With MSC Cruises’ latest two-ship order, there are 49 new cruise ships under construction or on order (or option) for deliveries in 2008 through 2012, following the delivery of six new ships earlier this year and eight ships last year.

According to Cruise Industry News, the 49 ships have an estimated building value of $25.8 billion, and with 109,276 berths, an average of approximately $236,100 per berth. In addition, more newbuilding orders are expected to be placed in the near future.

Of the total, 29 ships are destined primarily for the North American market and 20 for Europe.

The six new ships that were delivered earlier this year went to AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.