MSC Cruises Orders Brand New Ship Class As Fleet Expansion Accelerates

MSC Cruises has placed a major new ship order as it continues its rapid transformation into one of the world’s largest cruise operators.

The cruise line confirmed on Monday, 15th December 2025, that it has ordered four brand new ships from German shipbuilder Meyer Werft, with options in place for two additional vessels.

The announcement was made in Berlin and marks the first time MSC Cruises has partnered with the Papenburg-based shipyard.

The ships will form a completely new “New Frontier” class, with the first vessel scheduled for delivery in 2030.

Under the current plan, one new ship would then join the fleet each year, creating a highly ambitious construction timeline that could see up to six ships delivered during the next decade.

This agreement represents a significant shift for MSC Cruises, which has historically built ships primarily in France at Chantiers de l’Atlantique and in Italy with Fincantieri.

“Meyer Werft’s track record, expertise and proud history make it a true beacon of European shipbuilding. Together, we will create vessels that redefine the cruise experience while preserving the craftsmanship that keeps Germany at the forefront of maritime engineering,

“The New Frontier class will enable us to design new and exclusive itineraries, offer exceptional guest experience and will feature next-generation environmental technologies that will advance our net-zero 2050 commitment.”

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises.

Meyer Werft described the order as a landmark moment for the company, providing long-term economic stability and supporting thousands of jobs across the German shipbuilding sector.

“This new order marks a significant milestone in the 230-year history of MEYER WERFT,” said Dr. Bernd Eikens, CEO of Meyer Werft. “We are delighted to welcome MSC Cruises as a new customer and strategic partner, and we are truly honored by the trust they have placed in us.”

What Is Known About the New Frontier Class

While full specifications have yet to be released, the New Frontier class ships are expected to measure around 180,000 gross tons. That would place them slightly larger than Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class and broadly in line with Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel-class vessels.

Passenger capacity is expected to reach approximately 5,400 guests, although MSC Cruises has not yet confirmed figures based on double occupancy.

MSC’s recent fleet development has been dominated by very large ships. Its World class vessels measure more than 216,000 gross tons, placing them among the largest cruise ships in service alongside Royal Caribbean’s Oasis and Icon class ships.

By comparison, the New Frontier class appears designed to strike a balance between scale and flexibility. Slightly smaller than the World class, the ships could allow MSC Cruises to deploy them to a wider range of ports and itineraries while still carrying a substantial number of guests.

Fleet Growth Raises Questions Over Older Ships

If deliveries begin as planned in 2030, the New Frontier class would overlap with MSC Cruises’ ongoing World class programme. MSC World Europa entered service in 2022, followed by MSC World America in March 2025. MSC World Asia is scheduled for 2026, with MSC World Atlantic due to follow in 2027.

Additional World class ships are already planned for 2028, 2029, 2030 and 2031. Should two New Frontier ships also enter service in 2030 and 2031, MSC Cruises could operate a fleet of 31 ships by 2031, assuming no retirements occur.

That expansion naturally raises questions about the future of the cruise line’s oldest vessels. MSC’s Mistral class ships Armonia, Sinfonia, Lirica and Opera entered service between 2003 and 2005, with MSC Armonia having been built in 2001.

While no retirement or replacement plans have been announced, it is possible the New Frontier class could eventually replace older ships as MSC Cruises continues to modernise its fleet.

Further details on the design, onboard features and deployment of the New Frontier class ships are expected to emerge closer to the start of construction, as MSC Cruises continues one of the most aggressive expansion strategies in the cruise industry.

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