French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique has launched the second LNG-powered world class vessel it is building for MSC Cruises, the cruise unit of Switzerland-based shipping giant MSC.
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, according to a statement by MSC Cruises.
The flagship is now in her final phase of construction and will be officially named on April 9, 2025 at MSC Cruises’ new PortMiami terminal, followed by a celebratory sailing to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, it said.
Ocean Cay is the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas.
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, it said.
This is the brand’s second ship in its world class series and the first ship specifically designed for the US cruise market powered by LNG.
Chantiers de l’Atlantique held a coin ceremony for the cruise vessel on May 31, 2023.
In addition to MSC World America, 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, it said.
On top of these three vessels, MSC’s cruise division confirmed orders last year for two more LNG-powered vessels with Chantiers de l’Atlantique.