MSC Cruises has announced a major new shipbuilding agreement with German shipyard Meyer Werft, marking an important milestone for both companies and signaling the next phase of MSC’s long-term fleet strategy.
The deal covers four new cruise ships, with options for two additional vessels, all part of a brand-new ship class that will debut around the end of the decade. While many of the finer design details are still under wraps, the agreement itself tells us a lot about where MSC is heading next.
A First-Ever Partnership for MSC and Meyer Werft
One of the most notable aspects of this announcement is that this will be the first time Meyer Werft has built cruise ships for MSC Cruises.
Meyer Werft is one of the most respected shipbuilders in the cruise industry, known for constructing ships for lines like Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean. Until now, MSC has primarily relied on other European yards, so bringing Meyer Werft into the mix is a significant expansion of its shipbuilding relationships.
For Meyer Werft, the agreement provides long-term stability and confirms its continued role as a key player in next-generation cruise ship construction.
Where These Ships Fit in MSC’s Fleet
MSC has confirmed that the new ships will sit between two familiar classes in its fleet.
- The new class will be approximately the same size as the Meraviglia Plus class
- Capacity will increase by about 600 additional guests compared to Meraviglia Plus
- The ships will be smaller than MSC’s World Class vessels
- They will be known as the “New Frontier” platform. This will likely be the codename for the class until the first ship is launched.
This positioning is important. It suggests MSC is targeting a sweet spot that allows for large-ship features and entertainment, while still maintaining flexibility for a wider range of ports and itineraries.
Based on current information, the ships are expected to be around 180,000 gross tons and carry roughly 5,400 guests, depending on final layout and cabin mix.
Delivery Timeline and Long-Term Vision
Delivery of the first ship is expected to begin around 2030, with subsequent ships following on a roughly annual schedule. If all options are exercised, the program could extend well into the early 2030s.
This isn’t a short-term play. It’s a clear signal that MSC is planning its fleet growth deliberately, with ships designed to remain relevant for decades rather than just a few seasons.
What We Can Expect Onboard
MSC hasn’t released official renderings or deck plans yet, but based on the size and timing of these ships, a few things feel like safe bets:
- Next-generation environmental technology, building on MSC’s push toward lower emissions and alternative fuels
- Large-scale entertainment, dining, and family spaces similar in scope to Meraviglia Plus
- An updated and expanded MSC Yacht Club, continuing the strong demand for all-inclusive, premium cruising
- Design choices that support global deployment, not just Caribbean itineraries
In short, these ships are likely to reflect everything MSC has learned from Meraviglia, World Class, and Yacht Club guests, refined into a new platform.
Why This Agreement Matters
This agreement is significant not just because of the number of ships involved, but because of what it represents.
For MSC Cruises, it reinforces their commitment to long-term growth, fleet diversity, and innovation. For cruisers, it means more choice, more modern ships, and more itineraries to choose from later in the decade.
And for the cruise industry as a whole, it’s another sign that demand remains strong enough to justify multi-billion-euro investments years in advance.
Looking Ahead
It will likely be several years before we see the first images or experience these ships in person, but this agreement gives us an early glimpse into MSC’s future.
If Meraviglia Plus represents where MSC is today, and World Class shows how far the line can push innovation, this new class looks set to bridge the two with scale, flexibility, and refinement.
As more details are released, we’ll continue tracking what this new partnership with Meyer Werft means for future MSC cruises.
