Editing MSC Cruises

{{Short description|Cruise line registered in Switzerland}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox company
| name = MSC Cruises
| logo = [[File:MSC Cruises Logo.png|180px]]
| logo_upright = House Flag of MSC Cruises.svg
| image = House Flag of MSC Cruises.svg
| type = [[Privately held company]]
| num_locations = 
| location_city = [[Geneva, Switzerland]]
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = 
| industry = [[Transportation]]
| products = [[Cruising (maritime)|Cruises]]
| revenue = 
| operating_income = 
| net_income = 
| num_employees = 23,500
| parent = [[Mediterranean Shipping Company]]
| subsid = [[Explora Journeys]]
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.msccruises.com}}
| footnotes = 
| foundation = {{start date and age|1988}} [[Naples]], [[Italy]]
| founder = Gianluigi Aponte
| founded location = 
}}

'''MSC Cruises''' ({{langx|it|MSC Crociere}}) is a Swiss-Italian global [[cruise line]] based in [[Geneva]], with operations offices in [[Naples]], [[Genoa]] and [[Venice]]. It was founded in 1988 in [[Naples]], [[Italy]], as part of the [[Mediterranean Shipping Company]] (MSC). In addition to being the world's largest [[privately held company|privately held]] cruise company, employing about 23,500 people worldwide and with offices in 45 countries {{as of|2017|lc=yes}},<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.msccruises.com/en-gl/About-MSC/Company.aspx |title=MSC Cruises Company Profile - MSC Fleet - Mediterranean Way of Life |access-date=12 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115093418/http://www.msccruises.com/en-gl/About-MSC/Company.aspx |archive-date=15 November 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> MSC Cruises is the [[list of largest cruise lines|third-largest cruise company in the world]], after [[Carnival Corporation & plc]] and [[Royal Caribbean Group]], with a 10% share of all passengers carried in 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Market Share {{!}} Cruise Market Watch |url=https://cruisemarketwatch.com/market-share/ |access-date=2025-05-04 |language=en-US}}</ref>

== History ==

=== StarLauro Cruises ===
[[File:MSC Montery Kuşadası.jpg|left|thumb|MSC ''[[SS Monterey (1952)|Monterey]]'', one of the line's first ships]]

In 1988 Gianluigi Aponte, founder of [[Mediterranean Shipping Company]] cargo shipping company, decided to enter the cruise industry and purchased the ''[[MS Achille Lauro|Achille Lauro]]'' from [[Flotta Lauro Lines|Flotta Lauro Line]]. He retained "Lauro" in the company name in honour of his mentor, naming the new cruise line '''StarLauro Cruises'''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MSC Cruises - Our History |url=https://www.careers.msccruises.com/why-msc-cruises/our-history}}</ref> The original Lauro Lines ({{Langx|it|Flotta Lauro}}) was originally founded in [[Naples, Italy]] by [[Achille Lauro]] in the 1940s.

In 1990 Mediterranean Shipping Co. purchased the ''[[SS Monterey (1952)|Monterey]]'' to sail for their StarLauro Cruises brand. The ship retained her original name that she had had since sailing with [[Matson, Inc.|Matson Lines]]. Both the ''Monterey'' and ''Achille Lauro'' would sail under the StarLauro Cruises banner into the early 1990s. In November 1994 the ''Achille Lauro'' caught fire off the coast of Somalia while ''en route'' to [[South Africa]], with 979 passengers and crew aboard, two of whom died during the evacuation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 3, 1994 |title=Achille Lauro Sinks Off Coast of Somalia |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/12/03/world/achille-lauro-sinks-off-coast-of-somalia.html |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

StarLauro line went on to acquire the ''Enrico C'' from Costa Cruises, renaming the ship ''Symphony,'' and the former ''Cunard Princess'', renaming the ship ''[[MS Cunard Princess|Rhapsody]]'' to the fleet.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cunard’s Former Princess Becomes Latest Cruise Ship Sold for Scrap |url=https://maritime-executive.com/article/cunard-s-former-princess-becomes-latest-cruise-ship-sold-for-scrap |access-date= |website=The Maritime Executive |language=en}}</ref>

=== MSC Cruises ===
In 1995, StarLauro Cruises was rebranded as MSC Cruises, with the livery changed from the blue funnel star logo to a white funnel with the MSC logo.<ref name="history">{{cite web |title=About MSC History |url=https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/About-MSC/MSC-History.aspx |access-date=10 August 2010 |website=MSC Cruises USA |publisher=MSC Cruises}}</ref>

