Our First Sea Day on MSC World America… It Was PACKED 😳#msccruises #cruise #cruiselife #travelvlog

We spent our first full day at sea exploring the World America from top to bottom. The ship was packed with people enjoying the warm weather and ocean breeze. We started at the Aurea deck, which requires a key card to access, and noticed it was almost as crowded as the regular pool areas below.

Throughout the day we discovered different spots on the ship. We checked out the Botanic pool area with its retractable roof, visited the Zen 18 and over pool deck at the back of the ship, and found some quieter areas like the Promenade deck outside the Elixir bar. We also saw entertainment options like bumper cars, Connect Four, and cornhole. As the day went on, we watched a beautiful sunset from our balcony before heading to dinner at the Aria dining room.

Key Takeaways

• The ship was very busy on the first sea day with crowded pool decks and limited seating in most areas.
• We found several relaxing spots including the adults-only Zen deck and the shaded Promenade deck with ocean views.
• Our cabin steward left a special heart decoration on our bed and we enjoyed watching the sunset from our balcony.

Our Initial Day at Sea

The General Feel

The ship was packed on our first sea day. We were up on the Aurea deck, which has keycard access. Even this area was quite full. The Yacht Club above us wasn’t as crowded. We heard that many Yacht Club guests come down to the Aurea deck because there’s a bar and large Jacuzzis on either side.

It was warm with a nice breeze. Everyone was out enjoying the sun. The retractable roof was open on the Botanic pool.

How Busy the Ship Was

It was a crowded day everywhere we went. We saw the small cabanas available to rent for about $65 for half a day or $100 for a full day. Nobody was renting them that day.

Botanic Pool Area at 2:15 PM:

• Still had some seating available
• Definitely busy overall
• Many people had claimed spots early
• Much busier on the main pool deck beyond the windows
• No breeze inside even with the roof open
• Considerably hotter inside than outside

The back deck at the Zen 18 and over pool area was a little more subdued but still packed. We saw people playing cornhole and giant Connect Four down below. The outdoor buffet eating area was also full.

We found the bumper car track inside with nobody using it at the time. It looked like it could be used for basketball and other activities too.

Later in the day, things cleared out quite a bit. By evening, the deck areas were much less crowded. People were watching a big game on the screens.

The Day’s Conditions

The weather was gorgeous. It was breezy and not too hot in the evening. We found that the upper decks were packed and very hot because of the sun. The Promenade deck outside the Elixir bar was nice and shady, which made it much more comfortable.

We ordered drinks and relaxed in the shade while couples yoga was happening nearby. The location was perfect with good views.

By sunset, the breeze picked up and it wasn’t hot anymore. We spotted a Carnival ship in the distance. The views from our balcony were beautiful, which is exactly why we like having a balcony. We could come out in the morning and see flying fish without getting ready first.

Pool and Sun Deck Areas

Special Access Deck Features

The special access deck requires a key card to enter. You use a small card reader at the entrance to get in.

This area gets pretty crowded on sea days. A lot of Yacht Club guests actually come down to this deck instead of staying in their exclusive area.

Why people come here:

• There’s a bar on this deck
• Big Jacuzzis sit on either side
• More amenities than higher decks

Even though this is a premium area, it still fills up when everyone’s at sea.

Yacht Club Guest Areas

The Yacht Club area sits above the special access deck. It’s not nearly as packed as the lower decks.

Yacht Club guests can use their own exclusive spaces. But many of them choose to come down to the deck below. They want access to the bar and the large hot tubs.

The Yacht Club stays quieter because guests spread out to other areas of the ship.

Renting Private Spaces and Finding Seats

Small cabanas are available to rent on the pool decks. The pricing works like this:

Rental Time	Cost
Half day	$65
Full day	$100

Nobody was renting them on our sea day. We still found open seats around 2:15 in the afternoon even though it was busy.

Some people camp out at their spots all day. The regular pool deck beyond the windows gets very busy. Way more crowded than the covered pool area.

Sun lounges fill up throughout the day. But you can still find spots if you look around.

Covered Pool with Opening Roof

The Botanic pool has a roof that opens and closes. We watched it retract. It’s pretty squeaky when it moves.

Even with the roof open, there’s no breeze inside this area. It gets considerably hotter in here than outside. We don’t know how people sit in the hot tubs when it’s this warm.

The outdoor pool decks have a nice breeze. That makes them much more comfortable than the covered pool area.

The roof stays open on nice days. But the lack of air flow makes it feel stuffy inside.

Zen 18+ Retreats and Scenic Spaces

Pools for Adults Only

We headed to the back deck where the Zen 18 and over pool area is located. The vibe was more subdued compared to the main pool deck, but it was still packed with people.

