TALL ABOARD

ON A NEW 22-DECK BEAUTIFUL BEAST OF A SHIP, JENNY GREEN VISITS AN ECOLOGIAL TREASURE ISLAND

- BY VICKY LISSAMAN

SOME may say size doesn’t matter, but when MSC Cruises decided to build a new flagship vessel for the American market, they really were thinking big.

As a result, MSC World America is a whopper. With more than 2,600 cabins, 22 decks, 19 places to eat, 18 bars and lounges and six pools, the ship - which launched out of the brand new PortMiami terminal earlier last month - has something for everyone, whether you want to party the night away, enjoy rides and waterparks with your kids or relax and be pampered. It’s not the biggest cruise ship in the world but it’s not far off, having the capacity to accommodate more than 6,700 guests. And at its recent launch, the ship's godmother - Hollywood actress Drew Barrymore - gushed how it was “so cool” to become part of the MSC family.

The line’s Swiss-Italian owners say the focus for their latest ship is on “American comfort and European style”, so alongside elegant continental design (think glass, marble and giant chandeliers) guests can expect sports bars, comedy shows, adrenaline-fuelled rides and an altogether bigger and better experience.

The attractions are spread across seven innovative “districts” that all have their own vibe, some geared towards couples, others ideal for families, while some require key-card access.

Thrillseekers should make a bee line for outdoor adventure park The Harbour. If you've got a head for heights, try the Cliffhanger - the only over-water swing ride at sea, towering 164ft above the ocean - or Jaw Drop @ The Spiral, a giant shark slide that whisks you down 11 decks to the shops and restaurants of the World Promenade.

The Harbour is also where you'll find the Aquapark, MSC Formula Racer simulators and Sportplex, complete with basketball courts, bumper cars and roller-skating rinks.