MSC World Atlantic

The 2027-built MSC World Atlantic cruise ship (currently under construction) is the fourth and final unit in the 4-ship MSC WORLD Class series designed and built for MSC Cruises. Her sisterships and fleetmates are World Europa (2022), World America (2025), and World Asia (2026).

The vessel (IMO number 9901568) will be Malta-flagged (MMSI tba) and registered in Valletta.

MSC World Atlantic is currently scheduled for delivery and inauguration in February 2027.

History – construction and ownership

MSC Cruises (MSC Crociere) is a passenger shipping company headquartered in Genoa and Naples. Established in 1960, MSC Crociere is a subsidiary of MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company), the world’s second-largest containership operator. MSC Crociere is the world’s largest privately owned cruise company.

By annual passenger shipping volumes, MSC is the world’s 3rd largest cruise shipowner, following Carnival Corporation and RCG-Royal Caribbean Group.

As of 2021, MSC is Europe’s largest passenger shipping company. By 2026, MSC is projected to become the world’s 3rd largest cruise company (surpassing NCLH by berth capacity) with a 29-ship fleet, including 15 newbuilds (2017-2027), supported by an unprecedented USD 13-billion newbuilding program.

MSC Cruises WORLD-Class liners

On April 6, 2017, during the MSC Meraviglia delivery ceremony at the STX France Shipyard (Saint-Nazaire), MSC signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with STX France for a new series of two WORLD-Class vessels, at a total cost of ~EUR 4.5 billion (~USD 4.8B). The ceremony was attended by Emmanuel Macron (France’s President), Bruno Le Maire (Minister of Economy), Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC’s Chairman), and Laurent Castaing (STX France’s CEO).

The order for the lead vessel, MSC World Europa, was officially signed on May 31, 2017.

The two optional ships (Units 3 and 4) were confirmed in January 2020, making MSC the largest customer in the history of Chantiers de l'Atlantique, with a total of 21 vessels built at the yard.

The 3rd and 4th units (World Asia and World Atlantic) were officially ordered on November 13, 2023.

There is also an option for a 5th unit of the same class.

WORLD-Class ships have a maximum passenger capacity of 6774 (5079 lower berths). The construction cost per vessel is EUR 1.125 billion (USD 1.255B). All are built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique (formerly STX France). Each ship has a gross tonnage of 215,863 GT, LOA 333 m (1093 ft), beam at waterline 41 m / 135 ft (max beam 54 m / 177 ft), height 75 m (245 ft), and draft 9.2 m (31 ft).

When MSC first revealed the design in April 2016, the ship was planned at ~205,000 GT, with 2760 staterooms and a maximum capacity of 6850 passengers—making it the world’s largest by capacity. By GT volume, MSC’s WORLD-Class remains among the world’s largest passenger ships.

Early design renderings suggested an OASIS-Class-like concept with a long Promenade (wraparound midship complex) lined with numerous dining and drinking venues—such as Aurea Restaurant, Raj Polo Tea House, Gin Bar, Zest Juice Bar, Elixir Mixology Bar, Fizz Champagne Bar, Malt Lounge & Smoker’s Bar, and Emporium Coffee House—plus Promenade Cabins (interior-facing balcony rooms) and an aft family pool deck.

The Lido Deck is dome-covered by a retractable glass roof with solar panels and features a resort-style main pool, six Jacuzzis (including four cantilevered hot tubs), a kids’ Aquapark with one swimming pool and three waterslides (aft, near the funnels), and an aft adults-only sundeck with two swimming pools. Forward is the MSC Yacht Club, featuring its own exclusive sundeck, swimming pool, and Spa pool.

Districts / themed zones

MSC World Atlantic has seven themed districts, each offering a distinct atmosphere, amenities, and attractions.

FAMILY AVENTURA

The FAMILY AVENTURA zone is designed for families with children, combining fun attractions with age-appropriate activities.

