Star of the Seas vs MSC World America: Which Mega Ship Offers Better Value?

Royal Caribbean’s brand-new ship, Star of the Seas, has been making headlines since its launch. But while everyone is talking about the ship’s record-breaking size and features, one detail has caught a lot of cruisers off guard — the price.

For a nearly identical Caribbean itinerary, Royal Caribbean is charging more than twice the fare of MSC Cruises’ newest ship, MSC World America.

That raises the big question: does Star of the Seas really offer double the value, or are you simply paying extra for the hype of sailing on the world’s largest ship?

To help answer that, we’ve compared prices, inclusions, onboard facilities, and overall experience — so you can decide which option gives you the best return on your cruise budget.

The image shows two large modern cruise ships at sea.On the left is Star of the Seas, sailing under bright daylight with a clear blue sky.On the right is MSC World America, cruising during sunset with warm golden light reflecting on the water.

Like many cruisers, I completely understand the excitement of sailing on the newest ship in the world. In fact, when I booked my very first cruise, I chose Allure of the Seas for my honeymoon in 2013 simply because it was the biggest ship afloat at the time. But once the novelty wears off, what really matters is whether the ship offers value for money.

So, would you be better off getting two cruises for the price of one on MSC World America — and still have spending money left over? Let’s take a closer look.

Star of the Seas vs MSC World America

Let’s start with the basics. Both Star of the Seas and MSC World America are among the largest cruise ships afloat.

Star of the Seas holds the title of the biggest ship in the world, but in practice, the difference in size isn’t something most guests will notice. With thousands of passengers, sprawling public spaces, and enough decks to keep you exploring all week, both ships feel enormous once you’re on board.

Here’s how they compare side by side:

	Star of the Seas	MSC World America
Launch date	August 2025	April 2025
Size (gross tons)	250,800	215,863
Decks	19	22
Guests (max)	7,600	6,774
Crew	2,350	2,138

So while Star of the Seas edges ahead on overall size and capacity, MSC World America actually has more decks, and both ships carry a similar number of crew to look after guests.

Key Features

Both Star of the Seas and MSC World America are designed for cruisers who want more than just a sunlounger and a book. These are ships packed with activities, entertainment, and dining choices — essentially floating resorts.

Waterparks

Star of the Seas decked out with colorful water slides, pools, and lounging areas is docked at a lush tropical island. A winding pier connects the ship to the island labeled "Perfect Day at CocoCay," featuring palm trees, beach cabanas, and a red-and-yellow water tower in the distance, with a tethered helium balloon floating above. — Credit: Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has gone big with Star of the Seas, which boasts the largest waterpark at sea. Guests can take on six slides, seven pools, and ten whirlpools.

MSC World America isn’t far behind. Its waterpark features four slides, alongside six pools and 14 whirlpools — plenty of choice for families or anyone who enjoys time in the water.

The image shows the deck of a cruise ship featuring multiple large, colorful water slides in shades of blue, green, and purple. In the foreground, there are neatly arranged rows of empty lounge chairs, set up for guests to relax while enjoying the view of the water park area. — MSC World America Waterslides

Thrills

Adrenaline seekers will find no shortage of options. On Star of the Seas, the highlight is Crown’s Edge, a skywalk-meets-obstacle course that hangs over the side of the ship. Add in a FlowRider surf simulator, laser tag, rock climbing walls, and mini golf, and there’s something for every thrill level.

World America takes a slightly different approach, offering Cliffhanger — the only over-water swing ride at sea — plus Jaw Drop, a dry slide that takes you down 11 decks. The ship also features bumper cars and a large sports arena.

Entertainment

Royal Caribbean has long been known for its entertainment, and Star of the Seas is no exception. The AquaTheatre hosts high-diving shows from 60 feet, Absolute Zero offers ice-skating productions, and the AquaDome features aerial performances. Guests can also enjoy Broadway-style shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, a dedicated comedy club, and live music throughout the ship. And in a unique touch, the ship even has a resident Golden Retriever, Sailor, whose job is simply to bring joy to passengers.

Entertainment on World America is a little more traditional but still varied. There’s a main theatre with live productions, a 4D cinema, and regular live music across different venues.

Star of the Seas Dome

Dining and Bars

When it comes to food and drink, Star of the Seas is hard to beat, with more than 20 restaurants and 25 bars. Complimentary options cover a wide range of cuisines, while speciality restaurants cater to those looking for a premium experience.

