Tag Archives: Saint-Nazaire

MSC Cruises orders a pair of World-class ships

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MSC Cruises orders a pair of World-class ships

MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique have announced orders for two additional LNG World-class ships – numbers 7 and 8 – valued at US$4Bn

The announcement was made at a double celebration event to mark maritime milestones for two other LNG World-class ships currently under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France: the float-out of MSC World Asia and the coin ceremony of MSC World Atlantic.

MSC Group executive chairman, cruise division Pierfrancesco Vago said, “We mark a proud moment today for MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique as we celebrate important milestones for our future – the float out of MSC World Asia, the coin ceremony of MSC World Atlantic and the order of two new ships.

“The World-class platform is a symbol of our vision to set new standards for the future of cruising. These are some of the most energy-efficient ships in the world, and we continue our commitment to LNG, ensuring we are ready for future renewable fuels. We look forward to continuing with our innovative and successful collaboration with Chantiers de L’Atlantique – our long-term partner for more than 20 years.”

Chantiers de l’Atlantique general manager Laurent Castaing added, “We are deeply grateful to MSC Cruises for their renewed confidence. What our shipyard is achieving today is truly exceptional – four new ships ordered in 2025. The World-class series, now totalling eight vessels, is a testament to our teams’ expertise and to MSC’s vision. It exemplifies our shared commitment to elevating the passenger experience while advancing environmental performance.”

MSC Cruises’ World class consists of MSC World Europa (2022), MSC World America (2025), MSC World Asia (2026), and MSC World Atlantic (2027), with the yet-to-be-named World-class 5, 6, 7 and 8 ships to follow by 2031.

The two new orders will be subject to access to financing, as per industry practice.

MSC World America Construction Progressing at Chantiers

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MSC Cruises has provided an update on the construction progress of its newest ship, the MSC World America, set to launch in less than five months.

The company revealed that the liquefied natural gas-powered ship is currently undergoing interior outfitting, including public spaces and guest facilities, at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

The vessel will be officially named in Miami on April 9, 2025, representing a significant evolution of MSC Cruises’ World Class prototype, featuring reimagined venues and concepts tailored for Caribbean sailings.

A notable innovation aboard MSC World America includes the introduction of seven distinct onboard districts, each designed to enhance the guest experience and create a more engaging atmosphere. 

Bernhard Stacher, senior vice president of shipboard hospitality operations, at MSC Cruises, said: “We’ve invested a lot into tailoring MSC World America to deliver a truly memorable cruise experience, with new restaurants, bars, experiences, and spaces. With the only Eataly restaurant at sea, a brand-new Greek restaurant Paxos, and MSC Cruises’ first comedy club The Loft, there’s really a space and experience for every guest.”

 William Monts de Oca Rivera, head of guest experience innovation, at MSC Cruises, added, “One of the biggest innovations for MSC World America is The Harbour, part of the Family Aventura district, a brand-new revolutionary outdoor venue specially designed for kids and families to gather, play and relax together. It’s home to Cliffhanger – a state-of-the-art swing attraction 50 metres above the ocean that is going to bring a totally new dimension to the cruise experience.”

Celebrity Xcel Named As Next Ship For Celebrity Cruises

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Celebrity Cruises announced today that the fifth ship in its Edge Series will be named Celebrity Xcel, and will debut in 2025. The company previously announced the ship would be methanol ready.

The reveal was made at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, as executives from both Royal Caribbean Group and the yard celebrated the steel cutting.

“The Edge Series has shattered preconceived notions of cruising, and I am thrilled to announce our next bold step as a brand with Celebrity Xcel,” said Celebrity Cruises’ President Laura Hodges Bethge. “True to her name, this next ship will ‘Xcel’ beyond her sister ships with entirely new experiences, yet to be revealed, but that will change the game all over again.”

The Celebrity Xcel will make her debut in November 2025 in the Caribbean, sailing her inaugural winter season from Fort Lauderdale, on 7-night itineraries alternating between the Bahamas, Mexico and the Cayman Islands, and Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. The sailings are now open for sale.