Centred around The Harbor (an outdoor park with a high-ropes course), it provides adventurous outdoor fun and shared family experiences.

The district also features the Cliffhanger Swing—an over-water swing ride located starboard-aft on Deck 20. The ride includes four seats (two 2-seat swings) that extend over the ship’s edge, propelling riders back and forth ~50 m / 164 ft above the ocean.

The Cliffhanger Swing delivers a dramatic, high-altitude experience with sweeping sea views.

AQUA DECK

The AQUA DECK zone provides the classic pool-deck experience, ideal for daytime relaxation and evening entertainment.

It features two main swimming pools surrounded by an expansive sunbathing area and wellness offerings.

ZEN AREA

Located at the stern, the ZEN AREA is an adults-only sanctuary offering panoramic wake views and a peaceful atmosphere.

The space includes twin pools and an expansive sunbathing deck.

GALLERIA

The GALLERIA is a bustling midship district filled with dining venues, boutiques, and entertainment.

Guests can enjoy live music at the Dolce Vita Bar, handcrafted treats at Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Café, and a lively social atmosphere.

THE TERRACES

THE TERRACES zone offers an adults-exclusive area featuring multiple dining and entertainment options, retail shops, and a comedy club.

Guests can enjoy international cuisine, live shows, DJ nights, and karaoke.

PROMENADE

The PROMENADE district is an open-air space offering unobstructed sea views and a vibrant evening atmosphere.

Its centerpiece is an 11-deck-high stainless-steel dry slide.

The area also features scheduled evening events, premium coffee selections at Emporium Bar, and a relaxed seaside ambiance.

MSC YACHT CLUB

The MSC YACHT CLUB district is MSC’s signature ship-within-a-ship enclave, offering a private, all-inclusive luxury experience.

Benefits include 24/7 butler service, priority embarkation/disembarkation, dedicated dining venues, and exclusive lounges and sun decks.

World Atlantic’s enhanced MSC Yacht Club features:

• A redesigned 2-deck sundeck with 270-degree forward views. The lower deck includes dining and beverage venues; the upper deck offers a large Jacuzzi/whirlpool, a swimming pool, padded loungers, and private cabanas.
• Two new Owner Suites (YC4) with a double bedroom (walk-in closet), full-size bathroom, separate living/dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, and two large terraces with alfresco dining and Jacuzzis.
• Two-deck Duplex Suites with a lower-level sundeck, lounge, dining area, and half bath, and an upper-level master bedroom with bathroom. Both decks feature outdoor areas; the lower includes a Jacuzzi.
• Exclusive access to MSC Aurea Spa treatment rooms and unlimited use of the thermal area.

The Yacht Club complex spans 9,900 m2 (106,560 ft2), includes a 2-level sundeck (furnished by Unopiù), 144 suites in seven categories, a sports bar, a comedy club, and six specialty restaurants.

World Atlantic offers 40,000+ m2 (430,000+ ft2) of public spaces, 15,000 m2 (161,000 ft2) of outdoor deck areas, a 3440 m2 (37,000 ft2) pool deck, seven swimming pools, 13 Jacuzzis, 760+ m2 (8200 ft2) children’s facilities designed by LEGO & Chicco, numerous bars and lounges, 19 dining venues (six specialty), 21 bars/lounges, the adults-only Zen District, the Family District, a family sundeck, the fleet’s largest Aquapark, and a teens-exclusive sundeck with its own pool and Jacuzzi. Several family-themed “villages” resemble RCI’s neighborhood concept.

The restaurant lineup includes three buffet venues (Luna Park Pizza, Il Mercato, La Brasserie) and six specialty restaurants, including Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar, HOLA! Tacos & Cantina, Marketplace/Il Mercato Buffet (20-hour Lido), Eataly Restaurant, La Piazzetta, Butcher’s Cut, and Jean-Philippe Maury Chocolaterie.