[[File:MS Melody.jpg|left|thumb|''[[MS Melody|Melody]]'', purchased by MSC in 1997]]

In 1997 MSC purchased the ''[[MS Melody|Atlantic]]'' from [[Premier Cruise Lines]], and renamed the ship ''[[MS Melody|Melody]]''.
[[File:MSC Lirica IMG 8593.jpg|thumb|[[MSC Lirica|MSC ''Lirica'']], MSC Cruises' first purpose-built ship]]
In the early 2000s, MSC initiated a rapid expansion program, and placed its first new build orders with [[Chantiers de l'Atlantique]] shipyard, for 65,000-ton ships. Based on a similar design to the French yard's platform for [[Festival Cruises]], the two-ship order started the aggressive expansion of the cruise line. The line's first new build, the ''[[MSC Lirica]]'', debuted in 2003. The ''Lirica'' also became the first MSC ship to be christened by [[Sophia Loren]], a tradition that has continued for all but one of the company's new builds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MSC Cruises’ First Newbuilds Completes 20 Years in Service - Cruise Industry News {{!}} Cruise News |url=https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2023/04/msc-cruises-first-newbuilds-completes-20-years-in-service/ |access-date= |website=Cruise Industry News |language=en-US}}</ref> The ''Lirica'' was followed by sister ship [[MSC Opera|MSC ''Opera'']] in 2004.

In 2004, MSC Cruises acquired the fairly newly built ''[[MSC Armonia|European Vision]]'' and ''[[MSC Sinfonia|European Stars]]''  from the bankrupt [[Festival Cruises]], renaming the ships {{ship||MSC Armonia}} and {{ship||MSC Sinfonia}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Genoa (undefined) |first=Ian Lewis |date=2004-07-22 |title=MSC Cruises buys last Festival ship |url=https://www.tradewindsnews.com/weekly/msc-cruises-buys-last-festival-ship/1-1-207306 |access-date= |website=TradeWinds {{!}} Latest shipping and maritime news |language=en}}</ref>

In 2006 the first of the four Musica Class debuted, also built at [[Chantiers de l'Atlantique|STX France]]. The ''[[MSC Musica]]'' was followed by the {{ship||MSC Orchestra}}, {{ship||MSC Poesia}}, and the final, slightly modified, {{ship||MSC Magnifica}} in 2010.

In 2015, MSC Cruises announced that the four ''Mistral'' class ships had undergone renovation under the Renaissance Programme.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-05 |title=RENAISSANCE PROGRAMME MOVES INTO PHASE TWO AS MSC SINFONIA ENTERS DRY DOCK |url=https://www.mscpressarea.com/en_INT/press-releases/451/ |access-date= |website=www.mscpressarea.com |language=en}}</ref>

In July 2018, the company announced that it would build a second cruise terminal at [[PortMiami]] for its ''World''-class cruise ships as an expansion of its North American program. It was scheduled to be completed in October 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=8751|title=MSC Cruises to Build Second Cruise Terminal in Miami - MSC Cruises|website=www.cruisecritic.com|language=en-us|access-date=12 July 2018}}</ref>

In October 2018, MSC announced an order for four luxury ships of 64,000 [[Gross tonnage|gross tons]] each.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/MSC-places-order-four-luxury-vessels|title=MSC places order for four luxury vessels: Travel Weekly|website=www.travelweekly.com|language=en|access-date=12 September 2019}}</ref> These ultra-luxury vessels were to be based on the cruise line's luxury concept, the MSC Yacht Club.<ref name=":2" />

In January 2019, MSC Cruises unveiled the world's first virtual personal cruise assistant — ZOE, an artificial intelligence device designed by [[Harman International]]. It is currently featured on ''MSC Bellissima'' and ''MSC Grandiosa'', and will be featured on future new builds upon their delivery.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/3711/|title=MSC Cruises Officially Unveils "Zoe" the World's First Personal Cruise Assistant|website=www.cruisecritic.com|language=en-us|access-date=15 February 2019|archive-date=28 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528202058/https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/3711/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/20319-msc-unveils-zoe-virtual-personal-assistant.html|title=MSC Unveils Zoe Virtual Personal Assistant|last=Mathisen|first=Monty|date=1 February 2019|website=www.cruiseindustrynews.com|language=en-gb|access-date=12 September 2019}}</ref>

