Cruising in Style: Our Family Adventure on MSC World America

The Travel Diaries is a series of inspirational blogs written by Avoya travelers and Independent Agents in the Avoya Network, sharing their expert tips and real-life experiences in the world of travel.

This blog was written by Jessica Brodrick, owner of Sea & Dream Vacations, an Independent Agency in the Avoya Travel Network.

There’s something magical about waking up to a new view every morning. The soft splash of waves outside your balcony, the promise of new adventures waiting at the port, and that first sip of coffee as the sun peeks over the horizon all come together to create the magic of cruising. Our recent journey aboard MSC World America delivered all that and more.

This wasn’t just any vacation. It was a full-blown adventure with our family of four: me, my husband, our 12-year-old son, and his best friend. If you’ve ever wondered whether cruising with tweens a good idea is, let me put your mind at ease. It’s more than good. It’s golden.

Our itinerary took us through some amazing destinations, each one bringing its own flavor of adventure:

Costa Maya, Mexico: We booked a relaxing beach break here. The boys snorkeled while we enjoyed local tacos and a margarita (or two). The turquoise waters and laid-back vibe made this one of our favorite stops.

Roatán, Honduras: A hidden gem. We did an animal encounter and beach excursion. Sloths, monkeys, and parrots made the kids feel like they were in heaven. Afterward, we spent time on a quiet beach, watching pelicans dive while the boys played in the surf.

Cozumel, Mexico: This stop was a standout for sheer fun. We opted for a Lucha Libre show, and it was everything we hoped for: colorful, dramatic, and wildly entertaining. The kids were completely enthralled, and the atmosphere was electric. Afterward, we dug into incredible tacos and sipped margaritas in a casual open-air cantina that felt straight out of a movie set.

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (Bahamas): This was our final port, and what a way to end the trip. MSC’s private island is a slice of paradise. The boys spent the day exploring the powdery white sand beaches and shallow turquoise water, while I treated myself to a beachside mass

One of the standout features of cruising with MSC is the wide range of onboard activities. My husband and I never worried about entertaining the boys because they were too busy living their best lives.

• The Sportplex was a huge hit. It’s basically tween heaven: basketball, bumper cars, and games galore. The boys probably logged 10,000 steps a day just running around this area. 

• The VR and arcade zone was another favorite. Between Formula 1 racing simulators and interactive games, they were occupied for hours.

• For my husband and me, the spa and thermal suite were the perfect escape. I squeezed in a hot stone massage and several steamy sessions in the salt room. I highly recommend. 

The Speakeasy: A Hidden Gem on Board

Tucked away behind what looks like a nondescript door on one of the upper decks, the Speakeasy is one of MSC’s best-kept secrets and my personal favorite discovery of the cruise.

It’s intimate, elegant, and full of character. You enter via a password, which adds to the charm, and step into a swanky, low-lit lounge that transports you straight back to the roaring ‘20s.

Craft cocktails, live jazz, velvet chairs, and a no-phone policy created a vibe unlike anything else on board. My husband and I spent two evenings there after the kids were checked into their evening programming. It was our grown-up escape, and the bartenders were absolute artists.

MSC offers a mix of main dining rooms, buffets, and specialty restaurants. We dined at Butcher’s Cut one night (incredible steaks) and tried Hola! Tacos & Cantina for lunch one afternoon, which was fun and flavorful.

The buffet was perfect for quick breakfasts and lunches, and the main dining room service was consistently impressive. The boys loved having their own menu each night, and the waiters quickly learned about their favorite drinks and desserts.

Pro tip: Book specialty dining in advance. They fill up quickly, and the value in the package is worth it.