MSC Cruises marked a trio of milestones for three of its World Class ships at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France.
It celebrated the delivery of MSC World America, the coin ceremony of MSC World Asia and steel cutting for the newly named MSC World Atlantic.
In attendance was Captain Gianluigi Aponte, Founder and Group Chairman of MSC, Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division and Chantiers de l’Atlantique General Manager, Laurent Castaing as well as the French Minister for Industry and Energy, Marc Ferracci.
MSC World America is the 23rd ship to join the cruise line’s fleet and is set to be officially named on 9 April in the U.S. at the company’s new Miami cruise terminal.
The new ship features new venues and concepts tailored specifically to the US market.
Pierfrancesco Vago said, “Today is a proud moment as we mark these major milestones. Our new flagship is a testament to our long-standing, innovative partnership spanning over 20 years.”
The shipbuilding partnership has produced five prototypes and 19 ships.
“We look forward to raising the bar even higher with the upcoming MSC World Asia and MSC World Atlantic.”
The traditional coin ceremony for MSC World Asia also took place.
MSC World Asia will enter service in winter 2026-27 with sailings in the Mediterranean to destinations in France, Italy, Spain and Malta.
MSC Cruises’ third celebration was a steel cutting ceremony to officially start the construction of the line’s fourth World Class ship, due to enter service in 2027.
The ship’s name was revealed for the first time – MSC World Atlantic.
The ship will be deployed in the Caribbean from Port Canaveral, U.S, from winter 2027-28.
MSC says World America is one of the most energy-efficient cruise ships in the world surpassing all design requirements under the International Maritime Organization’s Energy Efficiency Design Index.
The ship is also equipped with shore power to allow the engines to be switched off while in connected ports, which includes the new MSC Cruise Terminal in Miami.
The ship’s inaugural season from Miami starts on 12 April. She will sail alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages.