In mid-2020, MSC Cruises suspended most (or all) of their operations for over six months during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name=":5" /> On 7 January 2021, MSC announced it would restart cruises with the ''[[MSC Grandiosa]]'' and ''[[MSC Magnifica]]'' in the Mediterranean. Passengers were initially limited to residents of the [[Schengen Area]].<ref name=":5">{{cite web |url=https://www.msccruises.com/en-gl/Itinerary-Updates.aspx |title=CRUISE & ITINERARY UPDATES |date=7 January 2021|work=MSC |access-date=11 January 2021}}</ref>

In June 2021, MSC announced a new luxury subsidiary brand named [[Explora Journeys]], with four vessels planned, beginning with the ''[[Explora I]]''.<ref name=":10">{{cite web |last=Payne |first=Holly |date=2021-06-10 |title=Steel cut for Explora I, first vessel in MSC Cruises' luxury Explora Journeys fleet |url=https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/shipbuilding-refurb-equipment/steel-cut-explora-i-first-vessel-msc-cruises-luxury-explora-journeys |access-date=2022-02-05 |website=Seatrade Cruise News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Brand Reveal|url=https://explorajourneys.com/int/en/press-and-media/press/brand-reveal.html|access-date=2022-02-05|website=explorajourneys.com|language=en}}</ref>

In March 2022, MSC Cruises signed a multi-year deal with [[Formula One]] to become their official cruise partner.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Formula 1 |date=2022-03-21 |title=Formula 1 announces MSC Cruises as a Global Partner for the 2022 season |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.formula-1-announces-msc-cruises-as-a-global-partner-for-the-2022-season.5YFnf6DRv1FrBcwkYdfpbR.html |access-date=2022-04-02 |website=Formula 1 |language=en}}</ref> They were the title sponsor of the [[2023 Belgian Grand Prix]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pettit |first=Carl |date=2023-07-31 |title=MSC Cruises and Formula 1 Have Something to Celebrate |url=https://www.cruisehive.com/msc-cruises-and-formula-1-have-something-to-celebrate/107788 |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=Cruise Hive |language=en-US}}</ref>

In January 2023, MSC Cruises announced a new multi-year partnership agreement with the [[New York Knicks]]. The deal gets MSC promotion during Knicks home games, including LED signage, virtual-on-court signage, and the opportunity to serve as the presenting partner during in-game t-shirt tosses.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New York Knicks and MSC Cruises Partner on Multi-Year Marketing Plan |url=https://www.travelmarketreport.com/articles/%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20New-York-Knicks-and-MSC-Cruises-Partner-on-Multi-Year-Marketing-Plan |access-date=2023-01-18 |website=www.travelmarketreport.com |language=en}}</ref>

In August 2024, ''Shipping Italy'' reported rumors that MSC was in talks with [[Meyer Turku]] to build a class of four ships with a gross tonnage of 270,000, which would make it bigger than any other cruise ship at the time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Capuzzo |first=Nicola |date=2024-08-27 |title=Royal Caribbean ordina ancora a Meyer Turku e Msc Crociere negozia una serie di navi da record |url=https://www.shippingitaly.it/2024/08/27/royal-caribbean-ordina-ancora-a-meyer-turku-e-msc-crociere-negozia-una-serie-di-navi-da-record/ |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=Shipping Italy |language=it-IT}}</ref>

In April 2025, MSC Cruise Division inaugurated the new MSC Barcelona Cruse Terminal, the first fully owned MSC Cruse terminal the will serve MSC Cruises and MSC's [[Explora Journeys]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adonis |date=2025-04-08 |title=MSC Group’s Cruise division officially inaugurates new terminal in the port of Barcelona |url=https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/04/08/msc-groups-cruise-division-officially-inaugurates-new-terminal-in-the-port-of-barcelona/ |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=Cyprus Shipping News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Terminal MSC {{!}} Port de Barcelona |url=https://www.portdebarcelona.cat/en/business-and-services/cruise-ships/information-passenger/passenger-terminals/terminal-msc |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=www.portdebarcelona.cat |language=en}}</ref>