World America offers 13 restaurants and 18 bars — fewer than its Royal Caribbean counterpart, but still more than enough for most guests. Complimentary dining covers the basics, though speciality venues come at an additional cost.

What Costs Extra?

No matter which line you choose, the advertised fare is only part of the story. Both Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises include the basics — your cabin, meals in complimentary venues, onboard entertainment, port fees, and taxes. But once you’re on board, there are plenty of extras to consider.

Gratuities

MSC’s daily gratuities are slightly lower than Royal Caribbean’s. The difference may only be a couple of dollars per person per day, but for a family of four on a week-long cruise, that can add up to around $70.

Drinks Packages

Two vibrant, layered tropical cocktails on the bar of an MSC cruise ship. Each drink features a gradient of colors from creamy white to deep red, garnished with a pineapple slice and a cherry. The reflective bar surface enhances the colorful and festive presentation of the drinks, set against a backdrop of a bustling bar scene. — Drinks on MSC

Royal Caribbean’s drinks packages are notoriously variable. Prices change depending on your sailing and when you book, and at the top end it can be hard to get your money’s worth. Occasionally, though, discounts of 30% or more appear in the app after booking, which can bring the cost closer to — or even lower than — MSC’s package pricing.

MSC’s packages are more straightforward, with set prices and options tailored to different drinking habits.

Wi-Fi

Internet access is another area where costs fluctuate. Royal Caribbean’s Wi-Fi packages tend to be priced similarly to MSC’s, though both can add a significant sum to your bill if you need to stay connected. Some cruisers choose to bypass ship Wi-Fi altogether by using an eSIM instead, which can often be cheaper and more reliable.

Onboard Activities

Here’s where the two lines differ. Most activities on Star of the Seas are included in the fare, with Crown’s Edge the only major exception — priced at around $90 per person (sometimes discounted to $50).

On World America, several attractions carry a small extra fee. While that might sound frustrating, the upside is shorter lines compared to the free-for-all approach.

Speciality Dining

Lincoln Park Supper Club on Star of the Seas

Speciality restaurants cost extra on both lines, starting from about $25 per person. Royal Caribbean’s newest ship does have some ultra-premium options, such as the Chef’s Table ($110 per person) and the Lincoln Park Supper Club ($200). For larger groups, the Celebration Table seats up to 14 guests for $1,000.

MSC’s pricing is more moderate, capped at $55 per meal, with discounted packages available if you book multiple venues.

One point worth noting: Star of the Seas offers a few free venues with more variety, such as El Loco Fresh for Mexican food. On World America, similar cuisines are only available at an added cost.

Itineraries

When it comes to departure ports, the two ships start from different Florida home bases.

Star of the Seas sails from Port Canaveral, which is ideal if you want to combine your cruise with a visit to Orlando’s theme parks.

MSC World America departs from Miami. While Miami is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, it may involve higher flight costs from the UK or an additional journey if you fly into Orlando first.

Panoramic view of PortMiami with clear blue skies, showcasing the bustling port area, surrounded by the tranquil waters of Biscayne Bay and Miami's distinctive skyline. — Port Miami

As for the ports of call, both ships offer a mix of sea days and stops at Caribbean favourites. Each itinerary includes San Juan, Puerto Rico, and a visit to the cruise line’s private destination:

Royal Caribbean calls at Labadee in Haiti, with adrenaline-filled options like a zipline and alpine coaster.
MSC Cruises offers Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, designed for a more laid-back beach day.

The final port differs. Star of the Seas visits St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands — popular for duty-free shopping and beaches — while World America calls at Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, a historic town with colonial architecture and coastal charm.

Both options deliver a balance of activity and relaxation, but the departure port could be the deciding factor depending on your travel plans.

Value for Money Verdict

If your idea of a perfect holiday is a non-stop, theme-park-at-sea experience, Star of the Seas delivers it in style. From its distinct neighbourhoods to world-class entertainment and a huge range of dining, Royal Caribbean’s newest ship sets the standard for mega-resort cruising. Yes, it comes with a hefty price tag — but compared to Disney Cruise Line, it can still feel mid-range.

MSC World America focuses more on value. The finish might not be as polished, the food less refined, and the service a little slower, but the savings are undeniable. For the price of one week on Star of the Seas, you could enjoy two cruises on World America — or pocket the difference for your next holiday.

So, is Star of the Seas really twice as good? For some travellers, absolutely. For others, especially those who prioritise value over wow factor, MSC World America is a compelling alternative. Ultimately, it comes down to what matters most: the best ship, or the best deal.