Drew Barrymore Helps Launch MSC’s New Mega-Ship Bound for Port Canaveral — A Fresh Choice for Families and Florida Getaways

A big new ship, a familiar face and a clear plan

MSC Cruises has opened sales for its newest ship, the MSC World Atlantic, which will make its homeport in Port Canaveral and begin sailings in late 2027. The announcement comes with a splashy marketing push: actor and host Drew Barrymore will join MSC for launch activities and appear as the ship’s celebrity godmother in promotions tied to the new vessel. For travelers this means one more major cruise option out of central Florida, and for vacation planners it adds a headline-friendly choice aimed at families and mainstream audiences.

The company says bookings are now available for the ship’s inaugural season, and that a mix of short and week-long itineraries will be on offer. MSC’s announcement frames the move as a long-term commitment to Port Canaveral, with year-round sailings planned for the new vessel.

What sets the ship apart: roomy public spaces, family focus and lots of entertainment

MSC is pitching the World Atlantic as a big-ship experience with a broad mix of things to do. Expect multiple dining options, several live-entertainment venues, family areas and kid-friendly programming. The ship is built to carry thousands of guests and to offer choices for different budgets — from interior cabins to larger suites with private balconies and lounge access.

On board, passengers will find the sorts of features that define modern cruise holidaymakers’ wish lists: varied restaurants and casual eateries, bars and stages for live shows, pool decks and water play areas for children, and adults-only zones for quieter relaxation. MSC is also highlighting immersive entertainment programming and music-focused events as part of the World Atlantic’s calendar, which fits the company’s push to combine family-friendly fun with headline entertainment.

The overall pitch is one of variety: a single ship that can serve families, couples and groups who want big-ship amenities without an ultra-luxury price tag.

Itineraries, booking windows and what to expect when you reserve

MSC says the World Atlantic will operate year-round from Port Canaveral once it begins service in late 2027. The company will offer a mix of Caribbean itineraries that vary in length to suit quick weekend getaways and longer family vacations. While exact sailing dates and ports of call are being released as part of the initial schedule, the emphasis is on flexible options that let travelers choose shorter or longer trips out of a Florida homeport.

Sales are open now, and MSC’s early-launch messaging includes special introductory fares and package options to entice first-time bookers — a common practice when a new ship debuts. These launch deals typically bundle things like drink packages, shore excursions or reduced deposits for a limited time. Travelers interested in the World Atlantic should expect the usual booking options: standard cabins, upgraded suites, and add-on packages for dining and activities. The company has also signaled it will run promotional events and previews tied to the ship’s debut season.

Why Drew Barrymore? What a celebrity godmother brings to the table

Choosing Drew Barrymore as a public face for the launch is a calculated move. She is a widely recognized name with crossover appeal in movies, TV and lifestyle media. That makes her useful for reaching a broad, mainstream audience — especially families and casual travelers who respond to familiar celebrity endorsements.

Barrymore’s presence gives MSC a story that can run across entertainment pages and social feeds, not just travel sections. It raises awareness of the launch beyond the usual pool of cruise shoppers, and it helps the company frame the ship as approachable and fun rather than strictly high-end or niche.

What this means for Port Canaveral and the wider cruise market

For Port Canaveral, landing another large year-round ship is a boost to local tourism infrastructure. More sailings usually mean more foot traffic for nearby hotels, restaurants and attractions, and a steadier flow of visitors can support jobs in the area during the long cruise season.

In the competitive cruise market, MSC’s addition tightens the field in Florida. Traditional rivals such as Carnival (CCL) and Royal Caribbean (RCL) already run many ships from the region, and MSC’s move adds capacity and variety that could pull some demand toward packaged, entertainment-focused offerings. For travelers, that generally means more choices and more chances to find a sailing that fits timing, budget and onboard taste.

Bottom line: MSC’s World Atlantic is built to be a mainstream, family-oriented big ship with wide appeal. With Drew Barrymore helping tell the story, the ship looks set to be one of the headline options for Florida departures when it arrives in late 2027.

Sources

• prnewswire.com