In May 2025, MSC Cruise Division inaugurated the new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal, the world’s largest cruise terminal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stella |date=2025-05-02 |title=MSC Cruises opens world’s largest cruise terminal poised to redefine the guest experience through cutting edge technology |url=https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/05/02/msc-cruises-opens-worlds-largest-cruise-terminal-poised-to-redefine-the-guest-experience-through-cutting-edge-technology/ |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=Cyprus Shipping News |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve ==
[[File:Lighthouse Bay, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas (December 31, 2019).jpg|thumb|The man-made lagoon located in the middle of [[Ocean Cay]]|227x227px]]

In December 2015, MSC Cruises signed a 100-year lease for the private island of [[Ocean Cay]] in the Bahamas to develop the land for an exclusive island experience.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/13400-confirmed-msc-closes-deal-on-private-island-in-bahamas-.html|title=Confirmed: MSC Closes Deal on Private Island in Bahamas|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=17 December 2015|website=www.cruiseindustrynews.com|language=en-gb|access-date=15 November 2019|archive-date=15 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115184659/https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/13400-confirmed-msc-closes-deal-on-private-island-in-bahamas-.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The site had previously been used to mine white [[Aragonite]] sand for decades. After the original owners abandoned the 95 acre island, the land had to be restored to remove all of the old mining equipment, with MSC Cruises committing $200 million for the project, involving restoration and conversion of the island into a private resort.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Arlene Satchell |first1=Arlene |title=MSC Cruises plans $200 million private Bahamian island |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/fl-msc-cruises-ocean-cay-island-20151217-story.html |website=South Florida Sun-Sentinel |access-date=18 April 2023}}</ref>

The restoration required the work of many scientists to bring the area back into a functioning marine habitat. Once the Bahamian government granted the site marine reserve status, the project was officially named the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and was set to open in mid-November 2019. However, weather delays pushed the date to 5 December 2019.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.travelpulse.com/news/cruise/msc-cruises-announces-new-opening-date-for-ocean-cay-marine-reserve.html |title=MSC Cruises Announces New Opening Date for Ocean Cay Marine Reserve| work=[[TravelPulse]]}}</ref>

