Travel
MIAMI’S NEWEST MEGASHIP – MSC WORLD AMERICA – WILL BE THE ULTIMATE FAMILY VACATION AT SEA WITH NEW LEGO® EXPERIENCES AND LARGEST KIDS CLUB
GENEVA /PRNewswire/ — MSC World America, the latest World Class ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, will redefine family cruising with new activities and never-before-seen spaces, including new programs and facilities developed in partnership with the LEGO Group.
The ultramodern new flagship will feature seven distinct districts when it enters service in April 2025, each bringing together a range of tailored experiences, with Family Aventura becoming the go-to destination for kids and family fun around the clock.
As a family-owned company, MSC Cruises is known for its award-winning kid’s offerings, tailored to deliver unforgettable cruise experiences for children of all ages. MSC World America will take everything to a new level with the company’s largest and most technologically advanced kids area yet. Spanning more than 10,000 square feet across seven different rooms designed for guests in various age ranges from 0 to 17, families can expect a new range of concepts, taking vacations on board to new heights.
Steve Leatham, Head of Entertainment for MSC Cruises, said: “We set ourselves the goal to create the most exceptional kids and family offering at sea with MSC World America. Our aim is to give our younger guests the freedom to express their creativity, play, socialize and explore with amazing spaces and programs that have to be seen to be believed.”
Matteo Mancini, Senior Manager of Youth Entertainment for MSC Cruises, said: “We specifically listened to our young guests from North America to design our kids and family offering. We are bringing a variety of extraordinary facilities and new experiences never seen before!”
Activities waiting to be discovered include:
NEW LEGO® PARADE: For the first time in the cruise industry, MSC World America will host a LEGO® parade with LEGO® characters designed to entertain children of all ages. The parade will march through the ship from Family Aventura to the World Promenade once per cruise.
NEW: LEGO® FAMILY ZONE: Family Aventura will include a brand-new area for master builders and bricks enthusiasts called LEGO® Family Zone. Parents and children will be able to play together, and LEGO® fans of all ages can unleash their creativity from morning to evening.
NEW: LEGO® GAME SHOW: MSC World America will offer a LEGO® Family Game Show for the first time in the cruise industry. During each cruise, families will have the opportunity to come together for an exhilarating team challenge in which parents and children compete as true Master Builders on board. The competition will feature timed challenges, colorful bricks and unexpected twists, all culminating in determining the ultimate winner. LEGO® fans of all ages won’t want to miss this exciting activity.
NEW: BOXES FAMILY GAME SHOW: Families will get the chance to compete in “Boxes”, a new fun-filled family game show where each mystery box will contain a blind challenge to beat in order to win prizes.
NEW: DOREMIX FAMILY DISCO: For dance competition fans, a new version of the Doremix Family Disco will arrive for the first time with new technology and must-see visuals. Parents and children will dance together to hit music and original MSC Cruises songs for children, all vying for the title of best dancers of the night.
NEW: HIGH-TECH EXPERIENCES: Specifically created for teenagers, Star Shooters is an adventure course in the Sportplex with targets for participants to hit and rack up points for a win. Virtual Reality at Luna Park will give guests access to the latest VR technology experiences, transporting them to other worlds from MSC World America.
NEW: LARGEST EVER DOREMILAND: MSC World America will feature the largest, most action-packed Doremiland kids’ area in the MSC Cruises’ fleet, spanning more than 10,000 square feet. Home to seven rooms dedicated to different age groups from 0 to 17 years old, it will also be the most technologically advanced kids area of the fleet with the latest tech consoles on the market, and stunning light and sound effects. Baby services are offered in collaboration with Chicco® – the leading global baby brand and a long-term MSC Cruises partner. Exclusively on MSC World America, the popular Kids’ Clubs will be open all day, from 9am until midnight, for the duration of each voyage.
NEW: THE HABOUR: At the heart of the Family Aventura district lies The Harbour, a revolutionary new outdoor park where families can come together to engage in activities, indulge in delicious bites and soak up the sun. The Harbour offers an exhilarating high ropes course, a thrilling new state-of-the-art Cliffhanger attraction, a family dwelling area and a playground modelled after the iconic lighthouse at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas. More details of The Harbour will be revealed soon.
