Both LNG-powered vessels will be built at STX France and have the world's highest passenger capacity
By
Rebecca Gibson |
MSC Cruises has finalised its order for two 200,000gt LNG-powered mega cruise ships to be built at STX France and delivered in 2022 and 2024.
Signed at the flag ceremony for MSC Meraviglia at STX France’s Saint-Nazaire yard on 31 May 2017, the order also includes an option for two additional vessels in 2025 and 2026. The ships will form the World Class series.
Each 330-metre-long, LNG-powered vessel will have 2,760 cabins and a maximum occupancy of 6,850 guests, the highest passenger capacity in the global cruise fleet. They will also have a ‘Y’ shape structure to enable guests to get panoramic sea views and increase the proportion of balcony cabins. The ships’ G bow (vertically positioned at a 90-degree angle) has been designed to improve stability, hydrodynamics, and guest comfort. Other guest-centric innovations include family-friendly villages, a panoramic aft, and a glass pool lounge.
“Once again, MSC Cruises has chosen to put its trust in our capacity to support its growth and expansion as well as in our ability to conceive, develop and build the world’s most modern and technologically-advanced cruise ships,” said Laurent Castaing, STX France's CEO. “By adding the new World Class to the four previous ship classes that we have delivered over the past 15 years, the number of vessels in its fleet built by STX France in Saint-Nazaire is set to reach 20. Our exceptional industrial partnership continues to benefit an entire region.”