The space felt less chaotic than the family areas. Even though it was busy, there were still some spots to relax. We noticed the outdoor buffet eating area nearby and the rooms from the World Promenade.

Later in the day, we came back when things had cleared out quite a bit. People were watching a big game on the screen. The sun was going down and it made for a nice lazy sea day.

Wake Views

The wake view from the back deck was beautiful. The way it was framed made it really nice to look at. We could see lots and lots of people enjoying the view.

We saw some folks playing cornhole and giant Connect Four down below. There was even a Cliffhanger activity happening out at sea.

We hung out on the Promenade deck outside the Elixir bar. We ordered drinks and found it to be a great location since the upper decks were packed. It was nice and shady while the upper decks were super hot from the sun.

We also spent time on the balcony watching the sunset. The weather was gorgeous and breezy. We watched the water and waited for whales while getting ready for dinner. We even spotted a Carnival ship in the distance.

We came back to the room and our cabin steward had left a really cool little heart decoration on the bed made from the bedspread. We had never seen that before.

Outdoor Activities

Here’s what we found for outdoor activities:

• Bumper cars – We saw the inside of the bumper car track, though nobody was using them at the time
• Basketball – The bumper car area looked like it could also be used for basketball
• Cliffhanger – People were doing this activity out at sea
• Connect Four – Giant version available on the lower deck
• Cornhole – Available to play
• Couples yoga – They were doing a couples yoga session on the deck

We noticed a Lego family zone upstairs that we wanted to check out later in the week. The area had different options depending on what you were in the mood for.

Activities for Fun and Relaxation

Athletic Options and Entertainment

We found several ways to stay active during our time at sea. Up on one of the upper decks, we spotted people playing giant Connect Four.

Cornhole games were set up in the outdoor buffet area near the back deck. We saw lots of guests playing throughout the day.

For those looking for more adventure, the Cliffhanger attraction was available. We watched some brave passengers trying it out while at sea.

Collision Cars and Court Games

We explored the bumper car area during our sea day. Nobody was using the cars when we stopped by, but the space looked ready for action.

The same room appeared to have multiple uses:

• Bumper car racing
• Basketball court
• Other potential activities

We figured we’d learn more about all the different ways to use this space as the week went on.

Building Block Play Area

We noticed a LEGO family zone on one of the upper decks. It looked interesting enough that we made a mental note to check it out later.

The area seemed designed for families to spend time together. We didn’t get to explore it on this particular sea day, but it caught our attention as we walked around the ship.

Secret Spots and Special Places

The Hidden Bar Experience

We found the entrance to the Speakeasy during our exploration of the ship. You need to call a specific number to get in, and then the door opens for you.

The entrance has two doors that open up when you get access. We’re hoping to get a coin at some point during the cruise so we can try it out. Since it’s only our first sea day, we’re cautiously optimistic that we’ll get the chance to visit before the week is over.

Drink Spots and Featured Cocktails

We spent time outside the Elixir bar on the Promenade deck. This turned out to be one of the better spots to hang out since the upper decks were packed with people.

Our drink order:

• Mezcal Paloma
• Passion fruit martini (served in a regular glass instead of a martini glass due to wind)

The bartender brought the passion fruit martini in a different glass because it was too windy for a martini glass. This outdoor area is nice and shady, which makes it much more comfortable than the sunny upper decks.

Later in the day, we visited the Aria area on the top deck. Raven is our favorite bartender on the ship so far. He’s been taking care of us with Woodford Reserve doubles and a separate Coke Zero.

He even played a joke by bringing over what looked like a full glass of bourbon. When we reached for it, he stopped us and said it was just apple juice. He knew we would fall for it and had the apple juice ready to play the trick.

Outdoor Relaxation Areas

We checked out several outdoor spaces on our first sea day. The back deck at the Zen 18 and over pool area was a little more subdued but still packed with people. The outdoor buffet eating area is located there along with rooms from the World Promenade.

The Promenade deck outside the Elixir bar became our go-to spot. It’s shady and comfortable compared to the hot, sunny upper decks. We saw couples yoga happening in this area too.

We also spent time on our balcony watching the sunset. The weather was gorgeous and breezy without being too hot. We even spotted a Carnival ship in the distance.

The balcony gives us fresh air and beautiful views without having to get dressed up first. We can come out in the morning and see flying fish or catch the sunset before dinner. That’s why we always prefer getting balconies on our cruises.

