Cruise Outfits & First Impressions: Aboard the MSC World America
Smooth Sailing Starts Here
Cruise Gear, Essentials & Outfits
It’s been a while since my last cruise, New Year’s Eve 2019 into 2020 to be exact, but I recently set sail on MSC’s newest ship, MSC World America, and wow, was it an experience. The ship is brand new, incredibly high-tech, and has that sleek European style and luxury feel throughout. I was invited as part of an exclusive media sailing, where most of the guests on board were creators or worked in media and travel. The goal? To experience and document everything the ship has to offer before it opened to the public, and let me tell you, she made quite the first impression.
We boarded Wednesday morning in Miami and quickly realized this would be no ordinary cruise. Celebs like Drew Barrymore (who was named the ship’s godmother), Orlando Bloom, and Gloria Estefan were on board for the ship’s naming ceremony, which kicked off a string of back-to-back parties that didn’t end until 3 a.m. That night, we sailed just a short distance to Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island in the Bahamas, where we stayed docked for the next day and a half.
I brought my assistant along for a little girls’ trip and to help me document as much as possible, from ship highlights to all the outfits. We had a balcony room with two twin beds and a pull-out sofa, which worked perfectly for the two of us. This was technically a work trip (and a toddler-free one), but there were plenty of babies, toddlers, and kids onboard, and from what I observed, lots for them to do. I can see this being a great cruise, whether you’re traveling with family or going adults-only.
One thing that really stood out was MSC’s commitment to sustainability, both in how they operate the ship and how they care for the people and places they travel to. It’s not something I expected to notice as much as I did, but it left an impression.
Now, full transparency: on our final day at sea, I was reminded that motion sickness and I go way back. So while the ship was smooth overall, it was a bit of a reality check that I need to come more prepared next time. Despite that rocky journey, this trip was so much fun, and it gave me the perfect excuse to fine-tune my cruise packing list, from the essentials I swear by to the outfits that worked for every occasion (and a few things I wish I remembered to pack).
Whether it’s your first cruise or your fifth, I’ve got you covered with my honest thoughts, most-worn outfits, and answers to your most-asked questions. Keep scrolling for everything you need for smooth sailing ahead.
Cruise Travel essentials
What I Brought (and What I’ll never forget)
Let’s talk cruise MVPs, the little things that made this trip run way smoother.
First up: magnetic hooks. Game. Changer. Cruise cabin walls are metal, which means you can instantly add extra spots to hang hats, pajamas, swimsuits, bags, whatever you’d usually fling over a chair (which, spoiler alert, doesn’t exist). I also came prepared with motion sickness wristbands, recommended by my acupuncturist, and thank goodness I did. Things got real on the final sea day, and I was kicking myself for not packing more remedies just in case.
Since there are no irons in the rooms and getting something pressed can take a minute, I brought a travel-size wrinkle release spray. It kept my outfits looking presentable, even after being stuffed in a suitcase. Highly recommend.
Other non-negotiables: Nipple covers, always packed first for warm weather trips. Perfect for swimsuits, sheer tops, and anytime you want coverage without the bulk. A roomy beach bag for hauling sunscreen, books, towels, and everything else you’ll suddenly need the second you step out the door.
A few things I didn’t bring but immediately wished I had:
Cruise luggage tags make getting your bags from port to cabin way easier. We had to cut and tape things at the airport.
Towel bands or chair clips, keeps your towel from blowing away on deck and helps spot your chair from across the pool.
Reef-safe sunscreen, a smart move if you’re heading to the beach and want to be kind to the environment.
And last but not least… Poo~Pourri. Trust me on this one. Close quarters, shared bathrooms, enough said.
Outfit Inspiration
When it came to packing for this cruise, I wanted outfits that worked hard, easy to wear, easy to rewear, and still made me feel like that girl when the wind hit just right. I leaned into flowy pants, breezy midi dresses, and lightweight sets that could go from poolside to dinner with just a change of shoes or earrings.
Fabrics that didn’t wrinkle easily were key (steamers/irons aren’t a thing in the rooms), and I stuck with silhouettes that looked polished but didn’t take up half my suitcase. I also packed a few cover-ups cute enough to double as outfits, which saved me more than once when I didn’t want to fully get dressed. When it doubt, bring this wrinkle releaser!
One note: while short dresses are always tempting, just remember, it gets windy on those upper decks. If you’re not into a surprise Marilyn Monroe moment, maybe opt for something with a little more weight… or at least wear cute underwear. Ask me how I know. You can also purchase these dress weights for extra security! Keep scrolling for everything I wore, linked and ready for your next warm-weather getaway.
You can see more swimsuit inspiration here and cruise outfit inspiration here.
Travel Outfit Inspo + similar styles
POOL & BEACH OUTFIT INSPO + similar styles
LUNCH & DINNER OUTFIT INSPO + similar styles
FAQs: What You Asked,
Answered Honestly
Was it family-friendly? Would you bring Conrad next time?
Totally. While I didn’t bring Conrad on this trip (it was a work trip and much easier to focus without chasing a toddler), I saw plenty of babies, toddlers, and kids of all ages. There’s a kids’ club, splash zones, and family-friendly dining options, plus a ton of space to roam. That said, traveling without a child has its perks too. I think you could go either way and still have a great time, it just depends on your trip goals.
Did you feel the ship rocking? Was it smooth sailing?
Funny enough, the ship was only actually moving for about six hours total, the rest of the time, we were docked at Ocean Cay. That said, I still felt the motion, especially on the final night while we were at sea. If you’re sensitive like me, it might take a little getting used to, but I did adjust after a bit. I wore motion sickness wristbands, and they helped a ton. Just pack something just in case, better to have it than wish you did.
How was the food? And are the drinks included?
We were on a media trip, so we had access to unlimited food and drink throughout the trip, which means I can’t speak firsthand to the different dining or drink packages available to regular guests. That said, the food was solid across the board. We only got to try one specialty restaurant, but most of our meals were at the buffet or main dining areas. The service was warm and friendly, and while some things took a little longer (totally expected on a brand-new ship), the vibe was great overall.
Would you go on another MSC cruise?
Yes, with the right mindset and packing list. The ship itself was beautiful and super modern with advanced technology. If you’re expecting a super Americanized cruise vibe, this one feels a little more European (in a good way) but has more modest interiors. Just don’t forget the wrinkle spray and motion sickness meds!
Thanks for reading!
Final Thoughts:
Overall, this trip was such a unique experience. It felt equal parts luxurious, high-energy, and refreshingly different from any other cruise I’ve done before. Between the ship’s sleek design, the private island vibes, and the opportunity to fine-tune my travel essentials and outfits, I left feeling inspired, and honestly, ready to cruise again (with a few extra remedies and towel clips in tow).
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned pro, MSC World America has a little something for everyone. I hope this post gives you some outfit inspo, helpful tips, and answers to those questions you’ve been wondering about. If you’re planning a cruise, or just dreaming about one, feel free to drop any more questions in the comments or shoot me a DM. Happy to help!
Was this helpful? Were you inspired to start planning (and packing) for your next cruise? I hope this post gave you a solid mix of practical essentials and outfit ideas to make your trip feel a little more seamless and a lot more stylish. Whether you’re setting sail for the first time or dusting off your cruise wardrobe after a few years, like me, having the right pieces makes all the difference. Bon voyage, and don’t forget your motion sickness bands!
xx CMK