GENEVA — MSC Cruises has confirmed two new World Class ship orders with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique, marking a major expansion of its next-generation fleet.
Valued at €3.5 billion, the order for number seven and eight in the World Class series was announced during a double ceremony in Saint-Nazaire, France, celebrating key milestones for two other vessels currently under construction. The event included the float out of MSC World Asia and the traditional coin ceremony for MSC World Atlantic.
The latest deal brings MSC Cruises’ total investment in ships ordered from Chantiers de l’Atlantique this year to nearly €7 billion and increases the cruise line’s total direct investment in France to €10.5 billion. Construction on the new World Class vessels will begin in 2029, with deliveries scheduled for 2030 and 2031.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group, 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.”
The MSC World Asia float out marked the first time the vessel touched water, an important milestone in ship construction. Scheduled for delivery in November 2026, MSC World Asia will homeport in the Mediterranean and offer seven-night itineraries to destinations including Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Rome, Messina and Valletta.
At the same ceremony, the MSC World Atlantic coin ceremony took place, a maritime tradition symbolising good fortune during construction. The ship will enter service in 2027, operating Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral for the winter 2027-28 season.
With this latest order, MSC Cruises’ World Class now encompasses eight vessels: MSC World Europa (2022), MSC World America (2025), MSC World Asia (2026), MSC World Atlantic (2027), and four additional ships to be delivered through 2031.
The two new orders remain subject to financing, as per standard industry practice.
MSC World Asia float out
