World-class cruise ship
A World Class cruise ship is a type of large luxury vessel designed and constructed by Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, exclusively for the Italian-Swiss cruise line MSC Cruises.[1] These ships are characterized by their innovative LNG-powered propulsion systems, which significantly reduce emissions—including 99% less sulfur oxides (SOx), 85% less nitrogen oxides (NOx), and 25% fewer greenhouse gases (GHG)—along with advanced wastewater treatment technologies to enhance environmental sustainability.[2] Measuring approximately 333.3 meters in length, 47 meters in beam, and 68 meters in height, with a gross tonnage of 215,863, each vessel accommodates up to 6,762 passengers across 2,626 staterooms, supported by a crew of 2,138, and reaches a maximum speed of 22.7 knots.[2] The class's distinctive design features a futuristic silhouette with a plumb bow and a unique Y-shaped stern, creating expansive outdoor spaces such as the 104-meter-long World Promenade—an open-air, panoramic walkway that serves as a central hub for dining, entertainment, and relaxation.[2] Key onboard innovations include the fleet's largest waterpark, seven swimming pools (one with a retractable roof), 13 dining options (six of which are specialty venues), and the 1,012-square-meter MSC Aurea Spa, emphasizing wellness and luxury.[2] The premium MSC Yacht Club enclave provides exclusive access to private pools, lounges, 24-hour butler service, and dedicated concierge, catering to high-end travelers seeking seclusion amid the ship's vibrant, multi-neighborhood layout.[2] As of November 2025, the World Class fleet consists of two active ships: the inaugural MSC World Europa, which entered service in December 2022 sailing primarily in the Mediterranean, and MSC World America, which debuted in April 2025 from Miami for Caribbean itineraries.[3] Future vessels include MSC World Asia (delivery November 2026, initial Mediterranean deployment), MSC World Atlantic (2027), and two additional unnamed ships planned for 2030 and 2031, bringing the planned total to eight ships in the class and reflecting MSC Cruises' ongoing expansion of this groundbreaking class.[3][1][4]History
Planning and announcement
In 2017, MSC Cruises announced a strategic fleet expansion as part of its long-term growth plans, ordering a new class of large cruise ships from the French shipbuilder STX France (now known as Chantiers de l'Atlantique). On June 1, 2017, the company firmed up an order for two LNG-powered vessels in the World Class, with options for two additional ships, marking a significant step in developing innovative, environmentally advanced cruise ships.[5] The initial order for the first two ships was firmed up shortly thereafter, with construction preparations advancing despite the emerging challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020; MSC proceeded with the project as a key element of its post-pandemic recovery strategy to enhance capacity and market presence. In January 2020, just before the global health crisis intensified, MSC exercised options to confirm contracts for the third and fourth ships, solidifying the class's development with Chantiers de l'Atlantique.[6] Pierfrancesco Vago, then Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, played a central role in the partnership, emphasizing collaboration with the shipyard to pioneer designs focused on passenger immersion and sustainability. The class name "World" was selected to evoke themes of global discovery and connectivity, aligning with MSC's vision for expansive, world-spanning itineraries. The lead vessel, MSC World Europa, was formally announced on October 31, 2019, coinciding with its steel-cutting ceremony at the Saint-Nazaire shipyard.[7] Initial cost estimates placed the lead ship's construction at approximately $1.25 billion (about €1.15 billion), reflecting the scale of investment in this groundbreaking series designed to accommodate over 6,700 passengers.[8]Construction timeline
The World-class cruise ships are all being constructed at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.[9] Construction of the lead vessel, MSC World Europa, commenced with steel cutting in October 2019, followed by the keel laying ceremony on June 29, 2020, marking the first major milestone for the class during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.[10] The global health crisis led to supply chain disruptions and operational challenges at shipyards, including temporary slowdowns in material delivery and workforce availability, though work proceeded under strict health protocols.[11] The ship was floated out on December 2, 2021, entering the next phase of outfitting in a wet dock.[12] Sea trials were completed in June 2022, and delivery occurred on October 24, 2022, ahead of her maiden voyage.[9] For the second ship, MSC World America, the keel was laid on June 1, 2023, incorporating lessons from the lead vessel's build.[13] The float-out ceremony took place on April 9, 2024, transitioning the vessel to final assembly and testing.[14] Delivery was achieved on March 27, 2025, enabling her arrival in Miami for inaugural operations.[15] Subsequent vessels in the class followed a similar timeline at the same shipyard. The third ship, MSC World Asia, began with steel cutting in April 2024 and is slated for delivery in late 2026.[16] The fourth, MSC World Atlantic, is under construction for delivery in 2027. On May 19, 2025, MSC Cruises placed orders for two additional ships (the fifth and sixth in the class), with deliveries planned for 2029 and 2030, expanding the series amid ongoing demand for LNG-powered vessels.[17] On November 12, 2025, MSC Cruises announced orders for two further ships (the seventh and eighth in the class), scheduled for delivery in 2031 and 2032.[4]Design and engineering
