MSC Cruises’ latest flagship, ’MSC World America’ has completed her deepwater intensive systems tests, during final sea trials in the Atlantic Ocean.
The trials checked the performance of the ship’s engines, manoeuvrability, fuel consumption, safety systems, speed and stopping distances.
The LNG-powered vessel will now receive her final finishing touches at Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France before being officially delivered to MSC Cruises on 27th March.
She will then be officially named on 9th April at the new MSC Cruise terminal in Miami, the largest cruise terminal in the world.
The ship’s maiden voyage will be a celebratory sailing to the company’s private island Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas ahead of the vessel’s deployment in the Caribbean.
‘MSC World America’ will become MSC Cruises’ 23rd ship and represents an upgrade of the cruise line’s ‘World’ class design with re-imagined venues and concepts tailored specifically to the US market, combining European style with American comfort.
She will also be the first in the company’s fleet to feature seven on board districts and will have eight bars and lounges, 19 dining venues – including four main restaurants – two buffets, two venues in the MSC Yacht Club exclusively for its guests, plus six separate speciality restaurants.
The 22-deck 216,638 gt vessel measures 333.3 m in length and is 47 m beam, with a capacity for 6,762 pax and 2,138 crew, features 2,614 cabins and offers more than 38,400 sq m of public space.
‘MSC World America’s’ use of LNG enables a direct transition towards drop-in bio and synthetic renewable LNG fuels, MSC said.
The ship is also fitted with shore power connectivity, which allows the ship’s engines to be switched off while in port, eliminating local emissions and improving local air quality. The new Miami MSC terminal in Miami is also equipped with shore power connectivity.
She is also fitted with an advanced wastewater treatment plant and a comprehensive on board recycling management plant to minimise waste.
MSC Cruises’ current orderbook includes ’MSC World Asia’ to be delivered in 2026 and a yet unnamed fourth ‘World’ class vessel, due to start sailing in 2027.
Elsewhere, the new MSC operated cruise terminal in Barcelona has welcomed its first guests who were on board the ’MSC Fantasia’.
The large infrastructure development will serve ships from both MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, both part of the MSC Group.
Sandra Yunta, MSC Barcelona Cruise Terminal’s Director, welcomed ‘MSC Fantasia’s’ first disembarking passengers, as part of a seven night voyage in the West Mediterranean, together with Gianluca Suprani, Senior Vice President Global Port Development and Shore Activities.
The new cruise terminal, an architectural project developed by Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura, reinforces MSC Group’s commitment to Barcelona and its vision for the future, the company said.
It will be officially inaugurated in the coming months when more details will be announced, MSC Cruises added.
MSC Cruises UK has also announced that MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys has relocated to Woking just outside London.
This move also marks a renewed pledge by MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys to support local and national charities, with plans to increase investment in the local community, forge new partnerships, and create opportunities for local residents, the brands said.
MSC Cruises is world’s third-largest cruise line, operating in more than 100 countries. It plans to operate a fleet of 23 ships worldwide by this summer.
Antonio Paradiso, Vice President of International Sales at MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, said: “Woking is an exciting place for businesses to grow, and we are proud to now call it home.
“As we settle into the area, we look forward to connecting with the local community and making a positive impact.
“Additionally, with easy connections to Southampton, a key port for us, we’re excited to offer local passengers access to our European and global itineraries.
“We are passionate about making a positive impact beyond our business. Our team is working on meaningful ways to support local causes, and we look forward to sharing more soon,” he said.
