MSC Cruises has ordered two new World Class ships worth €3.5 billion, due to be delivered in 2030 and 2031.
With the new World Class ships – numbers 7 and 8 – MSC Cruises will offer a total of eight World Class vessels in its expanding fleet.
Valued at €3.5bn, the new orders bring MSC Cruises’ total investment in France this year to nearly €7bn for the construction of the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth World Class ships.
Bernard Biger
And, with the World Class vessels already under construction, the cruise company’s total direct investment currently committed in France is €10.5bn.
World Class 5 and 6 were ordered with ship builder Chantiers de L’Atlantique earlier this year.
"The World Class platform is a symbol of our vision to set new standards for the future of cruising," said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman, cruise division, MSC Group.
"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."
New energy efficient ships
Laurent Castaing, general manager at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, said: "What our shipyard is achieving today is truly exceptional — four new ships ordered in 2025!
"The World Class series, now totaling 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.”
Currently, MSC's World Class consists of MSC World Europa (2022), MSC World America (2025), MSC World Asia (2026), and MSC World Atlantic (2027).
Construction of World Class 7 and 8 will begin in 2029, with World Class 5, 6, 7 and 8 to be delivered by 2031.
As well as announcing the new ships, MSC Cruises and the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard have celebrated the float out of MSC World Asia and the coin ceremony of MSC World Atlantic.
Images courtesy of MSC Cruises
