The four ships will become MSC Cruises’ World Class. The first will be delivered in 2022 and 2024, with the options for 2025 and 2026.

The signing took place in the presence of Emmanuel Macron, President of France, on Wednesday.  
 
MSC Cruises also unveiled several key features of the World Class.

Among other innovations, they will be equipped with a completely new generation of LNG-powered engines as well as a new generation waste water treatment system.
 
The ships will feature 2,760 cabins with a maximum occupancy of 6,850 guests, said to be the highest passenger capacity in the global cruise fleet.
 
Speaking at the MSC Meraviglia flag ceremony, Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ executive chairman, said: “We are delighted to confirm another key component of our ten-year investment plan: the World Class.

“These new vessels will further expand our partnership with STX France all the way to 2026, with up to seven additional innovative ships to be built during this period.”
 
The World Class’ “Y” shape will enable panoramic sea views and increase the proportion of balcony cabins.

Other guest-centric innovations include family-friendly villages, a panoramic aft, and a glass pool lounge.