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MSC Cruises reveals novel look of its LNG World-class newbuilds

(Rendering: MSC Cruises)
Y-shaped profile increases the percentage of balcony cabins while G bow improves stability and hydrodynamics
One year after they were first announced, MSC Cruises confirmed the order for up to four LNG-powered cruise ships of 200,000gt at STX France and released the first rendering of their novel design.

MSC Cruises and STX France confirmed these World-class ships in the presence of new French President Emmanuel Macron and Minister of the Economy Bruno Le Maire on the occasion of MSC Meraviglia's delivery today.

The total order is valued at 4.5bn.

There was no change to the delivery schedule: 2022 and 2024, with the options in 2025 and 2026. Each ship will have 2,760 staterooms and accommodate up to 6,850 passengers—the highest capacity of any cruise ship.

Each ship will stretch 1,083 feet with a beam of 154 feet.

MSC Cruises said the Y-shaped profile will enable panoramic sea views and increase the proportion of balcony cabins. The ships’ G bow—vertically positioned at a 90-degree angle—has been designed to improve stability for passenger comfort and hydrodynamics for fuel efficiency.

Other passenger-centric innovations include family-friendly 'villages,' a panoramic aft and a glass pool lounge.