A rare photo opportunity in San Juan brought together two of MSC Cruises’ most impressive vessels, MSC Grandiosa and the brand‑new MSC World America, both alongside the Puerto Rican capital on December 2.
A special day in San Juan
On December 2, San Juan’s busy cruise port briefly became a showcase for MSC’s present and future when the Meraviglia‑Plus class Grandiosa and the futuristic World America met pier‑side. The double call underlined San Juan’s growing role as a marquee Caribbean hub capable of handling the world’s newest, largest cruise ships.
MSC Grandiosa overview
Launched in 2019, MSC Grandiosa marked the debut of the Meraviglia‑Plus class, designed around a glamorous indoor promenade, extensive dining options and family‑focused amenities. The ship carries up to about 6,334 guests served by roughly 1,700 crew members, spread across 19 decks with a length of about 331 meters and a gross tonnage of around 181,000–181,541.
MSC Grandiosa highlights and specs
MSC Grandiosa features a Galleria-style central promenade with an LED dome, multiple pools and aqua park, a large selection of specialty restaurants, and a full range of accommodations from interior cabins to the exclusive MSC Yacht Club suites. Technically, the ship is approximately 331 meters (about 1,087–1,094 feet) long, 43 meters wide, and can reach a maximum speed of about 22–23 knots.
MSC World America overview
MSC World America represents MSC’s new World class tailored more directly to the North American market, combining European style with amenities and layouts aimed at U.S. guests. Entering service in 2025, the ship is scheduled to sail primarily from Miami on week‑long Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries that include calls at Puerto Plata, San Juan and MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay.
MSC World America design and specs
The ship is about 332–333 meters (roughly 1,092–1,093 feet) long with a beam of about 47 meters, a gross tonnage of approximately 215,863 and capacity for around 6,762 guests served by more than 2,100 crew. A distinctive G‑bow profile and Y‑shaped stern open onto the multi‑deck World Promenade and World Galleria, while 22 decks house 19 dining venues, 18 bars and lounges, six pools and 14 hot tubs, plus attractions like a waterpark, ropes course and family adventure zone.
Why this meeting mattered
Seeing Grandiosa and World America together in San Juan offered a visual snapshot of how MSC is scaling up in the Caribbean, from an already large Meraviglia‑Plus ship to an even bigger, more resort‑style World class vessel. For port authorities and local tourism stakeholders, hosting both ships on the same day highlighted the upgraded infrastructure and economic impact of handling more than 13,000 potential cruise guests at once.
Key figures side by side
| Feature | MSC Grandiosa | MSC World America |
|---|---|---|
| Year entering service | 2019 | 2025 |
| Class | Meraviglia‑Plus | World class |
| Gross tonnage | ~181,000–181,541 GT | ~215,863 GT |
| Length | ~331 m / 1,087–1,094 ft | ~332–333 m / 1,092–1,093 ft |
| Beam (width) | ~43 m / 141 ft | ~47 m / 154–155 ft |
| Max guests | ~6,334 guests | ~6,762 guests |
| Staterooms/cabins | ~2,241–2,421 cabins | ~2,614–2,626 cabins |
| Crew | ~1,700–1,704 crew | ~2,138 crew |
| Max speed | ~22–23 knots | ~22.7–23 knots |
| Decks (total) | 19 decks | 22 decks |
| Notable features | LED‑domed Galleria, aqua park, MSC Yacht Club | World Promenade & Galleria, 19 dining venues, 18 bars, family thrill attractions |
