MSC Cruises has ordered two additional LNG-powered cruise ships in a deal worth €3.5 billion, extending the fleet to eight vessels.
The announcement was made during a double milestone ceremony at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, marking the float-out of MSC World Asia and the coin ceremony for MSC World Atlantic.
The latest order brings MSC’s total investment in four ships ordered in France this year to nearly €7 billion, raising its overall direct commitments in the country to €10.5 billion.
Both new ships, World Class 7 and 8, are scheduled for delivery in 2030 and 2031, with construction due to begin in 2029.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, said the new LNG-powered vessels underline the company’s ambition to “set new standards for the future of cruising”, noting their high energy efficiency and readiness for future renewable fuels.
Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, said the orders were “truly exceptional”, highlighting that MSC has now ordered four ships from the shipyard in 2025 alone. He added that the growing World Class series is a testament to the shipyard’s expertise and MSC’s long-term confidence.
The MSC World Asia will be delivered in November 2026 for seven-night Mediterranean sailings, while MSC World Atlantic is set to enter service in 2027 from Port Canaveral in the US. The two newly ordered ships remain subject to financing, in line with industry practice.
