MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique announced a significant reinforcement of their long-term partnership, with orders for two additional World Class ships, numbers 7 and 8, which are expected to be delivered in 2030 and 2031.
The announcement was made during a double celebration event for two other World Class ships that constitute a milestone in shipping and are currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France: the float out of the “MSC World Asia” and the coin ceremony of the “MSC World Atlantic”.
With a value of €3.5 billion, the orders announced today increase MSC Cruises’ total investment in the four ships ordered in France this year to nearly €7 billion. Combined with the World Class ships already under construction, this raises the company’s total direct investment currently committed in France to €10.5 billion. This major industrial project reflects the shipowner’s confidence in the future of cruise tourism and its lasting commitment to shipbuilding excellence in France and throughout Europe.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, stated: “Today we mark a moment of pride for MSC Cruises and the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, as we celebrate significant milestones for our future: the float out of the ‘MSC World Asia’, the coin ceremony of the ‘MSC World Atlantic’, and the order of two new ships. 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 our innovative and successful partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, our long-term partner for more than 20 years.”
Credit: MSC Cruises
Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, added: “We are deeply grateful to MSC Cruises for renewing their trust. What our shipyard is achieving today is truly exceptional as four new ships have been ordered in 2025. The World Class series, which now reaches a total of eight ships, is a testament to the expertise of our teams and the vision of MSC.
It demonstrates our shared commitment to upgrade the passenger experience, while also advancing environmental performance.
The construction of the World Class 7 and 8 ships will begin in 2029 and will join the ship delivery stream from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, as part of its long-term partnership with MSC Cruises.
The MSC Cruises World Class series is redefining the cruise approach, offering an exceptional experience for guests, shaped by visionary design and imagination.
The MSC Cruises World Class series includes the MSC World Europa (2022) and MSC World America (2025), the MSC World Asia (2026) and the MSC World Atlantic (2027), with the future World Class 5, 6, 7 and 8 ships, which have yet to be named, expected by 2031.
The two new orders will be subject to access to financing, in line with standard industry practice.
MSC World Asia Float Out
The float out of the MSC World Asia is a significant milestone in the shipbuilding process, as it is the first time a new ship touches the water and enters the next phase of construction. The MSC World Asia will be delivered in November 2026, ready to sail in the Mediterranean and from December will offer seven-night trips to the most popular destinations of the Western Mediterranean – Barcelona (Spain), Marseille (France), Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina (Italy) and Valletta (Malta).
Coin Ceremony for MSC World Atlantic
As for the coin ceremony for the MSC World Atlantic, during which the ship’s godmothers from the cruise company and the shipyard placed commemorative coins inside the ship as a symbol of blessing during construction and to bring
good luck to the ship. The MSC World Atlantic will enter service in 2027 and will operate in the Caribbean Sea from Port Canaveral, USA, during the winter of 2027-28.
The MSC Cruises godmother was Lynn Torrent. Lynn is President of MSC Cruises North America, overseeing all commercial and operational activities in the region. A seasoned cruise industry executive, she plays a pivotal role in advancing MSC Cruises’ strategic growth in the North American market.
From the Chantiers de L’Atlantique shipyard, the godmother was Agnès Sahores, Director of Smart Shipyard Improvement, who has worked at Chantiers de l’Atlantique for 25 years. She oversees the implementation of the company’s improvement plan, which focuses on industrial performance, innovation, environmental efficiency and collective success.
