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MSC Cruises firms four-ship luxury order at Fincantieri

Pierfrancesco Vago
MSC Cruises is 'proud to partner again with Fincantieri for the development and construction of yet another highly innovative and exclusive class of ships,' Pierfrancesco Vago said FILE PHOTO
MSC Cruises and Fincantieri inked contracts for the construction of four previously announced luxury ships, a deal worth €2bn. The 64,000gt vessels will each carry 962 passengers.

One per year, 2023-2026

The first ship is scheduled for delivery by spring 2023, with one per year to follow through 2026.

'With this now firm order, MSC is entering a new segment that bears significant potential globally,' MSC Cruises executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said. He noted that while the line already serves the premium market with the MSC Yacht Club area aboard its large ships, the new vessels will provide a luxury super-yacht experience.

'Additionally,' Vago said, 'we are proud to partner again with Fincantieri for the development and construction of yet another highly innovative and exclusive class of ships.'

Order firmed in under five months

For his part, Fincantieri CEO Giuseppe Bono expressed pride in nailing the contracts in fewer than five months from the preliminary agreement. 'Fincantieri’s reputation in a complex market such as the cruise one is at an all-time high,' he said. 'Our leadership in the luxury segment, among the most active ones, grows even stronger with these four ships, alongside our relationship with MSC and its growth plans.'

Innovative design

Each of the luxury newbuilds will have 481 guest suites and a highly innovative design.

As previously reported here, MSC Cruises plans to create a separate brand and management team for its luxury division.