MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique marked significant milestones for three World Class ships in a ceremony held in Saint-Nazaire, France. The event included the delivery of MSC World America, the coin ceremony for MSC World Asia and the steel cutting for the newly named MSC World Atlantic.
Among the distinguished attendees were Captain Gianluigi Aponte, Founder and Group Chairman of MSC; Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division; Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique; and Marc Ferracci, French Minister for Industry and Energy. Representatives from MSC Cruises’ new build team and shipyard workers who contributed to the construction were also present.
MSC World America: A New Flagship for North America
MSC World America is the 23rd ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet and is scheduled for an official naming ceremony on April 9 at the new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal, the largest cruise terminal in the world. Designed for the North American market, the ship blends European elegance with American comforts, offering new venues and experiences tailored to this audience.
“Our new flagship is a testament to our long-standing, innovative partnership spanning over 20 years, resulting in five groundbreaking prototypes and 19 ships,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, in a press statement. “We continue to push boundaries in design, technology, and sustainability while improving environmental performance.”
Caribbean Itineraries
Following its naming ceremony, MSC World America will embark on its inaugural Caribbean season from Miami on April 12. The ship will offer 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailings, visiting Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), San Juan (Puerto Rico) and MSC Cruises’ private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Western Caribbean itineraries will include stops in Costa Maya and Cozumel (Mexico), Isla de Roatan (Honduras) and Ocean Cay.
MSC World Asia and MSC World Atlantic
During the event, MSC World Asia celebrated its traditional coin ceremony, symbolizing good fortune for the vessel. Marialuisa Iaccarino, VP Shore Excursions for MSC Cruises, and Flavie Biondo, Chargé d’affaires for Chantiers de l’Atlantique, placed commemorative coins inside the ship’s hull. The ship is set to enter service in winter 2026-27, offering Mediterranean itineraries to France, Italy, Spain and Malta.
Additionally, MSC Cruises announced the name of its fourth World Class ship, MSC World Atlantic, and marked the start of its construction with a steel-cutting ceremony. The ship will launch in 2027 and offer Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral during the winter 2027-28 season.
The World Class platform debuted with MSC World Europa in 2022 and continues to evolve, incorporating new innovations in design, technology and guest experience. World Class ships are named to honor continents and oceans, reflecting MSC Cruises’ global reach.
MSC World America is an energy-efficient cruise ship that exceeds the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) standards. Powered by LNG, the ship is designed for a seamless transition to bio and synthetic renewable fuels. It also features shore power connectivity, an advanced wastewater treatment system and an onboard recycling plant to minimize waste output.
In recognition of MSC Cruises’ ongoing commitment to health, safety and environmental stewardship, Bureau Veritas has awarded MSC World America the prestigious Platinum Pearl Award.
For more information, visit msccruisesusa.com.
