MSC Cruises announces order for seventh and eighth World-Class ships

MSC Cruises has announced the construction of two new World-Class ships. This happened on Wednesday 12.11.2025 during a double celebration of the maiden voyage of MSC World Asia and the mint (groundbreaking) of MSC World Atlantic at the Chanties de L'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The two new ships, known for now by the code names World Class 7 and World Class 8, will put to sea in 2030 and 2031.

The value of the orders totals €3.5 billion (more than 85 billion crowns), bringing MSC Cruises' total investment in the four ships ordered in France this year to nearly €7 billion (more than 170 billion crowns). Together with the World Class ships already under construction, this brings the company's total direct investment in France to €10.5 billion (254 billion crowns). By comparison, the Czech Republic's state budget for 2025 is 241 billion crowns. According to an MSC Cruises press release, these investments reflect the shipowner's confidence in the future of cruise tourism and its ongoing commitment to excellence in shipbuilding in France and across Europe.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group's Cruise Division, commented: "Today is a day of pride for MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l'Atlantique as we celebrate important milestones for our future - the launch of the shipMSC World Asia, the MSC World Atlantic ceremony and the ordering of two new ships. The World Class platform is emblematic of our vision to set new standards for the future of cruising. These are one of the most fuel-efficient ships in the world and we continue our commitment to LNG to ensure we are ready for the renewable fuel of the future. We look forward to continuing our innovative and successful collaboration with Chantiers de L'Atlantique - our long-term partner for more than 20 years."

Laurent Castaing, CEO of Chantiers de l'Atlantique, said: "We are very grateful to MSC Cruises for its renewed confidence. What our shipyard is achieving today is truly exceptional - four new ships on order in 2025! The World Class series, which now totals eight vessels, is a testament to the expertise of our teams and the vision of MSC. It exemplifies our shared commitment to improving the passenger experience while enhancing environmental performance."

Thanks to separate districts, which are among the most distinctive features of these ships, guests can explore, network and relax in a way that is unique and personal to everyone. Each new addition to the World Class fleet brings something bold and original. This spirit of constant evolution is reflected in MSC World Asia, MSC World Atlantic and the remarkable ships yet to come - each a new chapter in the journey to unforgettable experiences at sea.

MSC Cruises World Class consists of MSC World Europe (2022) and MSC World America (2025), MSC World Asia (2026) and MSC World Atlantic (2027), with the as-yet-unnamed World Class 5, 6, 7 and 8 ships to follow by 2031.

The two new orders will be subject to funding in accordance with normal industry practice.

Zdroj: MSC Cruises, Cruise Industry News