MSC Cruises Expands Fleet | Cruise News – Apr. 6, 2016

MSC Cruises Announces Plan to Build 11 New Ships by 2026

Cruise News – Apr. 6, 2016

MSC Cruises has announced that it has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with STX France shipyard for the construction of up to four new LNG-powered cruise ships that will be more than 200,000 GRT. The four ships, the first of which will be delivered in 2022, will be based on a new advanced next-generation prototype and will form what will be known as the “World Class” of MSC Cruises’ ships.

MSC Cruises’ investment plan spans more than 10 years — from 2014 through 2026 — and introduces a total of up to 11 next-generation ships. The new orders would reflect an additional nearly $4.5 billion investment, which will bring the total value of the company’s 10-plus years investment plan to nearly $10.2 billion.

“The new World Class prototype will feature a record-breaking, futuristically conceived design that will make the ship a truly unique place to be at sea, whilst maximizing the open air space available to guests,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises executive chairman. “Our long-standing focus on innovation will make the new prototype quite unlike anything currently existing in the cruise industry.”

Vago added that it the cutting-edge design will feature the latest and best state-of-the-art smart technology at sea, use the most-advanced environmentally friendly technology available (including the LNG-propelled engines), and will be a ship for all seasons and for all regions.

The four ships provided under the LOI — two firm orders and two further options — will be delivered in 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026 and will feature more than 2,700 staterooms and approximately 5,400 lower berths occupancy capacity.

MSC Cruises’ total investment plan includes orders with STX France for two Meraviglia and two Meraviglia-Plus Class ships as well as orders with Fincantieri in Italy for up to three next-generation Seaside-class ships. Additionally, the plan encompassed the $227 million Renaissance Program, in which four ships out of 12 of the company’s fleet were enhanced and enlarged at the Fincantieri shipyards.


MSC Cruises Newbuilds at-a-Glance

Meraviglia Class (2 Ships)

  • Delivery dates: May 2017, Feb 2019
  • Gross Tonnage: 167, 600
  • Length: 1,034 feet
  • Double occupancy: 4,500

 

Meraviglia-Plus Class (2 Ships)

  • Delivery dates: October 2019 and September 2020
  • Gross Tonnage: 177,100
  • Length: 1,085 feet
  • Double Occupancy: 4,888

 

Seaside Class (3 Ships)

  • Delivery dates: November 2017, May 2018, and May 2021
  • Gross Tonnage: 160,000
  • Length: 1,059 feet
  • Double Occupancy: 4,140

 

World Class (4 Ships)

  • Delivery dates: 2022, 2024, 2025, 2026
  • Gross Tonnage: 200,000+
  • Double Occupancy: approximately 5,400

Photo: MSC Cruises, Pierfrancesco Vago


Sign up for weekly cruise news, fun contests, and exclusive offers delivered right to your inbox!


Now in its 25th year, Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine is published bi-monthly and available worldwide through digital subscription. It offers the latest news in cruise and travel, with in-depth features on voyages, new ships, the best destinations, readers' picks, onboard cuisine, entertainment, and more!