MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l'Atlantique celebrated today in Saint-Nazaire, France, the delivery of MSC World America, the coin ceremony for MSC World Asia and the steel cutting of the fourth ship in MSC Cruises' World Class, whose name has already been revealed by the company: MSC World Atlantic.
The ceremonies were attended by Captain Gianluigi Aponte, founder and president of the MSC Group; Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of the MSC Group's cruise division; Laurent Castaing, CEO of Chantiers de l'Atlantique; Marc Ferracci, French Minister of Industry and Energy; as well as representatives of the new MSC Cruises construction team and shipyard workers who have participated in the construction of MSC World America over the past 30 months.
MSC World America, the 23rd ship in MSC Cruises' modern fleet, will be officially launched on April 9th in the United States, at the company's new, state-of-the-art cruise terminal in Miami, the largest in the world. The ship offers new spaces and concepts specifically tailored to the American market, combining the company's signature European style with American comfort.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group's Cruises division, said: “Today is a proud day for all of us at MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l'Atlantique as we celebrate these important milestones in the development of our fleet. Our new flagship is a reflection of our innovative collaboration of more than 20 years, which has resulted in five pioneering prototypes and 19 ships. Together, we continue to push boundaries, merging cutting-edge design, the latest technologies, and an enriching experience to set new standards in the cruise industry. Furthermore, we continue working to improve the environmental performance of every ship. With MSC World Asia and MSC World Atlantic, we look forward to raising the bar even higher.”
Today also saw the coin ceremony for MSC World Asia, in which commemorative coins were placed inside the ship as a sign of blessing during its construction and to bring good fortune to the vessel. The ceremony's godmothers, Marialuisa Iaccarino, Vice President of Shore Excursions for MSC Cruises, and Flavie Biondo, Business Manager of Chantiers de l'Atlantique, performed this act in honor of this maritime tradition. MSC World Asia will enter service in the winter of 2026-2027, with departures from Barcelona and Mediterranean itineraries visiting France, Italy, and Malta.
MSC Cruises' third celebration was the steel-cutting ceremony, marking the official start of construction on the company's fourth World Class ship, scheduled to launch in 2027. During the event, the new ship's name was revealed: MSC World Atlantic. This vessel will sail the Caribbean from Port Canaveral, USA, in the winter of 2027-2028.
The World Class prototype set new standards in cruising with the launch of MSC World Europa in 2022, and the class continues to evolve with each new ship incorporating innovations in design, technology, and passenger experience. Reflecting the global nature of MSC Cruises, the ships are named after continents and oceans around the world, without necessarily indicating where they will be deployed.
MSC World America is one of the world's most energy-efficient cruise ships, exceeding all design requirements of the International Maritime Organization's Energy Efficiency Design Index. Its state-of-the-art engines run on LNG, enabling a direct transition to biofuels and renewable synthetic fuels. Furthermore, it features a shore power system that allows the engines to be shut down in connected ports, such as MSC's new cruise terminal in Miami.
Among other innovations, MSC World America has an advanced wastewater treatment system and a complete onboard recycling management plant, which together considerably reduce waste production.
The Classification Society, Bureau Veritas, has awarded MSC World America its Platinum Pearl Award, in recognition of MSC Cruises' 20-year commitment to health, safety and environmental protection across its entire fleet.
The ship's inaugural season from Miami begins on April 12. It will alternate 7-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries to Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), San Juan (Puerto Rico), and MSC Cruises' private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, with 7-night Western Caribbean voyages to Costa Maya and Cozumel (Mexico), Roatán Island (Honduras), and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
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