MSC Cruises has placed a landmark order for four next-generation ships from Germany’s Meyer Werft, with options for two more, in a deal valued at about USD 11.7 billion.
Dubbed the “New Frontier” class, the ships, said Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises Pierfrancesco Vago, “will enable us to design new and exclusive itineraries, deliver exceptional guest experiences, and feature next-generation environmental technologies aligned with our net-zero 2050 commitment."
Each vessel will measure about 180,000 gross tonnes—larger than most of MSC’s current fleet—and accommodate up to 5,400 guests, with annual deliveries beginning in 2030.
Geneva-based MSC Cruises, the world’s third-largest cruise line behind Carnival Corp. and Royal Caribbean Group with 23 ships across five continents, is pursuing aggressive fleet growth. In November, it ordered two additional World Class ships—the largest in its fleet by tonnage and passenger capacity—from French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique, with deliveries of ships seven and eight scheduled for 2030 and 2031.
