MSC Cruises has signed an order for two new World-class ships to complement the four already delivered or under construction for the line.
Chantiers de l’Atlantique will build the two new World-class ships, which will bring MSC’s fleet of the vessel type to six.
The two new ships – currently referred to as World Class 5 and 6 – will be delivered in 2029 and 2030 respectively.
They will join the class’ first two ships, MSC World Europa, the cruise line’s first LNG ship, and MSC World America (pictured), the latter entering service in Miami last month (CW 10 Apr).
“The confirmation for the two new World-class ships marks a new milestone and the continuation of our long-term industrial plan,” Executive Chair Pierfrancesco Vago said.
“The highly successful World-class platform continues the very best in environmental technology with the latest advancements in guest experiences.”
World America is pitched at the American cruise market, and is currently sailing her first season from the cruise line’s new state-of-the-art MSC Miami Cruise Terminal (CW 07 Apr).
Other World-class ships include the upcoming MSC World Asia (CW 03 Feb) and MSC World Atlantic (CW 28 Mar), which are currently under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
They will enter service in 2026 and 2027 respectively.
The two new orders will be subject to access of financing, as per industry practice.
All World-class ships feature dual engines, with a view to reducing emissions as bio and synthetic fuels become available at scale. MS