MSC’s Fleet-Building Frenzy Continues with 2 More ‘World Class’ Orders
by Bruce Parkinson
MSC World Asia during its float out. Photo: Bernard Biger
MSC Cruises has placed a $5.7 billion order for two more World Class ships with French shipbuilder Chantiers de L’Atlantique.
The announcement came during a double celebration at Chantiers in Saint Nazaire, one marking the float out of MSC World Asia and another the coin ceremony for MSC World Atlantic, two other World Class vessels under construction.
The new orders represent World Class ships numbers 7 and 8, with delivery dates in 2030 and 2031.
Together with the World Class vessels already under construction, this brings the company’s total direct investment currently committed in France to a staggering $17 billion. MSC says the plan reflects its confidence in the future of cruise tourism and its ongoing commitment to shipbuilding excellence in France and across Europe.
“We mark a proud moment today for MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique as we celebrate important milestones for our future — the float out of MSC World Asia, the coin ceremony of MSC World Atlantic and the order of two new ships,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group.
“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.”
Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, added, “We are deeply grateful to MSC Cruises for their renewed confidence. 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.”
MSC describes its World Class vessels as destinations unto themselves, “shaped by visionary design and boundless imagination.”
With the ships divided into distinct districts, guests are able discover, connect and unwind in ways that feel uniquely personal, MSC says.
“Every new addition to the World Class fleet brings something bold and original. This spirit of constant evolution is demonstrated in MSC World Asia, MSC World Atlantic, and the remarkable ships yet to come — each one a new chapter in a journey to deliver the most memorable experiences at sea,” MSC says in a pres release.
MSC Cruises’ World Class consists of MSC World Europa (2022) and MSC World America (2025), MSC World Asia (2026), and MSC World Atlantic (2027), with the yet-to-be-named World Class 5, 6, 7 and 8 ships to follow by 2031.
MSC World Asia Float Out
The float out is a major milestone in the ship building process as it is the first time a new vessel touches water and sees it enter the next phase of construction. MSC World Asia will be delivered in November 2026 ready to sail in the Mediterranean, and from December will offer seven-night sailings to the most popular destinations in the West Med – Barcelona (Spain), Marseille (France), Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina (Italy) and Valletta (Malta).
MSC World Atlantic Coin Ceremony
A traditional coin ceremony for MSC World Atlantic also took place, when the vessel’s godmothers from both the cruise line and the shipyard placed commemorative coins inside the ship as a sign of blessing during construction and to bring good fortune to the vessel. MSC World Atlantic will enter service in 2027 and will be deployed in the Caribbean Sea from Port Canaveral, U.S, for winter 2027-28.
MSC Cruises’ godmother was Lynn Torrent, President of MSC Cruises North America, overseeing all commercial and operational functions across the region. From Chantiers de L’Atlantique, the Godmother was Agnès Sahores, Smart Yard Improvement Manager, who has been working at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique for 25 years.
