MSC Cruises is to build two new ships that will expand its capacity by 31%.
It has signed a letter of intent with French shipbuilder FTX France for the construction of two new cruise ships, with an option for two more.
"The new prototype will be the biggest cruise ship ever built by a European ship owner and the most versatile and flexible of the world," said CEO Gianni Onorato.
"Not only will it be able to call in most of the ports and destinations on earth, without compromise, but it will have extraordinary features that will make it the perfect choice at sea, in summer and in winter,"
Due for delivery respectively in 2017 and 2019, the new ships will have 2,250 cabins for guests, accommodating 5,700 passengers.
They will also have new family cabins, panoramic spaces, a bigger theatre and a "spectacular" amusement park connected to an outdoor aqua park and a two-deck "inside promenade".
Building is due to start in spring 2015.