== Fleet ==
=== Current fleet ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:Center;"
|-
! Ship
! Built
! Builder
! Joined MSC
! [[Gross tonnage]]
! Flag
! Notes
! Image
|-
! colspan="8" | [[Mistral-class cruise ship|''Mistral''-class]]
|-
| {{ship||MSC Armonia}}
| 2001
| rowspan="4" | [[Chantiers de l'Atlantique]]
|data-sort-value=2004-05 | May 2004
| 65,542
|{{PAN}}
| align="Left" |Built as the MS ''European Vision'' for [[Festival Cruises]]
| [[File:Costa Fascinosa and MSC Armonia in Malta (MSC Armonia).jpg|180px]]
|-
| {{ship||MSC Sinfonia}}
| 2002
|data-sort-value=2005-03 | March 2005
| 65,542
| {{PAN}}
| align="Left" |Built as the MS ''European Stars'' for [[Festival Cruises]]
| [[File:20170617 MSC Sinfonia Venezia (49258415321)..jpg|180px]]
|-
| {{ship||MSC Lirica}}
| 2003
|data-sort-value=2003-03 | March 2003
| 65,591
| {{PAN}}
| align="Left" |First purpose-built new build for MSC Cruises
| [[File:Croisiére MSC LIRICA en quai.jpg|180px]]
|-
| {{ship||MSC Opera}}
| 2004
|data-sort-value=2004-03 | March 2004
| 65,591
| {{PAN}}
| align="Left" |
| [[File:MSC Opera.jpg|180px]]
|-
! colspan="8" | [[Musica-class cruise ship|''Musica'' class]]
|-
| {{ship||MSC Musica}}
| 2006
| rowspan="2" | [[Aker Yards]] ([[Saint-Nazaire]])
|data-sort-value=2006-07 | July 2006
| 92,409
| {{PAN}}
| align="Left" |
| [[File:MSC Musica at Pier 25 in Port of Tallinn Tallinn 1 May 2013.jpg|180px]]
|-
| {{ship||MSC Orchestra}}
| 2007
|data-sort-value=2007-05 | May 2007
| 92,409
| {{PAN}}
| align="Left" | 
| [[File:MSC Orchestra in Tallinn 2009 0028.JPG|180px]]
|-
| {{ship||MSC Poesia}}
| 2008
| [[Aker Yards]]/[[STX Europe]] ([[Saint-Nazaire]])
|data-sort-value=2008-10 | Oct 2008
| 92,627
| {{PAN}}
| align="Left" |
| [[File:MSC Poesia departing Tallinn 11 July 2012.JPG|180px]]
|-
| {{ship||MSC Magnifica}}
| 2010
| [[STX Europe]] ([[Saint-Nazaire]])
|data-sort-value=2010-03 | March 2010
| 95,128
| {{PAN}}
| align="Left" | Modified ''Musica'' class
| [[File:MSC Magnifica (ship, 2010) 002.jpg|180px]]
|-
! colspan="8" | [[Fantasia-class cruise ship|''Fantasia'' class]]
|-
| {{ship||MSC Fantasia}}
| 2008
| rowspan="2" | [[Aker Yards]]/[[STX Europe]] ([[Saint-Nazaire]])
|data-sort-value=2008-12 | Dec 2008
| 137,936
| {{PAN}}
| align="Left" |
| [[File:Msc fantasia.jpg|180px]]
|-
| {{ship||MSC Splendida}}
| 2009
|data-sort-value=2009-07 | July 2009
| 137,936
| {{PAN}}
| align="Left" |
| [[File:MSC Splendida Marseille.jpg|180px]]
|-
| {{ship||MSC Divina}}
| 2012
| rowspan="2" | [[STX Europe]] ([[Saint-Nazaire]])
|data-sort-value=2012-06 | June 2012
| 139,400
| {{PAN}}
| align="Left" | Modified ''Fantasia'' class
| [[File:MSC Divina in Malta.jpg|180px]]
|-
| {{ship||MSC Preziosa}}
| 2013
|data-sort-value=2013-03 |  March 2013
| 139,400
| {{PAN}}
| align="Left" | Modified ''Fantasia'' class<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/About-MSC-Cruises/News/MSC-CRUISES-WELCOMES-MSC-PREZIOSA.aspx |title=MSC Cruises-UK News: MSC Cruises Welcomes MSC Preziosa |publisher=Msccruises.co.uk |access-date=15 February 2014}}</ref>
|[[File:Croisière MSC PREZIOSA à quai (cropped).jpg|180px]]
|-
! colspan="8" | [[Seaside-class cruise ship|''Seaside'' class]]
|-
| {{ship||MSC Seaside}}
| 2017
| rowspan="2" | [[Fincantieri]]
|data-sort-value=2017-11 | Nov 2017
| 153,516
| {{flag|Malta|civil}}
| align="Left" |
| [[File:MSC Seaside docked at Ocean Cay.jpg|frameless|180x180px]]
|-
| {{ship||MSC Seaview}}
| 2018
|data-sort-value=2018-06 | June 2018
| 153,516
| {{flag|Malta|civil}}
| align="Left" |
| [[File:MSC Seaview leaving Kiel XIV (cropped).jpg|180px]]
|-
! colspan="8" | [[Seaside-EVO-class cruise ship|''Seaside'' EVO-class]]
|-
| {{ship||MSC Seashore}}
| 2021
| rowspan="2" | [[Fincantieri]]
|data-sort-value=2021-083 | August 2021
| 170,412
|{{flag|Malta|civil}}
| align="Left"|
| [[File:Msc seashore.jpg|180px]]
|-
| {{ship||MSC Seascape}}
| 2022<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/28785-new-msc-seascape-delivered-from-fincantieri.html|title=New MSC Seascape Delivered from Fincantieri|date=2022-11-16|access-date=2022-11-16}}</ref>
|data-sort-value=2022-11 | November 2022
| 170,400<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fincantieri.com/en/media/press-releases/2022/msc-seascape-joins-the-fleet/|title=MSC SEASCAPE, THE LARGEST AND MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED CRUISE SHIP EVER BUILT IN ITALY, JOINS THE FLEET|date=2022-11-16|access-date=2022-11-16}}</ref>
|{{flag|Malta|civil}}
| align="Left"|
| [[File:MSC Seascape cruise ship 2.jpg|180px]]
|-
! colspan="8" | [[Meraviglia-class cruise ship|''Meraviglia'' class]]
|-
| {{ship||MSC Meraviglia}}
| 2017
| [[STX Europe]] ([[Saint-Nazaire]])
|data-sort-value=2017-05 | May 2017
| 171,598
| {{flag|Malta|civil}}
| align="Left" | 
| [[File:MSC Meraviglia Grand Harbour Malta 20180307 03 (cropped).jpg|180px]]
|-
| {{ship||MSC Bellissima}}
| 2019
| [[Chantiers de l'Atlantique]]
|data-sort-value=2019-03 | March 2019
| 171,598
| {{flag|Malta|civil}}
| align="Left" |
|[[File:MSC Bellissima 20190226 190521.jpg|180px]]
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Meraviglia'' Plus-class
|-
| {{ship||MSC Grandiosa}}
| 2019
| rowspan="3" | [[Chantiers de l'Atlantique]]
|data-sort-value=2019-11 | November 2019
| 181,541
| {{flag|Malta|civil}}
| align="Left" |<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Williamson|first=Jeannine|date=2019-10-31|title=MSC Cruises Takes Delivery of first Meraviglia Plus Class Ship, MSC Grandiosa|url=https://www.cruisecritic.com.au/news/4709/|access-date=2022-02-05|website=www.cruisecritic.com.au|language=en-au}}</ref>
