MSC Cruises floats out latest new-build and names sister ship

MSC Cruises has named its newest ship MSC World Asia as it floated out sister vessel MSC World America from its French shipyard.

Details of where the ship, with more than 2,600 cabins and suites, will operate is still to be revealed.

However, MSC World Asia will feature signature design touches, experiences and features inspired by the continent, according to the line.

Meanwhile, sister ship MSC World America was floated out of the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire as it enters the final phase of construction.

The new flagship is due to be officially named on April 9,  2025, at a new MSC Cruises’ terminal in PortMiami, followed by a sailing to the company’s Ocean Cay private island in The Bahamas.

MSC World Asia will become the fourth ship powered by liquified natural gas (LNG) to join the fleet.

The company described fossil LNG as a “direct pathway” to drop in renewable substitutes like bio and synthetic LNG. 

MSC Cruises’ says its LNG ships are ready to use the new fuel types when they become commercially available at scale.

Executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said: “MSC World America is another example of the incredible professional partnership between us and the Chantiers de l’Atlantique with whom we have designed five distinct and innovative prototypes – the most recent being the ground-breaking World Class platform. 

“With each and every ship we strive to improve and enhance not only the environmental technology but also new features that enrich the experience for the guest as we design for the future holiday experience. 

“MSC World Asia continues in this tradition and with this important milestone of the steel cutting we are pleased to confirm that she will offer even more advanced new features in terms of future-proof marine and onboard hospitality technologies as well as guest experiences.”

Laurent Castaing, general manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, added:“We are very proud to begin construction on MSC World Asia. The third ship in the World Class series will feature cutting-edge technologies, making it one of the cleanest, most energy-efficient ships in the world.

“She embodies MSC Cruises’ and Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s long-term partnership and commitment toward the environment.”