MSC Cruises takes delivery of third LNG-fuelled ship

French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique handed over a new LNG-fuelled cruise ship to MSC Cruises in a ceremony on Thursday, March 27.

MSC World America is the 23rd ship in MSC Cruises' modern fleet and is scheduled to be officially named on April 9 at the MSC Miami Cruise Terminal. It is also the third LNG-fuelled ship to be acquired by the company.

MSC World America is a sister of MSC World Europa, which was delivered in 2022. It has a length of 333 metres and capacity for 6,762 passengers across 21 decks.

The newbuild has been designed with an innovative hull shape to minimise resistance through the water. The ship also incorporates a wide range of equipment to optimise energy use such as smart ventilation and advanced air conditioning systems and LED lighting.

The ship is equipped with shore power to allow the engines to be switched off while in connected ports, such as the new MSC Cruise Terminal in Miami. Also fitted are an advanced wastewater treatment system and a comprehensive on-board recycling management plant.

The ship's inaugural season from Miami starts on April 12. She will sail alternating seven-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, San Juan, Puerto Rico and MSC Cruises' private island Ocean Cay and seven-night Western Caribbean voyages to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, Isla de Roatan, Honduras, and Ocean Cay.

MSC World America's delivery ceremony occurred on the same day as the laying of the keel of MSC World Asia and the cutting of the first steel of MSC World Atlantic. All three ships belong to the same series known as the World-class.