Popular MSC Cruises favorites returning to MSC World America include:
SPORTPLEX: In the Sportplex, guests will find a spacious and dynamic gaming space equipped with everything from basketball and tennis courts to interactive game shows, bumper cars and roller skating. A dedicated sports program includes Football, Basketball, Zorb ball sessions, Pickleball, and Hoverboards. Here, guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy The Drone Academy – a lively and high-tech drone relay race that will come to life at night through light effects and glowing drones.
Guinness World Record Family Quiz: Families can try to bet on the world’s most incredible records and try to top them, creating memories to last a lifetime.
MasterChef at Sea Juniors: A new generation of cooks will have the opportunity to compete in a kids’ cooking competition, where the most talented and creative will win.
For more information about MSC World America, visit here.
About MSC World America
MSC World America will create an eye-catching silhouette against the Miami skyline when she enters service in April 2025. The ship’s blend of American comfort and European design will provide guests with a truly memorable cruise experience, whether they’re searching for a relaxing tropical escape or an action-packed holiday.
The ship will feature seven distinct districts, each with its own atmosphere, facilities and experiences waiting to be explored. The districts allow guests of all ages to choose their own adventure and get the most out of their time on board. From a dedicated family area or tranquil zen area to a lively promenade with entertainment, shops and bars—a world of options awaits.
The new World Class ship’s signature plumb bow will rise vertically from the waterline and her Y-shaped aft will open onto the impressive outdoor World Promenade. Overall, MSC World America will span 22 decks, measure more than 150 feet wide, feature 2,614 staterooms, contain more than 420,000 square feet of public space, and offer top-of-the-line features and facilities, including:
- A re-imagined outdoor World Promenade, where unique dining, lounging and entertainment options are paired with stunning ocean views and unmatched LED light shows
- The indoor World Galleria—lined with bars, restaurants, shops and boutiques—topped with a state-of-the-art LED and kinetic light ceiling
- 13 restaurants:
- Six specialty restaurants, featuring two NEW concepts alongside guest favorites like Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki, and Hola! Tacos and Cantina
- Four main restaurants serving globally inspired cuisine and familiar American favorites
- Two buffets offering ample choices for casual dining
- Luna Park Pizza & Burger: Complimentary casual fast-food spot located next to Luna Park in the World Galleria offering quick snacks around the clock
- 20 bars and lounges, including:
- NEW! Sports Bar: New for MSC World America, this warm and inviting venue combines sports memorabilia, technology, and entertainment in a space where guests of all ages will feel welcome. Guests can grab a beer or soft drink and watch the game on one of the many screens while enjoying popular bar food like wings and sliders. Games like darts and foosball will be available, too.
- NEW! Comedy Club: New to MSC Cruises, the Comedy Club is a place where guests can come to kick back, let loose, and take life a little less seriously. Evenings begin with an interactive and comical dueling pianos experience that friends of all ages can enjoy. The laughter will continue with sets from amazing comedians that will rival some of the best shows in NYC & Chicago.
- The Gin Project: Offering an extensive choice of craft gins with classic cocktails expertly prepared by gin-tenders.
- Elixir – Mixology Bar: Expert mixologists creating handcrafted concoctions, featuring an outdoor terrace to enjoy pre- and post-meal cocktails while enjoying spectacular ocean views.
- Masters of the Sea: MSC Cruises’ classic British pub comes complete with a full-scale micro-brewery making MSC Signature beers on board.
- Coffee Emporium: A sleek and modern coffee house that is any coffee connoisseur’s dream, offering some of the world’s best coffee beans and a selection of brewing and serving styles including French, Italian, Turkish and Moroccan.
- Jean-Phillipe Chocolate shop and Café: Offering custom chocolates, coffee and other treats in a relaxed café atmosphere.
- More NEW concepts on the way!
- A striking 11-deck-high dry slide made of stainless steel, giving guests a fun way to reach the lower decks in style.