General specifications
The World-class cruise ships, developed by MSC Cruises, feature a gross tonnage of 215,863 GT, positioning them among the largest vessels in the fleet.[18][19] These ships measure 333.3 meters (1,093 feet) in length, with a beam of 47 meters (154 feet) and a draft of 9.15 meters (30 feet), enabling access to a wide range of ports while maximizing onboard space.[20][21] They accommodate up to 6,762 passengers at double occupancy, supported by a crew of 2,138 members to ensure comprehensive service across the vessel.[18] The design includes 22 decks in total, with the majority dedicated to passenger areas, facilitating diverse layouts for accommodations and public spaces.[19][18] Built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, for owner MSC Cruises S.A., the class emphasizes innovative engineering within a standardized platform.[21] All vessels in the World class sail under the Malta flag, reflecting MSC's operational registry preferences.[22][23]Propulsion and sustainability features
The World-class cruise ships, such as MSC World Europa, feature a dual-fuel propulsion system powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), marking the first implementation of this technology in the MSC Cruises fleet. This system utilizes five Wärtsilä 14V46DF dual-fuel engines, each capable of operating on LNG or low-sulfur marine gas oil (MGO), providing a total power output that supports efficient cruising while minimizing environmental impact.[24][25][26] The LNG propulsion enables significant emissions reductions compared to conventional marine fuels, including approximately 25% lower greenhouse gas emissions on a CO2-equivalent basis, nearly 100% elimination of sulfur oxides (SOx), up to 85% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx), and substantial cuts in particulate matter.[27][2] These benefits stem from LNG's cleaner combustion properties and are further enhanced by selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems that achieve up to 90% NOx reduction when operating on MGO.[28] The vessels achieve a 47% improvement over the required Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), demonstrating advanced engineering for fuel efficiency. Propulsion performance includes a maximum speed of 22.7 knots and a cruising speed of approximately 21 knots, supported by electric propulsion motors and azimuth thrusters for maneuverability.[2] Energy efficiency is bolstered by advanced waste heat recovery systems that redistribute thermal energy for onboard heating and air conditioning, alongside comprehensive LED lighting controlled by intelligent management systems to optimize power usage.[29][24] Sustainability features also include the world's first solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology powered by LNG on a contemporary cruise ship, providing auxiliary power to further reduce emissions while in port.[28] An advanced wastewater treatment system treats all onboard wastewater to standards exceeding those of municipal sewage treatment plants, in compliance with IMO Resolution MEPC.227(64).[29] The ships ensure compliance with IMO 2020 global sulfur cap regulations through the low-sulfur profile of LNG and MGO operations, while equipped for cold ironing via shore power connectivity to draw electricity from port grids, reducing emissions during docking.[28][30] These innovations align with the European Union's Green Deal objectives for maritime decarbonization, supporting MSC Cruises' broader commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.[27]Ships
MSC World Europa
MSC World Europa is the lead ship of the World class, built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, and delivered to MSC Cruises on October 24, 2022. As the prototype vessel, it incorporates class-defining features such as LNG propulsion, marking MSC Cruises' entry into liquefied natural gas operations to reduce emissions.[31] The ship measures 215,863 gross tons and has capacity for over 6,700 passengers.[2] The naming ceremony for MSC World Europa took place on November 13, 2022, at the Grand Cruise Terminal in Doha, Qatar, where the MSC Foundation served as godmother in a departure from tradition.[19] The event highlighted the ship's role during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as it operated as a floating hotel in Doha to accommodate visitors ahead of its commercial service.[32] MSC World Europa commenced its maiden voyage on December 20, 2022, with a four-night repositioning cruise from Doha, Qatar, to Dubai, UAE.[33] This inaugural sailing initiated the ship's debut season in the Middle East, where it pioneered LNG-fueled operations for the line with seven-night itineraries calling at ports including Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, and Dammam, Saudi Arabia.[34] In March 2023, the vessel repositioned across the Indian Ocean to Europe, beginning year-round Western Mediterranean cruises in April 2023.[35] As of November 2025, MSC World Europa operates primarily from Mediterranean homeports such as Genoa, Italy, and Barcelona, Spain, offering seven-night itineraries to destinations including Rome (Civitavecchia), Messina (Sicily), Valletta (Malta), and Marseille, France.[36] The ship continues to test and refine World-class LNG systems, contributing to the fleet's sustainability goals during its seasonal deployments.[37]MSC World America
