MSC Cruises has signed final contracts with Fincantieri for the construction of four small luxury cruise ships. The ships will be 64,000 gross tons in size and have 481 suites.
The first of four luxury cruise ships for MSC Cruises will be delivered in 2023. Following ships will go into service in 2024, 2025, and 2026. The vessels are a part of the cruise line’s plan to expand to 29 cruise ships by 2027.
See full list of MSC cruise ships here
These luxury ships will showcase a highly-innovative design and introduce ground-breaking options for guest comfort and relaxation and will also feature the latest maritime and environmental technologies available.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC’s Cruises Division,gave the following statement: “With this now firm order, MSC is entering a new segment that bears significant potential globally. While we already serve the premium market with the MSC Yacht Club featured on MSC Cruises’ fleet, our new true luxury brand will deliver to this separate and fast-growing segment with super-yacht vessels and an experience to match that. Additionally, we are proud to partner again with Fincantieri for the development and construction of yet again another highly-innovative and exclusive class of ships.”
This announcement follows the initial signing of a memorandum of agreement between the MSC and Fincantieri in October 2018. The contracts, subject to shipowner financing, have a total value exceeding EUR 2 billion (≈$2.3 billion USD).
Since starting to work with Fincantieri, in 2014, MSC has also ordered four ships for its contemporary MSC Cruises brand, for a value of EUR 3.2 billion (≈$3.6 billion USD). The first two of these vessels, MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview, are already in service. The next two vessels will be delivered in 2021 and 2022, with MSC Seashore already under construction at Fincantieri’s yard in Monfalcone.
MSC Cruises is the world’s largest privately-owned cruise company and the number one cruise line in Europe, South America, South Africa and the Gulf. A game-changer in the world of cruises, the Company has achieved 800% growth in its first ten years, building a global reputation in the industry and one of the youngest cruise fleets at sea. MSC Cruises is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
The MSC Cruises fleet currently comprises 16 ultra-modern, highly innovative and elegantly designed ships, offering an unparalleled holiday experience with always delicious and authentic food, award-winning entertainment, plenty of relaxation, comfortable accommodation, as well as impeccable service and expertise.