MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique today announced a major extension of their relationship with orders for two more World-class ships, numbers 7 and 8, valued at €3.5 billion and due to be delivered in 2030 and 2031. The ships will be powered by LNG.

The announcement was made at a double celebration event to mark maritime milestones for two other LNG World Class ships currently under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France, the float out of MSC World Asia and coin ceremony of MSC World Atlantic.

The new order announced today takes MSC Cruises’ total investment in the four ships ordered this year in France to nearly €7 billion.

Together with the World Class vessels already under construction, this brings the company’s total direct investment currently committed in France to €10.5 billion, the company said, in a press release.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group, said: “We mark a proud moment today for MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique as we celebrate important milestones for our future – the float out of MSC World Asia, the coin ceremony of MSC World Atlantic and the order of two new ships.

“The World Class platform is a symbol of our vision to set new standards for the future of cruising.

“These are some of the most energy efficient ships in the world and we continue our commitment to LNG, ensuring we are ready for future renewable fuels.

“We look forward to continuing with our innovative and successful collaboration with Chantiers de L’Atlantique – our long-term partner for more than 20 years.”

Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, added: “We are deeply grateful to MSC Cruises for their renewed confidence.

“What our shipyard is achieving today is truly exceptional — four new ships ordered in 2025. The World Class series, now totaling eight vessels, is a testament to our teams’ expertise and to MSC’s vision.

“It exemplifies our shared commitment to elevating the passenger experience while advancing environmental performance.”

MSC Cruises’ World Class consists of MSC World Europa (2022) and MSC World America (2025), MSC World Asia (2026), and MSC World Atlantic (2027), with the yet-to-be-named World Class 5, 6 7 and 8 ships to follow by 2031.

Photos: Top: MSC World America; Bottom: Laurent Castaing and Pierfrancesco Vago (credit Chantiers de l’Atlantique).