MSC Cruises signed two new orders for their globally successful World Class ships. The order with French ship builder Chantiers de l’Atlantique, will see the total number of World Class ships in the MSC Cruises fleet expand to six. The two new ordered vessels – currently referred to as World Class 5 and 6 – will be delivered in 2029 and 2030 respectively and demonstrates the Company’s ongoing commitment to France and European shipbuilding.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises, said, “The confirmation of the orders for the two new World Class ships marks a new milestone in our remarkable journey of shipbuilding in France and the continuation of our long-term industrial plan.  This milestone underscores our commitment to building some of the highest performing ships in the world, creating a legacy of excellence and innovation in collaboration with the Chantiers de l’Atlantique – our long-term partners of more than 20 years. The highly successful World Class platform combines the very best in environmental technology with the latest advancements in guest experiences.”

Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique added, “We thank MSC Cruises for their continued trust. It is the synergy of our two companies’ expertise that has led to the creation of this high-potential World Class series, meeting the challenges both in terms of passenger experience and environmental performance. World Class V and VI mark a milestone in the history of the cruise industry, with the best energy efficiency.”

The new ships will join MSC World Europa and MSC World America along with MSC World Asia and MSC World Atlantic, which are currently under construction and will enter service in 2026 and 2027 respectively.

The World Class ships are already the most energy efficient ships in service, significantly outperforming the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and the new vessels will continue to uphold the high energy efficiency standards set by their sister ships.  All World Class ships are ready for a variety of alternative fuels including bio and synthetic LNG.  Additionally, they will feature a new configuration of the latest generation dual fuel internal combustion engines, which feature new technology to further reduce methane slip.

The new vessels will feature shore power plug-in connectivity to reduce carbon emissions in port, the most advanced wastewater treatment systems designed in line with the IMO, new advances in waste management, and a comprehensive range of onboard energy efficient equipment to optimise engine use and hotel energy needs to further reduce emissions.

As with the other World Class ships, the new vessels will seamlessly blend MSC Cruises’ signature elegant European design with comfort to offer an unparalleled guest experience centred around a districts concept with facilities, and experiences tailored to the needs of different types of traveller. Each new ship MSC Cruises builds offers something new and distinctive and World 5 and 6 will be no different.

The two new orders will be subject to access to financing, as per industry practice.