By
Rebecca Gibson |
French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique has floated out MSC Cruises’ MSC World America and started constructing the brand’s third World-class ship at its yard in Saint-Nazaire, France.
MSC World America was floated out of dry dock on 7 April and will now undergo final outfitting ahead of its christening at MSC Cruises’ new dedicated terminal at PortMiami in Florida, USA, on 9 April 2025. The 22-deck-high vessel will be able to accommodate over 6,700 guests in more 2,600 guest cabins and suites and will also offer more than 40,000 square metres of public space. This will include seven distinct districts with bars, lounge, restaurants and entertainment venues, all of which will be tailored to the North American passenger source market.
Like MSC World Europa, the first World-class ship which was christened in November 2022, MSC World America will be powered by LNG and connect to shore power. It will also feature both a plumb bow rising vertically from the waterline and a Y-shaped aft that opens onto an outdoor promenade.
“MSC World America is another example of the incredible professional partnership between us and the Chantiers de l’Atlantique team, with whom we have designed five distinct and innovative prototypes – the most recent being the ground-breaking World-class platform,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises.
MSC Cruises' Pierfranceso Vago (third from left) and other executives officially marked the steel cutting for MSC World Asia at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, Florida
Chantiers de l’Atlantique has also cut the steel for the third World-class ship, which MSC Cruises revealed will be named MSC World Asia and boast signature design touches, experiences and features inspired by Asia. The cruise ship will be an “evolution” of the first two World-class ships, with “an even further reduced carbon footprint”, according to MSC Cruises.
“With each and every ship we strive to improve and enhance not only the environmental technology but also new features that enrich the experience for the guest as we design for the future holiday experience,” said Vago. “MSC World Asia continues in this tradition and with this important milestone of the steel cutting we are pleased to confirm that she will offer even more advanced new features in terms of future-proof marine and onboard hospitality technologies as well as guest experiences.”
MSC World Asia is due for delivery in 2026.
“We are very proud to begin construction on MSC World Asia,” said Laurent Castaing, general manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “The third ship in the World-class series will feature cutting-edge technologies, making it one of the cleanest, most energy-efficient ships in the world. She embodies MSC Cruises’ and Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s long-term partnership and commitment towards the environment.”