MSC Cruises reveals TWO new ships to come – what can we expect?

MSC Cruises has officially placed an order for two liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered ships in collaboration with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique, it has been revealed.

What do we know about the new MSC Cruises ships?

World Class 3 and 4, as they are currently known, are slated for delivery in 2026 and 2027 respectively. The pair will join MSC World Europa and MSC World America in MSC’s World Class – the most energy-efficient ships in the industry.

MSC World Europa (already sailing) and MSC World America (launching in spring 2025) already surpass the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) requirements, establishing themselves as leaders in energy efficiency.

How sustainable are the new MSC Cruises ships?

Forthcoming ships World Class 3 and 4 will build upon the advanced World Class prototype, incorporating innovative solutions to enhance energy efficiency.

These include extensive use of heat recovery and other technological advancements, aiming for a substantially reduced carbon footprint. The MSC Cruises ships will also be adaptable to various alternative fuels such as bio and synthetic methane, along with green methanol.

Equipped with next-generation dual-fuel internal combustion engines with reduced methane slip, these two new MSC cruise ships will be designed to meet the evolving standards of environmental sustainability.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises, commented: “The World Class is a truly innovative prototype and together we are building some of the most advanced ships in the world. We are committed to researching and investing in future environmental technologies as they become available, to ensure we continue progressing on our decarbonisation journey to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”

The upcoming World Class vessels will incorporate shore power plug-in connectivity to minimize carbon emissions while in port. They will also feature advanced wastewater treatment systems aligned with IMO standards, innovations in waste management, and a comprehensive array of onboard energy-efficient equipment to optimise engine use and hotel energy requirements, further contributing to emissions reduction.

So what do we know so far about the existing innovative World Class MSC ships?

MSC World Europa

MSC World Europa [above] marked the debut of MSC’s World Class fleet. Embarking on its maiden voyage in 2022, this cruise ship boasts a futuristic design, six exceptional speciality restaurants and a choice of 19 cabin categories catering to various budgets.

Among its highlights are the scenic Panorama Lounge, seven inviting swimming pools, a dynamic Luna Park Arena, and a remarkable stainless steel dry slide known as the Venom Drop @ The Spiral, spanning an impressive 11 decks.

Adding to the allure, the ship offers the Aurora Borealis Aquapark, designed for children and featuring VR technology, along with the exhilarating Sportsplex.

As for its environmental qualifications, MSC World Europa takes a sustainable approach, being powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas), ensuring reduced emissions and positioning itself as an environmentally conscious cruise ship.

MSC World America

MSC World America [above] is the second vessel in the World Class fleet. Beyond its cutting-edge design, the cruise ship exemplifies environmental responsibility by being powered by LNG and implementing other initiatives to enhance its eco-friendliness.

Embarking on a journey to the Caribbean in 2025, MSC World America provides a breathtaking, state-of-the-art experience with distinctive dining choices and captivating onboard entertainment.

Standing 22 decks tall and accommodating up to 5,200 passengers, this upcoming MSC cruise ship promises a family-friendly, futuristic cruise adventure, mirroring the attractions of its counterpart, MSC World Europa.

MSC World America, currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire in France,  reached a milestone last month when LNG tanks were installed.

MSC Euribia, a Meraviglia class ship constructed by the French shipbuilder, is also powered by LNG and entered service in June 2023.