MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique have announced orders for two additional World Class ships – numbers 7 and 8 – due to be delivered in 2030 and 2031.
*All details correct at time of publish (14 November 2025)
The announcement was made at a double celebration event to mark important maritime milestones for two other World Class ships currently under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France, the float out of MSC World Asia and the coin ceremony of MSC World Atlantic.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group, said: “We mark a proud moment for MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique as we celebrate important milestones for our future – the float out of MSC World Asia, the coin ceremony of 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 with our innovative and successful collaboration with Chantiers de L’Atlantique – our long-term partner for more than 20 years.”
Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, added: “We are deeply grateful to MSC Cruises for their renewed confidence. What our shipyard is achieving today is truly exceptional – four new ships ordered in 2025!
“The World Class series, now totalling eight vessels, is a testament to our teams’ expertise and to MSC’s vision. It exemplifies our shared commitment to elevating the passenger experience while advancing environmental performance.”
Construction of both World Class 7 and 8 will begin in 2029 and will join a legacy of ships delivered by Chantiers de L’Atlantique as part of its longstanding partnership with MSC Cruises.
MSC Cruises said its World Class ships redefine the art of cruising, delivering an extraordinary guest experience shaped by visionary design and boundless imagination. Each ship is a destination in itself, where innovation meets elegance, and every detail is crafted to elevate every moment on board.
With distinct districts designed to suit every mood and moment, guests are able to discover, connect and unwind in ways that feel uniquely personal. Every new addition to the World Class fleet brings something bold and original, which guests can look forward to.
MSC Cruises’ World Class consists of MSC World Europa (2022) and MSC World America (2025), MSC World Asia(2026), and MSC World Atlantic (2027), with the yet-to-be-named World Class 5, 6, 7 and 8 ships to follow by 2031.
The two new orders will be subject to access to financing, as per industry practice.
MSC World Asia float out – The float out is a major milestone in the shipbuilding process, as it is the first time a new vessel touches water and sees the ship enter the next phase of construction.
MSC World Asia will be delivered in November 2026 ready to sail in the Mediterranean and from December will offer seven-night sailings to the most popular destinations in the Western Mediterranean – Barcelona (Spain), Marseille (France), Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina (Italy) and Valletta (Malta)
MSC World Atlantic coin ceremony – A traditional coin ceremony for MSC World Atlantic also took place when the vessel’s Godmothers from both the cruise line and the shipyard placed commemorative coins inside the ship as a sign of blessing during construction and to bring good fortune to the vessel.
MSC World Atlantic will enter service in 2027 and will be deployed in the Caribbean Sea from Port Canaveral, U.S, for winter 2027-28.
For more information, visit https://www.msccruises.co.uk/
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