MSC Cruises celebrated three major milestones for its World Class ships at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.
The highlight of the event was the delivery of MSC World America, which represents the 23rd ship in the cruise line’s modern fleet. The ship is scheduled for its official naming ceremony on April 9 at MSC’s new state-of-the-art cruise terminal in PortMiami, currently the largest cruise terminal in the world.
The celebration also included a traditional coin ceremony for MSC World Asia, marking a crucial phase in its construction. The vessel is set to begin service in winter 2026-27, offering Mediterranean itineraries with stops in France, Italy, Spain, and Malta.
Additionally, the company marked the start of construction for its fourth World Class ship, MSC World Atlantic, with a steel cutting ceremony. This new vessel is scheduled to enter service in 2027 and will be deployed in the Caribbean from Port Canaveral starting winter 2027-28.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, emphasized the significance of these milestones, highlighting the company’s two-decade partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique that has resulted in five groundbreaking prototypes and 19 ships.
The new flagship, MSC World America, stands out for its environmental credentials. Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, noted that the vessel has achieved the best energy efficiency design index (EEDI) from the IMO, resulting in the lowest carbon footprint in the cruise industry.
The ship features advanced environmental technologies, including LNG-powered engines compatible with bio and synthetic renewable fuels, shore power capability, an advanced wastewater treatment system, and a comprehensive on-board recycling management plant.
MSC World America will commence its inaugural season from Miami on April 12, offering alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. The Eastern Caribbean route will include stops in Puerto Plata, San Juan, and Ocean Cay, while the Western Caribbean itinerary will visit Costa Maya, Cozumel, Isla de Roatan, and Ocean Cay.
