MSC Cruises is reportedly in advanced discussions with the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku (Finland) to construct a new class of ships, tentatively named the "Constellation" class.
These vessels are projected to be the largest in the world, surpassing RCI-Royal Caribbean's ICON Class in both volume/gross tonnage and passenger capacity. Each ship in the proposed series is expected to measure approximately 365 meters in length and reach around 265,000 gross tons, exceeding the Icon OTS' 250,800 gross tons.
The initiative was reportedly unveiled during a strategic meeting at MSC's training center near Sorrento (Italy), where company executives outlined plans for significant fleet expansion, including the introduction of ultra-large vessels.
MSC's Constellation class is anticipated to consist of four units, marking a substantial step in the company's growth trajectory.
This development signifies a notable shift for MSC, which has traditionally collaborated with shipbuilders like Chantiers de l'Atlantique in France and Fincantieri in Italy. Partnering with Meyer Turku would represent a new direction, aligning with the shipyard's recent projects, including Royal Caribbean's ICON class vessels.
While MSC has not officially confirmed the Constellation class, the proposed ships are expected to incorporate advanced technologies focusing on sustainability and efficiency. This aligns with MSC's broader commitment to environmental responsibility, as evidenced by its recent orders for LNG-powered World Class ships, which feature innovative solutions to maximize energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints.
If realized, the Constellation class would not only redefine MSC's position in the cruise industry but also set new benchmarks for ship size and capacity, reflecting the company's ambition to lead the next generation of mega-ship cruising.