MSC Cruises have just announced the order of two LNG-powered, mega cruise ships which will be the world’s largest by passenger capacity.
The line took delivery of the latest next-generation cruise ship, MSC Meraviglia, at the flag ceremony on the 31st May whilst also signing a new memorandum with STX France for four ships that will become part of the MSC Cruises World Class.
The signing for the two 200,000 GRT vessels, with options open for two additional vessels, took place in the presence of Mr Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, and Bruno Le Maire, Minister of the Economy.
In connection with the signing, MSC and STX France also unveiled several key features of the World Class; among other innovations, they will be equipped with a completely new generation of LNG-powered engines as well as a new generation waste water treatment system.
The brand’s World Class cruise ships will feature 2,760 cabins with a maximum occupancy of 6,850 guests, the highest passenger capacity in the global cruise fleet.
The vessels will be delivered in 2022 and 2024 and will have a length of 330 metres and 47 metres of beam, whilst the options for an additional two ships are for 2025 and 2026..
Speaking at the MSC Meraviglia Flag Ceremony, Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman, said: “Today, as we unveil MSC Meraviglia, a new vessel that marks the start of the next phase of our growth, we are delighted to confirm another key component of our ten-year investment plan: the World Class.
These new vessels will further expand our partnership with STX France all the way to 2026, with up to seven additional innovative ships to be built during this period.”
STX France’s CEO Laurent Castaing also commented: “Once again, MSC Cruises has chosen to put their trust in our capacity to support their growth and expansion as well as in our ability to conceive, develop and build the world’s most modern and technologically-advanced cruise ships.
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 their fleet built by STX France in Saint-Nazaire is set to reach 20. Our exceptional industrial partnership continues to benefit an entire region.”
The World Class’ futuristic “Y” shape structure will enable panoramic sea views whilst also increasing the proportion of balcony cabins.
The ships’ G bow (vertically positioned at a 90 degree angle) has been designed to improve stability, hydrodynamics as well as to enhance guest comfort. Other guest-centric innovations include family-friendly villages, a panoramic aft, and a glass pool lounge.
The announcement of the World Class was made as MSC officially took delivery of MSC Meraviglia. During the ship’s flag ceremony, which pays tribute to centuries-old maritime tradition, the Company’s newest flagship received her official flag and blessings for good fortune.
MSC Meraviglia is now due to set sail towards the Port of Le Havre for her christening ceremony on 3 June.
But what do you think on the news today? Have you been anticipating MSC Meraviglia as much as we have? Will you be sailing with MSC’s World Class once it holds the world’s largest cruise ship capacity? Tell us something you love about MSC and leave us your comments below!
MSC’s Newest Ship: The Countdown Has Begun! The countdown has begun to MSC Meraviglia‘s debut with just 3 days to go now until the ship’s christening. The 5,714-passenger vessel will be…
Eight Surprising Facts You Never Knew About MSC There’s a lot more to this cruise line than you may think. Get ready to feel as enlightened as we now do on MSC, the cruise line with more under its sleeve than we knew before, including their surprising love of Lego…