Personal Touches and Special Experiences

Unexpected Room Decorations

We came back to our cabin after being out and found something really neat. Our steward had cleaned the room and made a heart shape on the bed using the bedspread. We had never seen anything like that before. We’ve seen towel animals shaped into hearts, but this was different. The steward used the actual bedspread and comforter to create the design. It was a cool surprise that we wanted to share.

Private Outdoor Space

We love having a balcony for many reasons. One morning, we came outside right after waking up and saw flying fish jumping near the ship. Our hair was messy and we hadn’t even fully opened our eyes yet. But we were already getting fresh air and seeing wildlife.

Why we value our balcony:

• We can step outside without getting dressed up first
• We don’t have to go to a public deck for fresh air
• We can check the weather anytime
• We get privacy while enjoying the views

One evening, we almost missed a beautiful sunset. One of us was about to get in the shower when we looked outside and saw the sun. We grabbed the camera and came right out to catch it. That’s the great thing about a balcony. You can just step out exactly as you are and enjoy beautiful views.

We also spotted another ship from our balcony. It looked like a Carnival vessel. We tried to guess which one it was and decided it might be the Carnival Magic.

Morning Coffee Issues

We tried the main dining room for a sea day brunch. They had a nice feature where they brought an extra small pot of coffee so we could refill our cups. But there were some problems with how they handled cream and sugar.

They didn’t leave cream on the table. When we asked for some, a server came over and poured it from a large container. We couldn’t add it ourselves. The issue was that when we topped off our coffee from the extra pot, we had to wait for someone to come back with more cream. This wasn’t a problem for the person drinking black coffee.

They also didn’t put sugar on the table at first. We had to ask for it and they brought a small tray. The servers got both of our food orders wrong too. They also sat us at a table with only about half an inch of space between us and another couple who arrived at the same time. There wasn’t much privacy or personal space. Because of these issues, we probably won’t do brunch there again. We might try a port day breakfast just to give it one more chance.

Nighttime Fun Options

Movie Screenings on Deck

We noticed a big game playing on the large screen later in the evening. People gathered to watch it as the sun went down. The pool deck had cleared out quite a bit by then. It was a nice, lazy way to end the sea day.

Dance Parties and Live Music

We spent time up at the Aria area on the top deck. Our favorite bartender, Raven, took care of us all night. He even played a joke by bringing over what looked like a full glass of bourbon but was actually apple juice. We enjoyed doubles of Woodford Reserve with separate Coke Zero. The atmosphere was great up there.

Watching the Sun Go Down

This is why we cruise. The sunset was beautiful and the weather was gorgeous. It was breezy and not too hot. We watched the water and waited for whales while getting ready for dinner.

We went back to the ship’s rear deck area later on. The sun created an amazing view. We even spotted a Carnival ship nearby.

The best part about having a balcony is being able to come outside anytime. We don’t have to get all dressed up before enjoying fresh air and beautiful views. One of us saw flying fish off the balcony first thing in the morning without even opening our eyes all the way. The other rushed out to catch the sunset before hopping in the shower.

The wind was strong in certain corridor areas. It created a wind tunnel effect but the views made it worth it.

Our Dining Experiences and Food Highlights

Formal Evening at the Main Restaurant

We dressed up for gala night and headed to the main dining room. We call it LD for short, though the full name is La Dunes or Les Dunes. We aren’t totally sure which one it is.

The dinner was really good. We had eaten there the night before and enjoyed it both times.

First Sea Day Morning Meal

We tried the main dining room for brunch on our first sea day. The experience wasn’t great.

Problems we encountered:

• They messed up both of our orders
• The seating was extremely tight
• They sat us at a table for two with only about half an inch of space between us and another table for two
• They seated the other table at the exact same time as us
• There was no privacy or personal space

Coffee service issues:

The staff brought an extra pot of coffee so we could refill our cups. That part was nice. But they didn’t leave any cream at the table.

When we asked for cream, a server came over and poured it from a large container. We couldn’t pour it ourselves. They serve the cream to you instead of letting you do it.

This created a problem. Tony drinks his coffee black, so it didn’t matter to him. But when I topped off my coffee, I had to wait for someone to come add more cream.

They also didn’t leave sugar on the table. We had to ask for it. When we did, they brought a small tray.

We probably won’t do sea day brunch again because of the messed up orders, tight seating, and proximity to other guests. We might try a port day breakfast just to give it one more chance.

Quality of Service and Food

The food at the formal dining room for dinner was really good. We enjoyed our meals there.

The brunch service had multiple issues beyond just the food. The lack of table condiments and the way they serve cream made the meal less enjoyable.

Our Favorite Moments and Experiences

We started our first sea day on the World America by checking out the different pool areas. The Aurea deck had a key card control to get in, but it was still pretty packed. Up above that was the Yacht Club, which wasn’t as crowded. We heard that many Yacht Club guests come down to the Aurea deck because there’s a bar and big Jacuzzis on either side.