|[[File:Vertrek MSC GRANDIOSA (49018550362).jpg|180px]]
|-
| ''[[MSC Virtuosa]]''
| 2021
|data-sort-value=2021-05 | May 2021
| 181,541
| {{flag|Malta|civil}}
| align="Left" | <ref name=":0" />
| [[File:Msc virtuosa 2021.JPG|180px]]
|-
| ''[[MSC Euribia]]''<ref name=":7">{{cite web|url=https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/25333-msc-begins-construction-of-euribia-its-most-environmentally-advanced-ship.html|title=MSC Begins Construction of Euribia, Its Most Environmentally-Advanced Ship|date=2021-06-28|access-date=2021-06-28}}</ref>
| 2023<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|last=Ebelthite|first=Shaun|title=MSC begins construction of third Meraviglia-Plus class ship, MSC Euribia -|url=https://cruise-arabia.com/2021/06/29/msc-begins-construction-of-third-meraviglia-plus-class-ship-msc-euribia/|access-date=2022-02-05|website=cruise-arabia.com|date=29 June 2021 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
|data-sort-value=2023-05 | May 2023
| 184,011
| {{flag|Malta|civil}}
| align="Left" | Second ship powered by [[liquid natural gas]] (LNG) to join the fleet.
|[[File:MSC Euribia - 3 juin 2023 - Saint-Nazaire, France.jpg|MSC Euribia - 3 juin 2023 - Saint-Nazaire, France|180px]]
|-
! colspan="8" |[[World-class cruise ship|''World Class'']]
|-
|| {{ship||MSC World Europa}}<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|last=Kalosh|first=Anne|date=29 June 2020|title=Chantiers de l'Atlantique lays keel for LNG-powered MSC World Europa|work=Seatrade Cruise News|url=https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/news/chantiers-de-latlantique-lays-keel-lng-powered-msc-world-europa|access-date=29 June 2020}}</ref>
| 2022<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|date=2021-12-02|title=MSC and Chantiers Mark Double Newbuild Milestones|url=https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/26332-msc-and-chantiers-mark-double-newbuild-milestones.html|access-date=2022-02-05|website=www.cruiseindustrynews.com|language=en-gb}}</ref>
| rowspan="2" | [[Chantiers de l'Atlantique]]
|data-sort-value=2022-12 | December 2022
| 215,863<ref>{{Cite web |title=MSC World Europa |url=https://www.msccruisesusa.com/cruise/ships/msc-world-europa |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=msccruisesusa.com}}</ref>
| {{flag|Malta|civil}}
| align="Left" | Originally named ''MSC Europa''.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.primocanale.it/notizie/msc-guarda-all-ambiente-ecco-europa-a-saint-nazaire-il-taglio-della-prima-lamiera-212817.html|title=Msc guarda all'ambiente, ecco 'Europa': a Saint Nazaire il taglio della prima lamiera|website=Primocanale.it|language=it|access-date=15 November 2019}}</ref>
Largest ship built for MSC Cruises and first in the fleet powered by LNG with [[solid oxide fuel cell]] (SOFC) and having "G"-shape bow design.
|[[File:MSC World Europa - Saint-Nazaire - June 2022.jpg|frameless|180x180px]]
|-
|''[[MSC World America]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mscpressarea.com/en_US/press-releases/msc-cruises-cuts-steel-on-msc-world-america-second-innovative-world-class-ship|title=MSC CRUISES CUTS STEEL ON MSC WORLD AMERICA, SECOND INNOVATIVE WORLD CLASS SHIP|date=2022-10-24|access-date=2022-10-24}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/28562-msc-names-next-new-ship-world-america.html|title=MSC Names Next New Ship World America|date=2022-10-24|access-date=2022-10-24}}</ref>
| 2025<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mscpressarea.com/press-releases/msc-cruises-and-chantiers-de-l-atlantique-mark-three-world-class-ship-milestones/|title=MSC CRUISES AND CHANTIERS DE L’ATLANTIQUE MARK THREE WORLD CLASS SHIP MILESTONES IN SAINT-NAZAIRE|date=2025-03-27|accessdate=2025-03-28}}</ref>
|data-sort-value=2025-03 | March 2025
| 216,638<ref>{{Cite web |title=MSC World Europa |url=https://www.msccruisesusa.com/cruise/ships/msc-world-europa |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=msccruisesusa.com}}</ref>
| {{flag|Malta|civil}}
| align="Left" | LNG-fueled cruise ship.<ref name="msccruisesusa.com">{{Cite web |url=https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/About-MSC/News/MSC-Cruises-Announces-World-Class-Ships-2026.aspx |title=New Cruise Ships - MSC Cruises &#124; New Ships - World Class |access-date=17 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813040403/https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/About-MSC/News/MSC-Cruises-Announces-World-Class-Ships-2026.aspx |archive-date=13 August 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br>Construction started on 22 October 2022.<ref>https://chantiers-atlantique.com/en/news/msc-and-chantiers-de-latlantique-mark-a-major-step-forward-with-the-delivery-of-msc-world-europa/</ref><ref>https://chantiers-atlantique.com/en/institutional/chantiers-de-latlantique-to-integrate-the-first-lng-operated-fuel-cell-onboard-an-msc-cruises-ship/</ref><br>Sea Trials completed<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mscpressarea.com/press-releases/msc-world-america-completes-successful-sea-trials-ahead-of-april-launch/|title=MSC WORLD AMERICA COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL SEA TRIALS AHEAD OF APRIL LAUNCH|date=2025-03-15|accessdate=2025-03-28}}</ref> and delivered in March 2025
|[[File:MSC World America.jpg|center|frameless|180x180px]]
|}

