MSC Cruises Marks Construction Milestones for Two World-Class Ships

MSC Cruises and shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique announced they have marked important construction milestones for two upcoming World Class ships. 

MSC World America reached a major milestone with the completion of its float out ceremony at the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire this past Sunday. The ship is now in its final phase of construction and will go into service in April 2025 at MSC Cruises’ new terminal at PortMiami.  

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MSC World America will be MSC Cruises’ largest ship to serve the U.S. and its first in the region to be powered by LNG. The vessel is specially designed with the North American guest in mind, featuring unique restaurants, bars, and experiences that seamlessly blend European design with American comfort. 

In addition, MSC Cruises officially revealed the name of its third World Class ship - MSC World Asia. Following the format of the other World Class ships that pay homage to different continents, MSC World Asia will symbolize the global nature of MSC Cruises.

A steel-cutting ceremony was held for MSC World Asia, marking the official start of construction. 

“MSC World America is another example of the incredible professional partnership between us and the Chantiers de l’Atlantique with whom we have designed five distinct and innovative prototypes – the most recent being the ground-breaking World Class platform. With each and every ship we strive to improve and enhance not only the environmental technology but also new features that enrich the experience for the guest as we design for the future holiday experience. MSC World Asia continues in this tradition and with this important milestone of the steel cutting we are pleased to confirm that she will offer even more advanced new features in terms of future-proof marine and onboard hospitality technologies as well as guest experiences,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises. 

MSC World Asia is anticipated to be delivered by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in 2026. Details of where the ship will operate have yet to be announced by the cruise line. 

"We are very proud to begin construction on MSC World Asia. The third ship in the World Class series will feature cutting-edge technologies, making it one of the cleanest, most energy-efficient ships in the world. She embodies MSC Cruises’ and Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s long-term partnership and commitment toward the environment,” Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique. 

MSC Cruises’ World Class ships are distinguished by their eye-catching silhouette and signature plumb bow, which rises vertically from the waterline, with a stylish Y-shaped aft that opens onto an impressive outdoor promenade. The ships will span 22 decks, offering more than 2,600 cabins and suites, providing more than 420,000 square feet of public space.  

MSC World America and MSC World Asia will be powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). Both vessels, as with all new MSC Cruises ships, will be fitted with shore power connectivity, which reduces emissions by allowing the ship’s engines to be switched off while calling at ports. Smart technology will be equipped throughout both ships to ensure guests can travel in comfort while keeping energy and water usage low. 

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