MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l'Atlantique revealed plans on Wednesday to build two more World Class cruise ships during a ceremony in Saint Nazaire, France. This event also celebrated important construction achievements for two other ships in the same series.

The total cost for the new World Class ships, numbered 7 and 8, is €3.5 billion. They are expected to be delivered in 2030 and 2031. With this deal, MSC Cruises' investment in France this year has reached nearly €7 billion. In total, the cruise line has committed €10.5 billion to French shipbuilding when combined with previous orders.

This announcement coincided with the float-out of MSC World Asia and a traditional coin ceremony for MSC World Atlantic at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard.

"Today is a proud moment for MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l'Atlantique as we celebrate key achievements for our future," said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group's Cruise Division. "The World Class platform represents our goal to set new standards in cruising. These ships are among the most energy-efficient globally, and we are committed to using LNG, ensuring we are prepared for future renewable fuels."

Construction for the two newly ordered ships will start in 2029. These orders depend on securing financing, which is standard practice in the industry.

"What our shipyard is accomplishing today is remarkable — four new ships ordered in 2025! The World Class series, now with eight vessels, showcases the skill of our teams and MSC's vision," stated Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l'Atlantique.

MSC World Asia is set to be delivered in November 2026 and will begin offering seven-night Mediterranean cruises starting in December, visiting Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina, and Valletta. MSC World Atlantic is planned to start operations in 2027, featuring Caribbean trips from Port Canaveral starting in the winter of 2027-28.

All World Class ships are equipped with dual-fuel liquefied natural gas engines and are designed to use bio and synthetic fuels as they become available. This supports MSC's commitment to achieving net-zero maritime emissions by 2050.

Currently, the World Class fleet includes MSC World Europa (2022) and MSC World America (2025), with MSC World Asia and MSC World Atlantic joining in 2026 and 2027, respectively.