MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique have strengthened their two-decade partnership with a new order for two additional World Class vessels, bringing the total number of ships in the series to eight.

The newly ordered ships, referred to as World Class 7 and 8, are scheduled for delivery in 2030 and 2031.

The announcement came during a dual milestone celebration at the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, marking the float out of MSC World Asia and coin ceremony of MSC World Atlantic.

“We mark a proud moment today for MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique as we celebrate important milestones for our future,” Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, said.

“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.”

Valued at €3.5 billion, the new orders bring MSC Cruises’ total investment in the four ships ordered in France this year to nearly €7 billion. With the vessels already under construction, the company now has €10.5 billion committed directly in France, underscoring what it calls “the shipowner’s confidence in the future of cruise tourism and its ongoing commitment to shipbuilding excellence in France and across Europe.”

Chantiers de l’Atlantique General Manager Laurent Castaing praised the continued partnership. “We are deeply grateful to MSC Cruises for their renewed confidence,” he said. “What our shipyard is achieving today is truly exceptional — four new ships ordered in 2025.”

Construction on the newly ordered ships will begin in 2029.