MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique marked two important milestones today in the construction of the innovative World Class ships, MSC World America and MSC World Asia, during a press conference at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami.
MSC World America celebrated a major milestone with the completion of its float out ceremony at the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France on April 7, 2024. The ultramodern flagship is now in her final phase of construction and will be officially named on April 9, 2025 at MSC Cruises’ new state-of-the-art PortMiami terminal, followed by a celebratory sailing to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Ocean Cay is the cruise line’s private island in The Bahamas, is home to the MSC Foundation’s Super Coral Program, and has been designated a ‘Hope Spot’ by Mission Blue.
Meanwhile, the steel-cutting ceremony for the company’s third World Class ship marked the start of that vessel’s construction. MSC Cruises revealed the name of the new ship—MSC World Asia—with anticipated delivery in 2026. Following the format of the other World Class ships that pay homage to different continents, MSC World Asia will symbolize the global nature of MSC Cruises. While details of where the ship will operate are yet to be revealed, MSC World Asia will feature signature design touches, experiences and features inspired by its continental namesake.
“MSC World America is another example of the incredible professional partnership between us and the Chantiers de l’Atlantique with whom we have designed five distinct and innovative prototypes, the most recent being the ground-breaking World Class platform. With each and every ship we strive to improve and enhance not only the environmental technology but also new features that enrich the experience for the guest as we design for the future holiday experience,” Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises noted to the press.
MSC World America to be the Line’s Largest U.S.-Serving Ship
The remarkable MSC World America will be MSC Cruises’ largest ship to serve the U.S. and its first in the region to be powered by LNG. MSC World America is the second of the line’s groundbreaking World Class ships and is specially designed with the North American guest in mind, featuring unique restaurants, bars and experiences that seamlessly blend European design with American comfort. Spanning 22 decks, measuring more than 150 feet wide and featuring 2,614 staterooms, MSC World America will be the centerpiece of the Miami skyline when she is named in 2025.
The World Class ships are an ultramodern urban metropolis at sea, offering a world of different experiences and spanning 22 decks, offering more than 2,600 cabins and suites, and providing more than 420,000 square feet of public space and featuring MSC Cruises’ largest Yacht Club to-date. The exclusive “ship-within-a-ship” concept offers unparalleled levels of comfort, with a private lounge and restaurant, stylish suites and substantial outdoor areas with a sun-deck spanning two decks that offers panoramic views of the ocean.
Sustainability at Sea
MSC World Europa and MSC World America currently deliver one of the lowest carbon footprints in the cruise industry, as per the International Maritime Organization’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). MSC World Asia will be an evolution of these high performing ships, with an even further reduced carbon footprint.
MSC World Asia will become the fourth Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) ship to join the MSC Cruises fleet, as LNG continues to be seen as a critical pathway toward maritime decarbonization, reducing Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. In addition, new generation dual-fuel internal combustion engines will help to reduce emissions and reduce methane slip by 30 percent versus current technology.
MSC World America and MSC World Asia, as with all new MSC Cruises ships, will be fitted with shore power connectivity as standard. This reduces emissions by allowing the ship’s engines to be switched off while calling at ports providing shore power. Smart technology is used throughout the ship to ensure guests can travel in comfort while keeping energy and water use low. A robust onboard recycling program minimizes waste, and even the propellers are designed to reduce noise and avoid disturbing marine life.
For more information, visit msccruisesusa.com.
