MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique marked three major milestones in Saint-Nazaire, France, on Thursday: the delivery of MSC World America, a coin ceremony for MSC World Asia, and the steel cutting for the newly named MSC World Atlantic.
MSC World America is the 23rd ship in the cruise line’s fleet and is set to be officially named on April 9 at the company’s new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal, which is the largest in the world. The ship offers new venues and concepts tailored specifically to the North American market, combining European style with American comfort.
MSC World Asia celebrated its coin ceremony, during which commemorative coins were placed inside the ship as a sign of blessing during construction and to bring good fortune to the ship. Two godmothers, Marialuisa Iaccarino, VP shore excursions for MSC Cruises; and Flavie Biondo, Chargé d'affaires for Chantiers de l’Atlantique placed the coins in the ship’s hull. MSC World Asia will enter service during winter 2026-27 with Mediterranean cruises to destinations in France, Italy, Spain and Malta.
MSC Cruises’ third celebration was a steel-cutting ceremony to start construction of the line’s fourth World Class ship, due to enter service in 2027. The ship’s name—MSC World Atlantic—was revealed for the first time. MSC World Atlantic will offer cruises from Port Canaveral, sailing to the Caribbean starting with the winter 2027-28 season.
MSC World America is one of the most energy-efficient cruise ships in the world, surpassing all design requirements under the International Maritime Organization’s Energy Efficiency Design Index. Its latest-generation engines run on LNG, which enables a direct transition toward drop-in bio and synthetic renewable fuels. The ship is also equipped with shore power to allow the engines to be switched off while in connected ports that offer it, such as the new MSC Cruise Terminal in Miami. The ship also has an advanced wastewater treatment system and a comprehensive onboard recycling management plant, which significantly reduce waste output.
MSC World America’s inaugural season of Caribbean cruises from Miami will start on April 12. Seven-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries include calls at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and MSC Cruises’ private island—Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. The ship’s seven-night Western Caribbean voyages will call at Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Isla de Roatan, Honduras; and Ocean Cay.
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