MSC World Atlantic has entered the water for the first time at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, marking a major construction milestone ahead of the new MSC Cruises ship’s planned debut from Port Canaveral in November 2027.
The 215,863-gross-ton vessel was moved out of its construction dock during the float-out, around 18 months after work formally began with a steel-cutting ceremony in March 2025.
MSC World Atlantic is the fourth ship in MSC Cruises’ World Class and is being positioned by the cruise line as its next US flagship. Construction will now continue with the vessel afloat as the shipyard completes its interiors, public areas and remaining technical work.
Delivery to MSC Cruises is scheduled for 2027, before the ship begins year-round Caribbean operations from Port Canaveral, Florida.
Construction moves into its next phase
The start of construction on MSC World Atlantic coincided with the March 2025 delivery of MSC World America, the second member of the World Class fleet. MSC Cruises also revealed the name of its fourth World Class vessel at that time.
Another significant construction milestone followed in November 2025, when the ship’s keel-laying ceremony was held at Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The traditional event took place as MSC Cruises continued expanding the series, including orders for additional World Class vessels.
Following its float-out, work will focus on completing the passenger areas and technical systems required before delivery. The ship is due to become the 25th vessel in the MSC Cruises fleet when it enters service.
MSC World Atlantic will accommodate up to 6,758 guests and will include 144 suites within the MSC Yacht Club, the cruise line’s premium ship-within-a-ship area.
The vessel will retain a number of attractions introduced aboard earlier World Class ships, including Cliffhanger and The Harbour, while also adding new entertainment spaces.
Among the additions will be Viva La Musica, a lounge centred on Latin music and dancing, and The Clubhouse, a family entertainment area incorporating a LEGO Family Zone. The venue is also planned to offer bumper cars, sports courts and roller skating.
Six speciality restaurant concepts are planned for the ship. Butcher’s Cut steakhouse and Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki are among the returning venues, while MSC Cruises has yet to disclose all of the dining concepts that will be available.
Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral
MSC World Atlantic is scheduled to begin passenger operations from Port Canaveral on 13th November 2027, with a seven-night maiden voyage.
The inaugural itinerary is set to visit Nassau in the Bahamas, MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, and the Mexican ports of Cozumel and Costa Maya.
After its debut, the ship is scheduled to operate year-round from the Florida homeport, offering seven- and 14-night Caribbean itineraries through at least summer 2028. Bookings for its initial programme opened in December 2025.
Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray said in December 2025: “We’re proudly anticipating the arrival of MSC World Atlantic and already at work preparing for her arrival.”
Details of a christening ceremony have not yet been announced.
MSC World Atlantic will join MSC World Europa, MSC World America and MSC World Asia in the World Class fleet. Its arrival will continue a substantial expansion of the series, with four further World Class ships on order from Chantiers de l’Atlantique and scheduled for delivery between 2029 and 2031.
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