MSC Cruises is going all-in on expansion. The cruise line just announced it’s ordering two more World Class ships from French shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique, with a combined price tag of €3.5 billion and delivery dates set for 2030 and 2031, according to Cruise Industry News.
That brings MSC’s total commitment to the World Class series to eight vessels, and the investment is staggering: nearly €7 billion for the four ships ordered just this year, and €10.5 billion across the entire World Class fleet currently under construction or already sailing.
Why This Matters for Cruisers
The World Class ships aren’t just big—they’re designed to be some of the most energy-efficient cruise vessels afloat. All eight will run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), which MSC sees as a bridge fuel until renewable alternatives become viable at scale.
For travelers, this translates to more sailing options on newer, greener ships with cutting-edge amenities. The World Class series kicked off with MSC World Europa in 2022, followed by MSC World America earlier this year and MSC World Asia slated for 2026. Each ship can accommodate thousands of guests across innovative deck designs and features that push the envelope on what mega-ships can deliver.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, emphasized that these ships represent “some of the most energy efficient ships in the world” and underscore the company’s commitment to LNG propulsion as it prepares “for future renewable fuels.”
The Bigger Picture
MSC’s aggressive fleet expansion signals confidence in cruise demand through the end of the decade and beyond. While other lines have announced ship orders, few are investing at this scale in a single ship class. The consistency also means MSC can refine the World Class design with each iteration, potentially delivering better guest experiences as the series matures.
Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, noted that the partnership reflects “our shared commitment to elevating the passenger experience while advancing environmental performance.”
For cruisers eyeing MSC sailings in the coming years, this news is a clear signal: expect more inventory, more itineraries, and continued investment in next-generation ships that balance size with sustainability. The World Class fleet is becoming MSC’s flagship product line, and with eight ships on the way, there will be plenty of opportunities to experience what these vessels have to offer.
The first two of the newly ordered ships (World Class 7 and 8) won’t arrive until 2030 and 2031, but MSC World Atlantic is scheduled to debut in 2027, giving travelers multiple entry points to this evolving ship series over the next several years.