110 CRUISE ORDER BOOK Diverse demand Cruise lines are ordering ships tailored to increasingly diverse markets, destinations and passenger segments The cruise order book continues to span an increasingly broad range of vessel sizes and operating models, from the largest ocean ships to small expedition vessels and destinationspecific riverboats designed for focused itineraries. Rather than following a single direction in terms of ship size, the upcoming order book increasingly reflects the diversity of the modern cruise industry. With more people than ever choosing to cruise, operators are looking to design their ships for new demographics and destinations, adding new and innovative features to adapt their offerings. Among the ships due to enter service over the coming months are vessels that illustrate this diversity, including the 6,758-passenger MSC World Asia, the hydrogen-powered Viking Libra, new expedition ships for Antarctica and smaller river vessels targeting destinations from the Nile to the Seine. MSC World Asia, scheduled for delivery from Chantiers de l’Atlantique in 2026, will continue MSC Cruises’ expansion of its World Class fleet. The 333-metre vessel will accommodate more than 6,700 passengers and feature the Y-shaped architecture used across the series, with extensive outdoor space and a broad selection of accommodation and public areas. The ship will also introduce a new Family Aventura district, which will include an adventure trail and dry slide, alongside indoor facilities including a kids’ club and gaming areas. MSC World Asia is scheduled to enter service in winter 2026. At the mid-size scale, Viking Libra is being built as a 998-guest ocean vessel, with delivery scheduled for November 2026. Constructed by Fincantieri, the ship will be the first cruise vessel designed to use hydrogen stored onboard for both propulsion and electricity generation. The vessel will use liquefied hydrogen together with fuel-cell technology capable of producing up to six megawatts of power. The system will allow Viking Libra to operate with zero emissions in MSC World Asia will introduce a new Family Aventura district, which will include an adventure trail and dry slide Image: MSC Cruises
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