Heidi BucoloWe were among the first guests to board MSC World America in Miami for a 3-day preview cruise to experience everything this newest ship in the MSC Cruises’ fleet has to offer. During this sailing, we were hosted in an MSC World America Deluxe Balcony cabin. Now, we’re sharing our review of this stateroom and how it compares to the other options available to help you make the right choice for your cruise vacation.
Our MSC World America Deluxe Balcony Cabin Review
Since this was an exclusive cruise for just media and travel agents, we were not able to choose our stateroom for this trip. We were assigned to cabin 9222, a Deluxe Balcony Cabin on the starboard side of Deck 9. Reviewing the deck plans, this balcony room is located just aft of the second bank of elevators.
This location meant we were just one deck away from our favorite area on the ship, the World Promenade, and a quick elevator ride up to the pool deck and neighboring activities.
According to MSC Cruises’ website, this MSC World America Deluxe Balcony room measures approximately 183 square feet with a 32 square foot balcony.
At first glance, the layout, decor, and furnishings of this stateroom were almost identical to the one we stayed in on World Europa last year. While the square footage is relatively on par with other contemporary cruise lines, the cabin did feel a little tight and the balcony seemed small.
Layout of an MSC World America Deluxe Balcony Cabin
Much like our previous stateroom, the color palette in this cabin is rather subdued, with light wood and lots of brown. The only real color in the cabin was provided by the artwork above the couch, depicting Santorini. Yes, despite being the Seattle deck, there was no reference to Seattle.
The decor and furnishings in this cabin were rather basic and bland, which could be considered either more elegant or boring when compared to the bolder colors featured on competitor cruise lines. That’s for you to decide.
Upon entering our stateroom, the bathroom was on the right. Following the bathroom, there was the closet tucked around the corner near the sitting area. The desk was across from the couch, and the bed was closer to the balcony facing forward.
Inside Our MSC World America Deluxe Balcony Cabin
Bathroom
The bathroom in our MSC World America Deluxe Balcony Cabin was a standard size and had a relatively typical layout. While cruise ship bathrooms are small in general, there is adequate counter space along with two shelves for storage. The glass-doored shower is also a pretty typical size, but it did make the bathroom feel more modern.
Additionally, the bathroom features hand soap, which is always a bonus for us, along with shampoo and body wash dispensers in the shower. The shower also has a small shelf for storage and a shave bar.
Closet
One side of the closet has five shelves and two drawers, and the other side has a clothes bar with hangers. While the shelves and drawers combo was adequate to stow away packing cubes, shoes, and the like, we do think it would be difficult to hang a week’s-worth of clothing for the two of us on the other side.
Beyond the closet, there are three hooks near the entrance for hanging items like bags or coats. Of course, we always bring magnetic hooks too which helps to provide additional storage options.
Main Cabin Area
When it comes to the seating area, the pullout sofa is certainly large enough for two adults to sit comfortably; however, it did feel needlessly bulky. While there is no dedicated coffee table, there is a small table strategically stacked between the desk and stool.
The desk is adequately-sized with two overhead shelves and two additional drawers. The third drawer actually houses the safe. The mini-fridge is located here as well, along with two lower corner shelves near the television. In terms of outlets, there are two U.S. outlets, 2 USB outlets, and 2 European outlets at the desk.
Of note, there is no desk chair, only a stool. This suffices for getting ready each day but would be difficult if you are trying to get any work done while on the trip.
Finally, the comfortable king bed is closest to the balcony, which is our preferred orientation. Across from the bed is a large mirror with the television off to the side on the wall near the desk. The bed has a small nightstand on each side, along with one USB outlet (in the light fixture) for charging devices at night.
Balcony
The balcony in this World America stateroom is quite small, with barely enough space for the two upright chairs and small table. Though, we had such a busy three days onboard this newest ship sailing Miami that we really didn’t use the balcony at all. Still, we always like having our own private outdoor space while cruising. Whether it’s to enjoy a morning coffee, to relax in the afternoon, or to watch the sail into or out of port, we think a balcony cabin is worth the premium.
Recap of Our MSC World America Deluxe Balcony Cabin
This MSC World America Deluxe Balcony Cabin was a good mix of size and value, while offering direct access to ocean views. The accommodations were comfortable, and the cabin layout was familar. With so much to see and do on the ship, our stateroom was a functional space to call home during this preview cruise.
