Msc-World-America Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On August 22, 2026, law enforcement officials arrested Rafael Cayetano Blanco, a 38-year-old lifeguard employed on the 'MSC World America', at Port Miami. The arrest followed serious allegations of his involvement in sexual activities with a 17-year-old passenger. In response to the incident, MSC Cruises terminated Blanco's employment immediately, while authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the events that transpired in the crew member's cabin during an active voyage. Upon arriving at Port Miami, federal and local authorities detained Blanco, who is currently being held at the Metro West Detention Center in Miami-Dade County, facing an immigration hold. According to the affidavit, Blanco and the underage passenger connected on the ship, exchanging phone numbers on August 16. It was reported that the minor visited his cabin later that evening, along with a second visit on August 19, where the alleged sexual encounters occurred. The ship had set sail from Miami on August 15, embarking on a 15-day round-trip journey, briefly stopping back at port on August 22 before continuing its course towards Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. Following the vessel's arrival, law enforcement boarded to question Blanco, who reportedly confessed to the incidents after being read his Miranda rights.

In an exciting announcement, MSC Cruises has appointed the beloved actress Drew Barrymore as the Godmother of the highly anticipated 'MSC World America.' Slated for her grand debut on April 9, 2025, in Miami, this stunning vessel is creating a buzz in the maritime community. During the christening ceremony, Barrymore will have the honor of cutting the ribbon and breaking a bottle of champagne to bless the ship, alongside Felix Bloom at the cruise line’s newly established MSC Cruise Terminal. The MSC World America is putting the final touches on her design at the renowned Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, where construction has been ongoing since 2022. With the anticipation building for this remarkable ship, it’s clear that her launch will be a momentous event in the cruising world.