MSC Orders Two More Giant Cruise Ships in $3.7 Billion Deal

MSC Cruises announced on November 12, 2025, that it has ordered two additional World Class ships from French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique in a deal worth 3.5 billion euros (approximately $3.7 billion), bringing the cruise line’s total investment in France this year to nearly 7 billion euros.

World Class Fleet Expands to Eight Ships

A large cruise ship, MSC World Asia, docked at night with lights on. A small tugboat is near the ship's bow, with water reflecting the lights and part of a building visible in the background.

The announcement was made during a double celebration at the shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France, marking the float out of MSC World Asia and the coin ceremony of MSC World Atlantic. The two newly ordered ships, designated World Class 7 and 8, are scheduled for delivery in 2030 and 2031.

With these orders, MSC Cruises’ total direct investment currently committed in France reaches 10.5 billion euros for World Class ship construction. The orders are subject to access to financing, as is standard industry practice.

“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.”

MSC World Asia Float Out Milestone

A large cruise ship docked at night, viewed from above, with its bow facing the camera. Two small tugboats with green decks are positioned near the front of the ship, illuminated by artificial lights.

The float out ceremony marked the first time MSC World Asia touched water, a major milestone in the shipbuilding process.

The ship will be delivered in November 2026 and will offer seven-night Western Mediterranean sailings starting in December 2026, visiting Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Rome, Messina, and Malta.

MSC World Atlantic Coin Ceremony

Four adults in business attire and white hard hats stand side by side at an industrial site. Two of them are holding circular objects. Industrial equipment and cranes are visible in the background.

During the traditional coin ceremony for MSC World Atlantic, godmothers from both the cruise line and shipyard placed commemorative coins inside the ship for blessing and good fortune.

The ship will enter service in 2027, offering Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral beginning with the winter 2027-28 season.

Current World Class Fleet

The World Class series now consists of MSC World Europa (delivered 2022), 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. Construction of World Class 7 and 8 will begin in 2029.

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Frank M

Frank is a seasoned travel journalist with over a decade of experience covering hospitality, cruise, and air travel. He has traveled extensively by land, sea, and air, collaborating with industry giants like Marriott, Hyatt, Disney, and Carnival Corp. His work has been featured in major international and industry publications across four continents.
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