While we would have appreciated a bit more storage and a larger balcony, MSC cruises are typically cheaper than most competitor cruise lines. So, if you are looking to cruise in a balcony room at an affordable price point, this MSC World America Deluxe Balcony Cabin is a great option.
Comparing the MSC World America Deluxe Balcony Cabin to Other Options
MSC World America offers a lot of room types. Besides balcony cabins, the ship features a variety of other staterooms from interior and oceanview cabins all the way up to luxurious suites in MSC’s Yacht Club.
But what’s the differences between them all? Here’s a quick breakdown.
MSC Yacht Club
If you’re looking to stay in MSC Yacht Club, the line’s ship-within-a-ship experience, your room options are:
- MSC YACHT CLUB OWNER’S SUITE WITH WHIRLPOOL BATH
- MSC YACHT CLUB ROYAL SUITE WITH WHIRLPOOL BATH
- MSC YACHT CLUB DUPLEX SUITE WITH WHIRLPOOL BATH
- MSC YACHT CLUB DUPLEX SUITE
- MSC YACHT CLUB DELUXE SUITE
- MSC YACHT CLUB INTERIOR SUITE
These cabins range in size from over 1,100 square feet to 161 square feet. Though, regardless of which cabin you choose, all have access to the exclusive Yacht Club spaces. These guests have a dedicated lounge, restaurant, and sundeck with a pool and grill. In addition to these perks, the MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite is sizably bigger than our Deluxe Balcony cabin at 269 square feet (vs. 183 square feet).
Aurea Cabins
If you don’t want to splurge on the Yacht Club, another option is to book into the Aurea Experience. These guests also get some perks like My Choice Dining, perferred cabin locations, an exclusive sundeck (Top 20 Solarium), and access to the thermal suite, among other benefits.
Your Aurea cabin options are:
- GRAND SUITE AUREA WITH TERRACE AND WHIRLPOOL
- GRAND SUITE AUREA WITH TERRACE
- GRAND SUITE AUREA
- PREMIUM SUITE AUREA
- JUNIOR SUITE AUREA
- PREMIUM SUITE AUREA WITH PROMENADE & OCEAN VIEW
- JUNIOR SUITE AUREA WITH PROMENADE & OCEAN VIEW
- PREMIUM BALCONY AUREA
- DELUXE BALCONY AUREA
- INFINITE OCEAN VIEW AUREA DECK 12-14
When reviewing the two Aurea balcony options, both are the same size as our Deluxe Balcony cabin, just with prime locations (think more midship). However, the Premium option does have an extra large balcony that is 140 – 183 square feet!
Balcony Cabins
Outside of the Aurea Experience, the other MSC World America balcony categorizations are as follows:
- DELUXE BALCONY (WITH OCEAN VIEW)
- DELUXE BALCONY WITH PARTIAL VIEW
- DELUXE BALCONY WITH PROMENADE & OCEAN VIEW
- DELUXE BALCONY WITH PROMENADE VIEW
The biggest difference among these cabins is the view. The Promenade View cabins are inward facing overlooking the World Promenade district (in contrast to ours which had an ocean view). These Promenade View cabins are slightly smaller at 172 square feet but have a slightly larger balcony.
Additional Cabin Options
If you’re looking for more affordable staterooms on MSC World America, your options include:
- INFINITE OCEAN VIEW (215 square feet)
- DELUXE OCEAN VIEW (161 – 172 square feet)
- STUDIO OCEAN VIEW (129 square feet)
- DELUXE INTERIOR (161 square feet)
- STUDIO INTERIOR (108 square feet)
The Infinite Ocean View category is a unique hybrid option which features a window that opens allowing for access to fresh air. These cabins also have more interior space at 215 square feet. If you are a solo traveler, you also have two options to forego a single supplement– a Studio Ocean View or Studio Interior.
If you are considering a cruise on MSC World America, we suggest you review the deck plans and list of accommodations on the cruise line’s website carefully. Or, our trusted travel partner would be happy to help you find the perfect room type and location.
Comments
Have you sailed in an MSC World America Deluxe Balcony Cabin? What is your preferred stateroom category when you cruise? Drop us an anchor below with your MSC Cruises room reviews.