The Eataly Restaurant offers an open kitchen with live cooking and traditional Italian cuisine made from premium imported ingredients. Additional dining concepts include Paxos on the Go (Greek), Promenade Bites, The Harbour Bar & Bites (Latin American snacks), La Boca Grill (Aqua Deck), and Luna Park Pizza & Burger (Galleria).

MSC World Atlantic has a futuristic G-bow (vertical/90-degree bow) and a Y-shaped stern opening to the 7-deck-high World Promenade (104 m / 341 ft). Indoors, it transitions into the 300 m2 (3200 ft2) World Galleria, partially covered by a kinetic LED-screen dome projecting UHD imagery. The Galleria houses numerous restaurants, bars, and shops.

The Promenade hosts “The Spiral” (The Venom Drop), an 11-deck stainless-steel dry slide (76 m / 250 ft), providing a fast connection from Deck 22 to Deck 8.

The World Theatre (capacity 1153) is the ship’s largest entertainment venue, hosting evening productions, daily activities, lectures, bingo, trivia, and dance classes. Other key attractions include bumper cars, roller disco, the Cinema/Luna Park Arena (300-seat multipurpose venue), and the Botanic Garden Pool (with retractable roof).

New entertainment programming includes shows staged at Luna Park Arena (three concert-style), The World Theatre (five large-scale), and Panorama Lounge (four themed). The ship also features surprise pop-up performances throughout the voyage.

• Luna Park Arena hosts VR Drone Academy, Digital Dance Academy (“Dance with Flavia”), “Wake Up Rave,” two new interactive game shows, Guinness challenge events, and evening shows/concerts.
• The World Theatre presents five new productions (“Eko,” “Amelia Earhart,” “Cadmo The Landwalker,” “Yellow Submarine,” “A Night on Broadway”), each with custom staging, LED visuals, UHD media, intricate props, and 350 costumes.
• The Panorama Lounge (Decks 6-7) features an interactive LED-floor experience and nightly 90-minute dance-themed performances (waltz, tango, samba, disco) with aerialists, acrobats, bands, singers, and dancers.
• Pop-up experiences include two living exhibitions themed “Earth and Ocean,” featuring actors, artists, and musicians.
• Each evening includes the high-tech poolside “Sundowner DJ Party” (holographic experience).

Kids venues

MSC World Atlantic has MSC’s largest children’s area—766 m2 (8245 ft2)—comprising seven rooms dedicated to ages 0–17. All venues are complimentary and supervised by certified staff.

The areas include Baby Club (6–36 months), Mini & Junior Clubs (3–11), and Young & Teen Clubs (12–17).

New (fleet-first) kids’ facilities include:

• LEGO Celebration Room
• TEENS LAB (21 gaming consoles, 7 VR stations, 50+ videogames)
• 3-2-1 KNOCK (Asian-inspired family gameshow)
• BEAT THE MUSIC (interactive family music game)
• Z ACTIVE (sports program: football, basketball, pickleball, zorb balls, hoverboards)
• DRONE ACADEMY 2.0 (VR drone racing with POV cameras and 15 obstacles)
• CABIN 12006 – THE EXPERIENCE (Nickelodeon/Viacom partnership)
• MSC DANCE CREW (Fremantle partnership; dance-competition program for teens)

New family features also include LEGO Parade, LEGO Family Aventura, LEGO Family Game Show, Boxes Family Game Show, Doremix Family Disco, Star Shooters, Luna Park VR, Doremiland (MSC’s largest playground), and The Harbor zone (with ropes course, Cliffhanger Swing, Lighthouse playground, etc.).

The Harbor (family activity zone)

Located aft on Decks 21–22, The Harbor zone features family-oriented activities and complimentary dining. The space transitions from daytime attractions to evening live music.

The Harbour Aquapark includes multiple waterslides, a splash pool, and a VR raft slide.

