MSC Cruises is making a massive expansion move! By 2033, they plan to introduce 10 brand-new ships to their fleet, marking a significant growth spurt in the cruise industry. But what does this mean for travelers and the industry at large?
The cruise line has recently placed orders for four additional ships at Meyer Werft, adding to their already impressive lineup. This news comes on top of their existing orderbook, which includes six World-class ships from Chantiers de l'Atlantique. These new additions will bring a substantial increase in capacity, with an estimated 47,500 new berths across the fleet by 2033.
Here's the intriguing part: this expansion will boost MSC's overall fleet capacity by a whopping 60 percent! Currently, their 23-vessel fleet accommodates around 3,600 guests per ship. But with the new ships, the average capacity will soar to nearly 4,000 passengers per vessel. And this is the part most people miss: the new ships will not only be bigger but also more innovative.
MSC is set to welcome two World-class ships in the next two years, the MSC World Asia and MSC World Atlantic. These ships, with a capacity of 5,400 passengers each, are the largest in the company's fleet. But here's where it gets controversial—the new contract with Meyer Werft introduces a new ship prototype, the New Frontier, which will be smaller than the World-class ships. With a maximum capacity of 5,400 passengers, these ships might offer a more intimate cruising experience.
The deal with Meyer Werft includes an option for two additional New Frontier vessels, potentially extending the fleet further. This contract is a big deal for the shipyard, too, as their CEO Bernd Eikens stated it's a significant milestone in their long history.
This expansion raises questions about the future of cruising. Will the industry see a trend towards larger ships or a shift towards more varied, specialized vessels? What do you think the impact of these new ships will be on the cruising experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