- A state-of-the-art, Cliffhanger, the only over-water swing ride at sea, towering 50m above the ocean
- Six pools and 14 hot tubs, including a spacious indoor pool with retractable roof and twin adults-only Zen pools at the aft of the ship.
- Expansive water park with water slides that include a VR experience.
- Kids Clubs featuring dedicated facilities for age groups ranging from infants to 17 years old.
- Three entertainment venues with all-new live entertainment and theater shows.
- Stylish and comfortable staterooms and suites, including Infinite Ocean View cabins, balconies that overlook the outdoor World Promenade and connecting family staterooms.
- The MSC Yacht Club, featuring spacious suites, dedicated lounge and restaurant, private pool and sun deck facilities, and 24-hour concierge and butler service as well as spacious, luxurious suites.
About MSC Cruises
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe, South America, the Middle East and Southern Africa, with a strong and growing presence in North America and the Far East.
The MSC Cruises fleet consists of 22 modern ships with three new vessels due to be launched in 2025, 2026, and 2027.
The Company operates in more than 100 countries around the world, offering cruises across five continents, calling at more than 300 destinations and welcoming more than 180 different nationalities on board.
MSC Cruises is firmly committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions for its marine operations by 2050.
For more information, click here.
SOURCE MSC Cruises
Naturist Blog
Embrace Liberation: Celebrating National Nude Day
Celebrate freedom and body positivity on National Nude Day, an empowering reminder to embrace our natural beauty. #NationalNudeDay #BodyPositivity
Last Updated on July 12, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Embrace Liberation: Celebrating National Nude Day
In a world where societal norms often dictate how we present ourselves, National Nude Day offers a unique opportunity to break free from conventions and embrace our natural state of being. Observed on July 14th, this day encourages body positivity, self-acceptance, and the celebration of individuality. Join us as we explore the significance of National Nude Day and the empowering message it conveys.
What is Nude Day about?
- Embracing Body Positivity:
National Nude Day serves as a powerful reminder that our bodies are beautiful in their natural form. It challenges the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by media and encourages us to appreciate ourselves and others without judgment. It’s a day to celebrate the diversity of bodies and foster a culture of acceptance. - Empowerment and Self-Acceptance:
Shedding our clothes on this day can be liberating, symbolizing the acceptance of our bodies and embracing our flaws as part of our unique identity. By embracing our natural state, we break free from the pressures of conformity, nurturing a positive relationship with ourselves and boosting our self-esteem. - Connection with Nature:
National Nude Day also provides an opportunity to connect with nature in a profound way. By being in our natural state outdoors, we can experience a sense of freedom and harmony with the environment. It’s a chance to feel the sun’s warmth on our skin, the breeze caressing our bodies, and to appreciate the beauty of nature without barriers. - Breaking Taboos and Challenging Stigma:
National Nude Day challenges societal taboos surrounding nudity and fosters a more open and inclusive conversation about body image. It encourages discussions about body positivity, consent, and the importance of respecting personal boundaries. By engaging in these conversations, we can challenge the stigma associated with nudity and promote a healthier mindset.

National Nude Day is not just about shedding our clothes; it’s about embracing our bodies, fostering self-acceptance, and challenging societal norms. It’s a day to celebrate diversity, promote body positivity, and encourage conversations that lead to greater understanding and acceptance. So, on this day, let us shed our inhibitions, embrace liberation, and celebrate the beauty of our natural selves. Happy National Nude Day! https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-nude-day-july-14/
What is Nude Recreation Week?
Read the article: https://stmdailynews.com/what-is-nude-recreation-week-2/
A Footnote
National Nude Day, celebrated each year in July, is an informal observance embraced primarily by nudist and naturist communities around the world. While the event’s lighthearted name may invite misconceptions, its core purpose is far removed from sexuality or eroticism. Instead, National Nude Day promotes body positivity, personal freedom, and the celebration of the human form in its natural state. For many participants, the day serves as a reminder of the importance of accepting one’s own body and appreciating the diversity of shapes, sizes, and appearances that define humanity.
