MSC Is Planning a New Generation of Mega Ships – Here’s What We Know So Far

MSC has signed an agreement with German shipbuilder Meyer Werft for four next-generation cruise ships, with options in place for two additional vessels.

The ships will form part of MSC’s upcoming “New Frontier” platform, signalling a brand-new class of cruise ships rather than an update of an existing design.

Aerial view of the MSC World Europa cruise ship sailing at sea during twilight, with its curved, futuristic bow design and warmly lit balcony staterooms creating a striking visual. The image showcases the grandeur and innovative architecture of the MSC World Europa cruise ship. — MSC World Europa

A brand-new class, not a repeat design

This is not a modified version of MSC’s Meraviglia or World Class ships. Instead, the New Frontier platform is a from-the-ground-up concept, designed to shape the future of the cruise line well into the 2030s.

Each ship is expected to measure around 180,000 gross tons and accommodate up to 5,400 passengers, making them the largest ships MSC has ever ordered. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2030, with one ship expected to enter service each year thereafter.

Will these ships be bigger than Royal Caribbean’s?

Despite their size, MSC’s new ships will not be bigger than Royal Caribbean’s largest vessels. Royal Caribbean’s biggest Icon Class ships are significantly larger, with gross tonnage exceeding 225,000 and passenger capacities well above 6,000.

However, these new MSC ships will be the largest the cruise line has ever built, at around 180,000 gross tons and up to 5,400 passengers. That places them firmly in the mega-ship category and much closer to Royal Caribbean territory than MSC has ever been before.

Rather than trying to outsize Royal Caribbean International outright, MSC appears to be positioning itself just below the very largest ships afloat, offering a big-ship experience without going to the extreme scale of the world’s biggest vessels.

What this tells us about MSC’s long-term plans

MSC Cruises and Meyer Werft executives, alongside German government officials, sign a shipbuilding agreement at a formal ceremony in Berlin, with German and EU flags visible in the background. — MSC Cruises and Meyer Werft executives sign an agreement for new next-generation cruise ships during a ceremony in Berlin, alongside German government officials.

Ordering ships this far in advance sends a clear signal that MSC is doubling down on large, resort-style cruise ships. While some cruise lines are experimenting with smaller or more niche vessels, MSC appears confident that demand for big ships packed with dining, entertainment, and onboard attractions will remain strong.

It also positions the cruise line to compete directly with the newest large-scale ships expected to launch later in the decade.

What we don’t know yet

At this stage, many key details haven’t been revealed. MSC has not announced ship names, homeports, or itineraries, onboard attractions or venues, or when bookings will open.

That’s not unusual for ships this far from launch. Cruise lines typically release information gradually, with features and itineraries announced over several years.

When will cruisers actually sail on them?

Realistically, these ships won’t affect most cruise plans for quite some time. With the first delivery expected in 2030, cruisers sailing in the next few years won’t see any immediate changes.

However, for those who love tracking new ship developments or who enjoy sailing on the biggest, newest ships afloat, this announcement offers an early glimpse into what’s coming next.