MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique announced new orders for two World Class ships valued at €3.5 billion. The agreement, unveiled during a double celebration at the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, brings the total value of MSC Cruises’ orders with Chantiers de l’Atlantique this year to nearly €7 billion.
The two new vessels, identified as World Class 7 and 8, are scheduled for delivery in 2030 and 2031. Construction will begin in 2029. These additions increase MSC Cruises’ total direct investment in France to €10.5 billion, including the four World Class ships already under construction.
During the ceremony, MSC World Asia was floated out, and the coin ceremony for MSC World Atlantic was held.
MSC World Asia is expected to be delivered in November 2026 and will operate seven-night Mediterranean itineraries from December 2026. MSC World Atlantic will enter service in 2027, offering Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral for the 2027–2028 winter season.
The new ships will continue to use dual-fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines, supporting MSC Cruises’ target of achieving net-zero emissions in maritime operations by 2050.
MSC Cruises is a privately owned cruise line headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It is part of the MSC Group and operates globally as the world’s third-largest cruise company. The line maintains a fleet of 23 ships serving over 300 destinations across five continents.
Chantiers de l’Atlantique is a French shipbuilding company based in Saint-Nazaire. It specializes in designing and constructing cruise ships, naval vessels, and offshore energy structures. Operating as one of Europe’s major shipyards, it combines industrial engineering with research and development in environmental efficiency and renewable energy systems.
