MSC Cruises orders two additional World Class ships

MSC Cruises has confirmed an order for two additional World Class ships, due to be delivered in 2030 and 2031.

 

The vessels will be built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France, and will be the seventh and eighth World Class ships in the fleet.

 

The announcement was made at an event to mark milestones for two other World Class ships – the float-out of MSC World Asia and coin ceremony of MSC World Atlantic – both currently under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

 

Valued at €3.5 billion, the orders bring MSC Cruises’ total investment in the four ships ordered in France this year to nearly €7 billion.

 

Together with the World Class vessels already under construction, this brings the company’s total direct investment currently committed in France to €10.5 billion.

 

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s cruise division, said: “The World Class platform is a symbol of our vision to set new standards for the future of cruising.

 

“These are some of the most energy efficient ships in the world and we continue our commitment to LNG, ensuring we are ready for future renewable fuels.

 

“We look forward to continuing with our innovative and successful collaboration with Chantiers de L’Atlantique – our long-term partner for more than 20 years.”

 

Chantiers de l’Atlantique general manager Laurent Castaing said the shipyard is “deeply grateful to MSC Cruises for their renewed confidence”.

 

MSC Cruises’ World Class consists of MSC World Europa and MSC World America, with MSC World Asia to launch in 2026 and MSC World Atlantic in 2027, followed by the yet-to-be-named fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth ships to follow by 2031.

 

The line said the class “redefines the art of cruising”, adding: “Each ship is a destination in itself – where innovation meets elegance, and every detail is crafted to elevate every moment on board.”