The arms race at sea, with cruise lines competing to build more and bigger ships just went to another level, as MSC Cruises announced its order for two more of its World class ships, each of which has room for nearly 7,000 passengers and 3,000 crew.
The first of these mega-ships, MSC World Europa is already in service, with MSC World America due in service by 2025. The two additional ships, which are going by World Class 3 and World Class 4 until they get names, are to be delivered in 2026 and 2027. MSC has also taken an option for a possible fifth ship.
The new ships, like the previous orders, are being built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France. All are powered by liquid natural gas and a variety of other environmental enhancements, including the ability to run off shore power when docked. The ship engines will also be able to operate on a variety of existing and upcoming ‘green’ fuels.
