MSC Cruises and MEYER WERFT have confirmed that negotiations for the construction of four next-generation cruise ships have reached an advanced stage, with the companies expecting to conclude a final agreement within the coming weeks. The project follows the signing of a letter of intent in December 2025 covering four vessels, together with options for two additional units, and represents one of the largest cruise shipbuilding programmes currently under negotiation.
According to a joint statement, discussions have progressed beyond the preliminary agreement into detailed contract negotiations and the design phase. The companies noted that the final agreement comprises a complex contractual framework, the completion of which typically requires at least six months, reflecting the scale and technical complexity of the project.
The proposed vessels will introduce MSC Cruises' new New Frontier class. Each ship is expected to measure ~180,000 gross tons and accommodate up to 5,400 passengers. Deliveries are planned to commence in 2030, with one vessel entering service annually. Once signed, the contract would secure MEYER WERFT's production programme well into the next decade, extending workload through the early 2030s.
MSC Cruises and MEYER WERFT indicated that they remain confident of successfully concluding the negotiations and stated that full details of the agreement will be released after the contractual documentation has been formally executed.