The practice of social nudity has a long and varied history, with roots in cultural, philosophical, and recreational traditions. Naturism, in particular, emphasizes living in harmony with nature, fostering a sense of equality and community by removing clothing—a social equalizer that diminishes visible markers of status, fashion, and material wealth. National Nude Day aligns with these principles by encouraging people to embrace comfort with their own bodies and reduce the stigma and shame that society often imposes regarding nudity.
Participants in National Nude Day may engage in various activities depending on their comfort level and local regulations. Some may visit designated naturist resorts or beaches, where social norms and legal protections allow for clothing-free recreation. Others might observe the day privately, enjoying solitude at home, practicing mindfulness, or meditating in the nude to connect with their body and surroundings. The observance is often framed as an opportunity to cultivate self-confidence and challenge internalized body insecurities, promoting mental and emotional well-being.
Importantly, National Nude Day is about consent, respect, and the normalization of nudity in appropriate contexts. Advocates stress that the celebration is non-sexual and not an invitation for voyeurism or sexual behavior. Its aim is educational and philosophical, emphasizing that nudity is a natural human state rather than a moral or social transgression. By recognizing and participating in this day, individuals can explore freedom from societal pressures, experience heightened self-acceptance, and foster a broader cultural understanding of the human body.
In essence, National Nude Day is a celebration of liberation, self-expression, and respect for human diversity. It encourages people to rethink preconceived notions of the body, embrace naturalism, and promote inclusivity. While it remains a niche observance, its message of body positivity, acceptance, and personal freedom resonates across cultural boundaries, reminding participants that the human body, in all its forms, deserves acknowledgment and respect.
For more information and related resources:
STM Blog
What is Nude Recreation Week?
Nude Recreation Week is a real event that promotes the idea of enjoying the outdoors without clothing.
Nude Recreation Week is a real event that promotes the idea of enjoying the outdoors without clothing. It is a week-long celebration of the human body and its natural state. The history of Nude Recreation Week is a fascinating one, with its origins dating back to the early 1970s.
The idea of Nude Recreation Week came from a group of naturists who wanted to promote the benefits of nudity in the outdoors. They believed that nudity was a natural and healthy way to enjoy the outdoors, and that it allowed people to connect with nature in a more meaningful way. The first Nude Recreation Week was held in 1976, and it has been celebrated every year since then.
There are many ways to celebrate Nude Recreation Week legally. Many naturist organizations offer events and activities that are open to the public, such as nude hikes, beach cleanups, and other outdoor activities. There are also many private resorts and campsites that cater to naturists, and they offer a variety of activities and amenities for those who want to enjoy the outdoors in the nude.
Nude Recreation Week – July 6–12
Nude Recreation Week celebrates naturism, body positivity, and the freedom to enjoy outdoor activities in a clothing-free environment. Observed at nudist resorts, beaches, and private spaces, it encourages self-acceptance and connection with nature. The week culminates in International Skinny Dip Day. Learn more about the history and celebration: National Today, National Day Calendar, American Association for Nude Recreation.
The opinions about Nude Recreation Week are divided. Some people believe that it is a healthy and natural way to enjoy the outdoors, and that it promotes body positivity and self-confidence. Others believe that it is inappropriate and offensive, and that it should not be allowed in public spaces.
On one hand, some people argue that nudity is a natural state for humans and that it should be celebrated. They believe that nudity is not inherently sexual or offensive, and that it is a healthy way to connect with nature and with other people. They also argue that nudity promotes body positivity and self-confidence, and that it can help people overcome body shame and negative self-image.
On the other hand, some people argue that nudity is inappropriate and offensive, especially in public spaces. They believe that nudity is a private matter and that it should not be displayed in public. They also argue that nudity can be sexualized and that it can lead to inappropriate behavior and harassment.

