MSC CRUISES SIGNS ORDERS FOR TWO NEW WORLD CLASS SHIPS

Geneva, Switzerland – May 19, 2025 – MSC Cruises is ordering two more World Class ships to complement the four already delivered or under construction. Today the cruise line signed an order with ship builder Chantiers de l’Atlantique that will result in an eventual fleet of six World Class ships.

The two new orders – currently referred to as World Class 5 and 6 – will be delivered in 2029 and 2030 respectively. The ships will build further on the legacy of excellence and innovation established by the World Class, which combines the very best in environmental technology with the latest advancements in guest experiences.

World Class 5 and 6 will join MSC World Europa and MSC World America, along with MSC World Asia and MSC World Atlantic, which are currently under construction and will enter service in 2026 and 2027 respectively.

MSC World America entered service in Miami last month, ushering in a new world of cruising with its seamless blend of European style and American comfort. The ship’s new districts—like Family Aventura with the all-new Cliffhanger thrill ride—are getting rave reviews from travelers. Guests are also loving new bar and restaurant concepts ranging from the All-Stars Sports Bar to the only Eataly Restaurant at sea.

MSC World Atlantic will arrive with some surprises of its own, offering cruises from Port Canaveral upon joining the fleet in 2027.

The two new orders will be subject to access to financing, as per industry practice.

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Notes to Editors

MSC Cruises’ first LNG ship, MSC World Europa was launched in November 2022 and the latest ship in this class, MSC World America entered service in April 2025 and is operating in the North American cruise market.  There are currently two vessels under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire in France, MSC World Asia and MSC World Atlantic. These ships will be delivered in 2026 and 2027 respectively.  

All World Class ships feature dual engines and as bio and synthetic fuels become available at scale, emissions from MSC Cruises’ World Class vessels will be further reduced.

LNG is key to the development of low carbon solutions for shipping as emerging technologies such as fuel cells can be operated with LNG until zero emissions bio and synthetic LNG become available at scale.

MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique are actively involved in several projects to develop and make these technologies viable in partnership with regulators, academia, and industry.

About MSC Cruises

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the privately-owned MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe with a strong and growing presence in North America.

A global cruise brand with 23 modern ships offering cruises across five continents, guests can visit more than 100 countries worldwide with more than 300 destinations, making unforgettable memories and enjoying the finest hospitality.

For more information visit MSC Cruises.

About Chantiers De L’Atlantique

Thanks to the expertise of its teams and its network of subcontractors, combined with top industrial technology, Chantiers de l’Atlantique is a key leader in the design, integration, testing and precise delivery of cruise ships, naval vessels, electrical substations for offshore wind farms and fleet services.

The company is a pioneer in the challenges of tomorrow. Thanks to its research and development, Chantiers de l’Atlantique offers ships with the highest environmental performance, as well as equipment for offshore wind farms, making it a major player in global energy transition.

For more information, click here.