MSC Growth Plans: 12 More Cruise Ships for 2 Brands

MSC Group has ambitious plans to continue growing cruise capacity, with six more ships for its MSC Cruises brand set to be delivered over the next five years, plus another six ships for new luxury brand Explora Journeys, according to the new Global Cruise Ship Index.

Next up for the MSC  Cruises will be the Seascape, joining the brand from Fincantieri later this year ahead of its New York christening. That will be followed by the World Europa, which will be the company’s first LNG-powered cruise ship, and will debut this winter in the Middle East following her delivery from Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

MSC Upcoming Newbuilds:

Cruise LineShipTonnageYear BuiltPassengersYard
MSCMSC Seascape169,38020224,560Fincantieri
MSCMSC World Europa205,70020225,400Chantiers de l’Atlantique
MSCMSC Euribia177,10020234,888Chantiers de l’Atlantique
MSCUnnamed205,70020245,400Chantiers de l’Atlantique
MSCUnnamed205,70020255,400Chantiers de l’Atlantique
MSCUnnamed205,70020275,400Chantiers de l’Atlantique

The Explora Journeys brand will see dramatic growth in the luxury sector, going from one ship to six ships between 2023 and 2028. The company recently announced that ships three and four will run on LNG, while ships five and six will get a new-generation powerplant that will enable the vessels to burn liquid hydrogen.

Explora Journeys Upcoming Newbuilds:

Cruise LineShipTonnageYear BuiltPassengersYard
Explora JourneysExplora I64,0002023922Fincantieri
Explora JourneysExplora II64,0002024922Fincantieri
Explora JourneysExplora III70,0002026922Fincantieri
Explora JourneysExplora V70,0002027922Fincantieri
Explora JourneysExplora IV70,0002027922Fincantieri
Explora JourneysExplora VI70,0002028922Fincantieri

P&O Australia International Crew Takes The Stage

P&O Australia Cruises’ Pacific Explorer hosted the company’s International Crew Talent Show on Tuesday, according to a press release.

The International Crew Talent show marked another milestone in the company’s resumption of operations, and crew members took the stage of the Marquee Theatre for a ten-act show that included singing, dancing, and a musical show, according to P&O.

Crew members from bars and restaurants, reception, and accommodation showcased their talents and participated in the show, which was a mix of Australia’s Got Talent and a Royal Variety Performance.

AIDA Cruises will sponsor the 833rd-anniversary celebrations for the Port of Hamburg, taking place from Sept. 16 to 18, 2022.

The main attraction on the water will be AIDAprima on Saturday evening, Sept. 17, 2022: As the finale of the birthday party, the AIDAprima will provide a light show in the heart of the city.

“We are delighted to be the sponsor of Hafengeburtstag Hamburg for the ninth time, the largest maritime event in northern Germany with over a million visitors,” commented Alexander Ewig, senior vice president of marketing and sales for AIDA, in a prepared statement.

During the three-day event, those interested in cruising can find inspiration for their next dream vacation aboard an AIDA ship at a cruise line store set up in the port. Among the features, visitors will be able to see a replica AIDAcosma cabin. There will also be a large roof terrace with lounge chairs, along with AIDA travel consultants to provide information.

By 2022, nine AIDA ships will make 120 calls in Hamburg, The AIDAsol kicked off the nearly 12-month season on Jan. 7, 2022, and the AIDAprima will conclude the year on Dec. 29, 2022.