The Jaw Drop at The Spiral is one of the longest dry slides at sea, running through the 11-deck-high World Promenade.

Other attractions include a rock-climbing wall, a 2-level High Trail Ropes Course (577 m2 / 6210 ft2), the Harbour Lighthouse playground, the Harbour Bar & Bites, family seating areas, and the Cliffhanger over-water swing ride.

Together with Doremiland and the Sportsplex, The Harbor forms the Family Aventura District.

New venues (fleet firsts)

The Harbor (deck 20) is a new outdoor family complex featuring an Aquapark, High Trail ropes course, zip-line, sensory playgrounds, themed relaxation zones, and food trucks serving casual snacks and drinks.

World Atlantic also debuts a new Sports Bar (tbn) and a new Comedy Club (tbn), hosting stand-up comedy, sing-alongs, and dueling pianos.

The following fleet-first venues were introduced on MSC World Europa:

“Chef’s Garden Kitchen” – microgreens-based cuisine with its own hydroponic garden; menu by Michelin-starred chef Niklas Ekstedt.

“La Pescaderia” – market-style seafood grill with alfresco seating.

“Luna Park Pizza & Burger” – buffet with interactive experiences and American comfort food.

Additional specialty venues include Butcher’s Cut (steakhouse), Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar, and Hola! Tacos & Cantina.

“Masters of the Sea Pub” – 2-deck British pub with onboard microbrewery (craft beers by Teo Musso/Baladin Brewery).

Coffee Emporium – specialty coffee house (MSC Lavazza).

Raj Polo Tea House – India-themed tea venue.

“The Gin Project” – gin bar offering 70+ labels.

“Elixir – Mixology Bar” – cocktail bar with outdoor terrace.

Additional venues include Zest Juice Bar, Malt Lounge & Bar (cigars, whiskies, cognacs), and Sweet Temptations (premium gelato, frozen yogurt, shakes, waffles).

Main dining venues include four MDRs (Bubbles, La Foglia, Esagono, Hexagon) and three buffets (Il Mercato, La Brasserie, Luna Park Pizza & Burger). Les Dunes Restaurant is exclusive to Aurea-class guests.

All-Stars Sports Bar (Promenade) offers a terrace, large HDTVs, and interactive games.

The Loft (Terraces) is an adults-only comedy club with stand-up comedy, dueling pianos, and karaoke.

Introduced on MSC Seascape (2022), MSC WORLD ships feature ROBOTRON—a robotic-arm thrill ride suspending a 3-seat gondola over the ship’s edge (53 m / 174 ft above sea level), capable of 360-degree flips synchronized with a DJ booth.

Decks and cabins

MSC World Atlantic staterooms (2614 total, 19 categories) include 159 Suites. Approximately 65% of all cabins have step-out balconies. The ship has 65 wheelchair-accessible/ADA cabins (33 Inside, 24 Balcony, 8 Junior Suite).

Seven of the 19 cabin categories are new for MSC.

Some staterooms feature balconies overlooking the Lower Promenade deck.

MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suites include large terraces with Jacuzzi and alfresco dining areas.

AUREA Suites also feature balcony Jacuzzis.

Infinite Oceanview cabins have French Balconies (down-sliding windows opening to a glass balustrade).

The ship has 22 decks, of which 16 are accessible to passengers and 12 have cabins.

The deck names will be announced at a later date.

Itineraries

MSC World Atlantic’s inaugural-season itinerary program (winter 2027-2028) is based on Florida homeporting in Port Canaveral (Orlando) and consists of 7-night and 14-night B2B cruises. Ports of call include MSC Ocean Cay and Nassau (Bahamas), Cozumel and Costa Maya (Mexico), Grand Turk Island and Puerto Plata (Dominicana).

All Caribbean itineraries are roundtrips calling at MSC’s private island resort, Ocean Cay.

MSC Cruises opened bookings for World Atlantic’s Caribbean program in December 2025.