MSC Cruises, the world’s fourth largest cruise shipping group, said it signs a letter of intent with STX France for the construction of up to four 200,000 gross ton plus ships that will be based on a new, next-generation prototype and will be known as the “World Class” of MSC Cruises’ ships.
The announcement of the four new “World Class” ships is in addition to the seven new builds that MSC Cruises already has on order with (four) Meraviglia and Meraviglia-Plus class ships at STX France and (three) Seaside class ships at Fincantieri – meaning a total of 11 new cruise ships on order between 2017 and 2026 and an investment plan worth a total of $10.2 billion.
“MSC Cruises is the first cruise line brand to develop an investment plan of this length and magnitude - demonstrating our commitment to growth and expanding our existing global footprint,” the company said in a statement.