By
Laura Hyde |
MSC Cruises has ordered two additional new LNG-powered World-class ships from French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
The order was revealed at an event at the shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France, which also included a coin laying ceremony for MSC World Atlantic and celebrated the float out for MSC World Asia. The latter is expected to begin operations in December 2026 offering seven-night West Mediterranean voyages.
Construction of the ships will begin in 2029. The order, worth €3.5 billion ($4.05 billion), takes MSC Cruises’ total investment in ships ordered so far in 2025 to nearly €7 billion ($8.1billion) after the cruise line previously ordered World Class 5 and 6, which will be delivered in 2029 and 2030, in May.
Together with the vessels already under construction, the company’s total direct investment currently committed in France is €10.5 billion ($12.1 billion).
World Class 7 and 8 will join MSC Cruises’ World-class ships already in operation: MSC World Europa, which launched in November 2022, and MSC World America, which debuted in April 2025. MSC World Atlantic is expected to begin operations in 2027 being deployed in the Caribbean Sea from Port Canaveral in Florida for the winter season. The latest order means by the end of 2031, MSC Cruises will have eight World-class ships in its fleet.
“The World-class platform is a symbol of our vision to set new standards for the future of cruising, said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s cruise division. “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.”
MSC World Asia floated out for the first time in Saint Nazaire, France
“We are deeply grateful to MSC Cruises for their renewed confidence,” said Laurent Castaing, general manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “What our shipyard is achieving today is truly exceptional – four new ships ordered in 2025. The World-class series, now totalling eight vessels, is a testament to our teams’ expertise and to MSC’s vision. It exemplifies our shared commitment to elevating the passenger experience while advancing environmental performance.”