On May 19, MSC Cruises, a subsidiary of Swiss shipping giant Mediterranean Shipping (MSC) Group, announced on its official website that the company has ordered two additional “World Class” series cruise ships, “World Class 5” and “World Class 6”, from the French Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
The order has been confirmed by French Minister of Industry and Energy Marc Ferracci. The total value of the order is nearly 3.5 billion euros (about 3.945 billion U.S. dollars). Construction is expected to start in 2027. The new cruise ship will have a gross tonnage of 217,000 and can accommodate approximately 6,700 passengers.
The two new orders – currently referred to as World Class 5 and 6 – will be delivered in 2029 and 2030 respectively. The ships will build further on the legacy of excellence and innovation established by the World Class, which combines the very best in environmental technology with the latest advancements in guest experiences.
World Class 5 and 6 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” series of cruise ships are known as one of the most energy-efficient cruise ships, with a total length of about 333 meters. With a dual-fuel design, its emissions will be further reduced with the large-scale use of biofuels and synthetic fuels. As a loyal fan of French cruise shipyards, MSC Cruises has spent about 18 billion euros (about 20.288 billion U.S. dollars) in 25 years to build 19 cruise ships in France.
Including the latest order, MSC Cruises has ordered a total of six “World Class” cruise ships at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France. The first four are “MSC World Europa”, “MSC World America”, “MSC World Asia” and “MSC World Atlantic”.
MSC World America entered service in Miami last month, ushering in a new world of cruising with its seamless blend of European style and American comfort. The ship’s new districts—like Family Aventura with the all-new Cliffhanger thrill ride—are getting rave reviews from travelers. Guests are also loving new bar and restaurant concepts ranging from the All-Stars Sports Bar to the only Eataly Restaurant at sea.