The retractable roof was open on the Botanic pool. Everyone was out enjoying the sun since it was warm with a nice breeze. We noticed the pool deck was definitely crowded everywhere we went.

Cabana Rentals Available:

• Half day: $65
• Full day: $100
• Our observation: Nobody was renting them that day

We walked around at about 2:15 in the afternoon. The Botanic pool area was busy, but we still saw some seating available. Some people had clearly camped out there. It was considerably hotter inside than outside, even with the retractable roof open. There was no breeze inside. We couldn’t believe people were sitting in the hot tubs in that heat.

The Zen 18 and over pool deck on the back was a little more subdued but still packed. We got a beautiful wake view from there. The outdoor buffet eating area was nearby, along with the rooms from the World Promenade. We saw people playing cornhole and noticed a giant Connect Four on the ground below.

We found some folks doing the Cliffhanger out at sea. Inside the bumper car track, nobody was using them right now. It looked like it could also be used for basketball or other things. We noticed there was a Lego family zone upstairs that we wanted to check out.

The Speakeasy entrance caught our attention. We were hoping to get a coin at some point during the cruise. Since it was only our first sea day, we were cautiously optimistic that we’d get something. You have to call a specific number for the door to open.

We hung out outside the Elixir bar on the Promenade deck. We ordered drinks – a Mezcal Paloma and a passion fruit martini. Our server had to bring the martini in a different glass because it was too windy for a martini glass. This spot was really nice to chill. The upper decks were packed and super hot because of the sun. The Promenade deck was nice and shady.

We watched a couple’s yoga session happening nearby. The location for it was really good. Later in the day, things cleared out quite a bit. There was a big game on the screen that people were watching. The sun was going down and it was a nice lazy sea day.

We watched the roof retract. It was very squeaky. When we got back to our room, our cabin steward had cleaned it and left us a really cool little heart decoration on the bed. We had never seen that before. We’ve seen towel animals made into hearts, but never the actual bedspread made into one.

The sunset was incredible. The weather was gorgeous and breezy. It wasn’t hot anymore. We sat watching the water and waiting for whales while watching the sunset. We were about to get ready for dinner. The wind corridor was pretty strong in that spot.

We spotted a Carnival ship. We tried to guess which one it was and guessed it might be the Magic. We joked about getting “magic-ated” and how sad we were that we could no longer find that video. We’ve searched the internet high and low for it. It was the greatest thing on the internet but it’s been scrubbed from YouTube and everywhere we can find it.

We went to the Aria top 20 deck area. Raven became our favorite bartender on the ship. He’s been taking care of us with some Woodford Reserve doubles. He even played a joke with apple juice in a glass that looked like it was full of bourbon. He knew the trick would work and had the apple juice ready. He’s funny and we liked him. If you’re on the ship, Raven is the man at the Aria area.

Why We Love Cruising:

• Coming out on our own balcony anytime
• Seeing flying fish in the morning with messy hair
• Getting fresh air without getting dressed up first
• Watching beautiful sunsets from our room
• Having these views that you can’t get anywhere else

One of us saw flying fish off the balcony first thing in the morning. Hair was standing up like young Einstein and eyes weren’t even really open yet, but already seeing flying fish and getting a blast of fresh air. We don’t want to have to get all dressed up before going to get some fresh air and see what it’s like outside.

When we were about to hop in the shower, we came outside and saw the sun. It was the kind of moment where you yell to get the camera quick. We could just come out there and get the beautiful views.

We got dressed for gala night dinner. We ate in the Aria dining room, which we called LD for short. We weren’t sure if it was La Dunes or Les Dunes. We joked that we were tight like that for using the nickname. We were going to find out that night what it was actually called.

We had eaten there the night before and it was really good. We tried the regular dining room for brunch on sea day. It wasn’t great. They messed up both of our orders. They sat us at a table for two with about half an inch between us and another table for two. They sat the other table at the exact same time. It was fine, but there was really no privacy or sense of personal space.

We did enjoy that they brought an extra little pot of coffee so we could top off our coffee. However, they didn’t leave any cream. When we asked for cream, the server came over and poured it from his big container. So they serve you the cream instead of letting you do it yourself. That was a little weird. The problem with that is when you get low on coffee and top it off, you have to wait for cream again.

They didn’t leave sugar on the table either. We had to ask them to bring it and then they brought a little tray. Between messing up the order and the proximity issue, we didn’t think we were going to do that again. We might want to try a port day breakfast just to give it another shot.