MSC Cruises Orders Two More World-Class Ships
- Cruise Ship Crayz News Team
- Nov 13
- 3 min read
MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique have announced a major expansion of their longstanding partnership with firm orders for two additional World Class ships, the seventh and eighth in the innovative series. Scheduled for delivery in 2030 and 2031, the two new mega-ships will further extend MSC’s footprint as one of the world’s fastest-growing cruise brands.
The announcement was made during a celebratory event in Saint-Nazaire marking two major construction milestones: the float out of MSC World Asia and the coin ceremony for MSC World Atlantic.
The newly placed orders—valued at €3.5 billion (approximately $3.78 billion USD)—bring MSC Cruises’ total investment in France this year to nearly €7 billion (approximately $7.56 billion USD). When combined with vessels already under construction, MSC now has €10.5 billion (approximately $11.34 billion USD) in active shipbuilding commitments with Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The investment underscores the company’s bold confidence in the future of global cruise tourism and the strength of European maritime engineering.
A Shared Vision for the Next Generation of Cruising
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, celebrated the milestone as a defining moment for the brand’s future.
“We mark a proud moment today… 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.”
He also highlighted MSC’s more than 20-year partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, calling it essential to the line’s fleet innovation.
Chantiers de l’Atlantique General Manager Laurent Castaing praised the shipyard’s momentum and MSC’s trust.
“What our shipyard is achieving today is truly exceptional — four new ships ordered in 2025! The World Class series… is a testament to our teams’ expertise and to MSC’s vision.”
Construction on World Class 7 & 8 Begins in 2029
The two new ships will enter construction in 2029, joining what will soon become one of the most ambitious and technologically advanced mega-ship series in the world.
MSC’s World Class currently includes:
MSC World Europa (2022)
MSC World America (2025)
MSC World Asia (2026)
MSC World Atlantic (2027)
Four additional yet-unnamed ships delivering through 2031
Each vessel is designed as a floating destination, featuring unique districts, dramatic architectural spaces, advanced energy systems, and an evolution of onboard experiences tailored to global travelers. As with all major cruise ship contracts, the two new orders remain subject to financing.
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Milestones for MSC World Asia and MSC World Atlantic
MSC World Asia Float Out
The float-out marked the first time the vessel touched water, transitioning to its final construction phase.MSC World Asia will be delivered in November 2026, followed by seven-night Mediterranean itineraries, including:
Barcelona
Marseille
Genoa
Civitavecchia (Rome)
Messina
Valletta
MSC World Atlantic Coin Ceremony
During the traditional ceremony, godmothers from both MSC Cruises and the shipyard placed commemorative coins into the ship’s keel for good fortune.
MSC World Atlantic will debut in 2027 and operate Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral starting with the winter 2027–28 season.
MSC Cruises’ godmother was Lynn Torrent, President of MSC Cruises North America, who oversees all commercial and operational functions in the region.
“This ship will build on everything our guests and travel partners love about MSC World America… We are already planning new spaces and experiences that elevate our blend of European style and American comfort.”
Representing Chantiers de l’Atlantique was godmother Agnès Sahores, Smart Yard Improvement Manager and 25-year shipyard veteran known for advancing innovation and environmental efficiency.
A Fleet Built for the Future
The expansion brings the total number of World Class ships to eight—each reflecting MSC Cruises’ commitment to sustainable engineering, advanced LNG technologies, and guest experiences defined by bold design and imagination.
As MSC continues strengthening its presence across Europe and North America, this latest multibillion-dollar investment cements the cruise line’s role as one of the key global drivers shaping the future of large-scale shipbuilding.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MSC CRUISES
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