MSC World America is the second vessel in MSC Cruises' World-class fleet, delivered on March 27, 2025, by the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.[38][39] This 216,638-gross-ton ship, measuring 333.3 meters (1,094 feet) in length and accommodating up to 6,762 passengers, represents the line's expansion into the North American market with tailored features for U.S. travelers.[15] The ship's naming ceremony took place on April 9, 2025, at the new MSC Seascape Terminal in PortMiami, featuring U.S.-centric entertainment including a performance by actress and godmother Drew Barrymore, who broke the traditional champagne bottle against the hull to honor MSC's commitment to the region.[40][41] Her maiden voyage departed from Miami on April 12, 2025, embarking on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary visiting Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and MSC's private Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas.[20][42] Based in Miami, Florida, as her year-round homeport, MSC World America operates alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages, including stops at Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico, Roatán in Honduras, and Nassau in the Bahamas, providing accessible tropical escapes for North American passengers.[18][43] To appeal to the U.S. audience, the ship incorporates enhanced American-style dining options such as Butcher's Cut steakhouse and Luna Park Pizza & Burger diner, alongside 19 total venues blending international flavors with familiar comforts like tacos at Hola! and Greek fare at Paxos.[44][45] Family areas have been expanded compared to lead ship MSC World Europa, featuring the largest Doremiland kids' club in the fleet with LEGO and VR experiences, plus the Family Aventura district's Aquapark, Sportplex with bumper cars, and the unique overwater Harbour swing ride.[46][47] Like its class siblings, the vessel employs liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion for reduced emissions.[39]Planned vessels
MSC Cruises has confirmed construction on four additional World-class vessels beyond the two in service, bringing the total in the series to eight as of November 2025.[17][4] The third ship in the class, MSC World Asia, is under construction at Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, with delivery scheduled for November 2026.[48] This LNG-powered vessel will initially deploy to the Western Mediterranean, offering itineraries from ports such as Civitavecchia (Rome) and Barcelona.[49] Steel cutting for MSC World Asia occurred in 2024, the ship floated out in November 2025, marking the final phase of outfitting.[50][4] The fourth vessel, named MSC World Atlantic, began steel cutting in March 2025 and is slated for delivery in 2027.[51] A coin ceremony was held in November 2025 to mark construction progress.[4] Like its sisters, it will feature LNG propulsion and a capacity of approximately 6,774 passengers, with no major design variations announced from the baseline World-class specifications.[52] The ship is planned to offer Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral starting with the winter 2027-28 season.[4] On May 19, 2025, MSC Cruises formalized orders for the fifth and sixth World-class ships with Chantiers de l'Atlantique in a €3.5 billion deal.[53] These LNG-powered vessels, currently designated as World Class 5 and 6, are expected to deliver in 2029 and 2030, respectively, with construction starting in 2027.[54] No names or specific homeports have been announced for these ships, though they align with MSC's strategy to expand its global presence.[55] On November 12, 2025, MSC Cruises announced orders for the seventh and eighth World-class ships, also with Chantiers de l'Atlantique, valued at €3.5 billion. These LNG-powered vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2030 and 2031, with construction beginning in 2029. No names, homeports, or other details have been released.[4] This expansion supports MSC Cruises' broader fleet growth, projecting 27 ships in operation by 2030 to meet rising demand in key markets.[56]| Ship Name | Yard | Delivery Year | Propulsion | Passenger Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSC World Asia | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | 2026 | LNG | 6,774 |
| MSC World Atlantic | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | 2027 | LNG | 6,774 |
| World Class 5 (unnamed) | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | 2029 | LNG | ~6,774 |
| World Class 6 (unnamed) | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | 2030 | LNG | ~6,774 |
| World Class 7 (unnamed) | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | 2030 | LNG | ~6,774 |
| World Class 8 (unnamed) | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | 2031 | LNG | ~6,774 |