The MSC World Atlantic, the latest addition to MSC Cruises' fleet, has floated out at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France. The ship, which is scheduled to join the fleet in November 2027, is the fourth LNG-fuelled vessel in the World Class series and will be the 25th ship in the MSC Cruises fleet.
Launch and Future Operations
MSC Cruises announced the successful float-out of the MSC World Atlantic at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire on September 26, 2026. The vessel will remain at the yard for further outfitting and completion of technical work before its official delivery in 2027. According to the company's plans, the ship will commence operations with seven- and 14-night Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida, starting in November 2027.
Vessel Specifications
The MSC World Atlantic is a significant vessel, measuring 333.3 metres in length, 47 metres in width, and approximately 68 metres in height. The ship will be able to accommodate up to 6,762 passengers in 2,626 cabins, while the crew will number around 2,138 members. The vessel's propulsion system will primarily run on LNG, with a dual-fuel capability. It will be powered by five engines providing a combined output of around 80 MW, enabling a maximum speed of 22.7 knots.
LNG-Fuelled Propulsion
The MSC World Atlantic is equipped with a cutting-edge dual-fuel propulsion system designed to reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency. The ship will primarily operate on LNG, which is seen as a more mature and widely available marine fuel compared to alternatives such as methanol. However, the company recognises the environmental concerns associated with methane slip and is exploring the use of bio-LNG as a cleaner option.
Itinerary Details
MSC Cruises has detailed the ship's itinerary for its inaugural season. The vessel will offer Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, alternating between seven-night and 14-night sailings. These cruises will include calls at destinations such as Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, a private island in the Bahamas, and Grand Turk. The deployment was initially announced for the winter 2027-2028 season but has been brought forward to November 2027.
What this means for operators: The launch of the MSC World Atlantic marks a significant milestone for the cruise industry, showcasing advancements in LNG-fuelled propulsion technology and sustainable maritime practices. For operators, the ship's capabilities underscore the growing importance of environmental stewardship and the need to invest in cleaner, more efficient fuel solutions to meet regulatory and customer expectations.
This article was produced with the assistance of an AI system and reviewed by the editorial team before publication. Sources are listed below.
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