Miami. MSC World America’s itineraries are solid. Puerto Plata and San Juan for Eastern Caribbean, Cozumel and Roatan for Western Caribbean, plus Ocean Cay. Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas visits similar ports but swaps Puerto Plata for St. Thomas or Labadee, and CocoCay’s more fun. Carnival’s ports are almost identical (Cozumel, Grand Cayman), but their private island, Half Moon Cay, is similar to Ocean Cay. Beachy but less flashy than CocoCay. MSC’s edge is Ocean Cay’s late-night stays with cool light shows. Food-wise, I agree with everyone: MSC’s free dining is okay but kinda limited. Pizza’s a lifesaver, but Carnival’s free options blow it away. Icon of the Seas has the most free restaurants, like that AquaDome food hall. MSC’s specialty dining is cheaper, though. Butcher’s Cut steak was $40 vs. Royal’s Chops Grille at $60. Entertainment on MSC is more artsy like acrobatic shows - but Royal’s got Broadway stuff and Carnival’s got that fun party vibe (maybe too much for some). For me, MSC’s best for budget, Carnival’s best for fun, Royal’s best for wow factor.
 
Thanks for the breakdown! I’m leaning toward Carnival Celebration now. Those free burgers and tacos sound perfect, and I love the party vibe. MSC World America’s tempting for the price, but I don’t want to deal with bland food or slow service. Has anyone done the Yacht Club on MSC? I heard it’s like a whole different cruise, but is it worth the extra cost?
 
VacationVibes22 said:
Thanks for the breakdown! I’m leaning toward Carnival Celebration now. Those free burgers and tacos sound perfect, and I love the party vibe. MSC World America’s tempting for the price, but I don’t want to deal with bland food or slow service. Has anyone done the Yacht Club on MSC? I heard it’s like a whole different cruise, but is it worth the extra cost?
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I did MSC Yacht Club on Seashore, and it’s a game-changer! It’s like a private ship. Own pool, lounge, restaurant, and butler service. Food in the Yacht Club restaurant was way better than the main dining room, like upscale Italian and steaks, and drinks are included. I paid around $1500 per person for a 7 night, which is steep but cheaper than Royal Caribbean’s suites. Compared to Carnival, it’s night and day luxury, but you miss the fun vibe. World America’s Yacht Club is supposed to be even bigger, with a huge private deck. If you want fancy on a budget, it’s worth it, but Carnival’s more bang for your buck if you’re okay with the party crowd. Oh, and MSC’s wifi was decent. Better than Carnival’s, but Royal’s new Starlink is the fastest I've experienced.
 
This is all so helpful! Great discussion. I think I’ll stick with MSC World America for the price and try Hola Tacos one night. The kids club and Ocean Cay sound great for my kids. Carnival sounds fun, but I’m worried it’ll be too loud for us. Any last tips for first-timers on MSC?
 
NewbieSailor2025 said:
This is all so helpful! Great discussion. I think I’ll stick with MSC World America for the price and try Hola Tacos one night. The kids club and Ocean Cay sound great for my kids. Carnival sounds fun, but I’m worried it’ll be too loud for us. Any last tips for first-timers on MSC?
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You’ll have a blast on World America! Tips: Book specialty dining and shows early via the MSC app, they fill up fast. Stick to pizza and pasta in the buffet to avoid disappointment, and try the MDR (main dining room) for breakfast. It’s quieter. Bring some cash for tips if you feel the crew goes above and beyond (gratuities are auto-added at about $16 per day). Ocean Cay is great. Get to the beach early for a good spot. MSC is less “American” than Carnival or Royal, so expect a mix of languages and a fancier vibe. Have fun and let us know how it goes!
 
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