In conclusion, Nude Recreation Week is a real event that promotes the idea of enjoying the outdoors without clothing. It has a fascinating history, and it is celebrated by many people around the world. While opinions about nudity are divided, it is clear that there are many ways to celebrate Nude Recreation Week legally, and that it is a healthy and natural way to enjoy the outdoors.
https://nationaltoday.com/nude-recreation-week/
National Nude Day – July
National Nude Day celebrates body positivity, personal freedom, and self-acceptance—not sex. Observed by nudist and naturist communities, the day encourages people to embrace their natural form and challenge societal body shaming. Participants may visit naturist beaches or resorts or enjoy private time at home to connect with their body and nature. Learn more about the celebration and its history here: National Day Calendar, National Today, The Guardian on Naturism.
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Lifestyle
Loneliness affects 1 in 6 people globally. New research reveals the childhood experiences that help adults thrive
The World Health Organization (WHO) calls loneliness a global health threat, and the numbers explain why. With 1 in 6 people affected worldwide, loneliness hits the hardest among teens and young adults ages 13 to 29, where between 17% and 21% report feeling lonely.

(Tiffany Miller) Kids have more ways to connect than ever. They can text, scroll, game, comment and chat all before they even leave the house. Yet for many young people, all that connection does not necessarily translate into feeling known, useful or part of something larger than themselves.
The World Health Organization (WHO) calls loneliness a global health threat, and the numbers explain why. With 1 in 6 people affected worldwide, loneliness hits the hardest among teens and young adults ages 13 to 29, where between 17% and 21% report feeling lonely. Young people experiencing chronic loneliness are twice as likely to develop depression and 22% more likely to earn lower grades, according to the WHO. If screens are now built into childhood, what actually helps kids build confidence, purpose and belonging?
New research from Harris Poll, commissioned by Scouting America, examined more than 3,000 U.S. adults, including those who earned the Eagle Scout rank, the program’s highest designation, and compared them with adults who never participated. Conducted for three months beginning October 10, 2025, the survey of 3,178 adults asked for feedback on well-being, civic engagement, leadership and character development. The findings reveal meaningful differences in how those groups describe their relationships, outlook, civic involvement, connection and sense of purpose.
The clearest difference may be loneliness. Just 11% of those who earned the Eagle Scout rank say they frequently feel lonely, compared with 23% of non-participants. Those who earned the rank are also more likely to report a strong sense of purpose, with 78% saying they feel one compared with 60% of those who were never in the program, and 95% describe themselves as happy versus 82% of adults who never took part.
The data does not reduce childhood connection to a single activity. It shows how structured, real-world experiences can give young people repeated chances to be active participants rather than passive ones, working alongside others, taking responsibility, solving problems, serving a community and building confidence over time.
That matters because belonging is not built in theory, it is built through repetition and lived experience. A young person shows up, learns a skill, helps with a project, gets trusted with responsibility and begins to see that their presence matters. From the outside these moments may look small, but over time, they can shape how a person sees themselves and how they relate to others.
Those patterns extend into adult life. The research does not establish that the program causes these outcomes, but the consistency across measures is striking. Some 74% of those who earned the Eagle Scout rank say they have held leadership positions at work, compared with 31% of non-participants. Another 57% say they have spoken up for a cause they believe in or on behalf of others, versus 33% of those who never took part.
The story inside the numbers is not that every child needs the same path. It is that young people need places where they are asked to show up, contribute and be counted on. They need adults who mentor them, peers to collaborate with them and real responsibilities that help them practice who they are becoming.
In a childhood increasingly shaped by digital life, those experiences can be easy to underestimate. But the research shows the long-term value of giving kids something to do, somewhere to belong and a reason to see themselves as capable. For families worried about loneliness, confidence or lack of meaningful connection alongside their digital lives, the takeaway is practical: Look for structured experiences that allow young people to participate, contribute and lead. Connection is not just something kids feel. It is something they get to practice.
Methodology
The research was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Scouting America among 3,178 U.S. adults ages 18-plus, including 1,549 who were never members of Scouting America (“non-Scouts”) and members of Scouting America (“Scouts”), including 1,067 who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout (“Eagle Scouts”) and 562 who did not achieve the rank of Eagle Scout (“non-Eagle Scouts”). The survey was conducted initially from Oct. 10 through Nov. 17, 2025, and relaunched from Dec. 16, 2025, through Jan. 9, 2026.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
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