=== Future ships ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:Center;"
|-
! Ship
! Due to enter service
! Builder
! [[Gross tonnage]]
! Notes
! Image
|-
! colspan="6" |[[World-class cruise ship|World class]]
|-
|''MSC World Asia''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2024/04/msc-cruises-holds-steel-cutting-ceremony-for-msc-world-asia/?fbclid=IwAR2tMdCX3Pb_V9583KrdysbfU7ZJOti6TOlpPk9NWyPBhk1ZmM3M4ofUlgQ_aem_AXNQ9Tr3YMC_W9MBER7P9KYffOkG1lFdjBoYIZ7CswibNB7sZossKvk4aYLnTTZPwFA9cv4l-3EHRknr-4gtwYli|title=
MSC Cruises Holds Steel Cutting Ceremony for MSC World Asia|date=2024-04-09|access-date=2024-04-09}}</ref><ref name="auto"/>
| 2026<ref name=":27">{{Cite news |last=McCarthy |first=Daniel |date=21 January 2020 |title=MSC Cruises Adds Two World Class Vessels, New Ship Class to Expansion Plans |url=https://www.travelmarketreport.com/articles/MSC-Cruises-Adds-Two-World-Class-Vessels-New-Ship-Class-to-Expansion-Plans |access-date=4 July 2020 |work=Travel Market Report}}</ref>
| rowspan="4" | [[Chantiers de l'Atlantique]]
| 216,638<ref name=":27" />
| align="Left" | LNG-fueled cruise ship<ref name="msccruisesusa.com" />
|
|-
| ''MSC World Atlantic''<ref>{{Cite web |title=MSC and Chantiers Celebrate Milestones for Three World Class Ships - Cruise Industry News {{!}} Cruise News |url=https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2025/03/msc-and-chantiers-celebrate-milestones-for-three-world-class-ships/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=Cruise Industry News|language=en-US}}</ref>
| 2027<ref name=":27" />
| 216,638<ref name=":27" />
| align="Left" | LNG-fueled cruise ship<ref name="msccruisesusa.com" />
|
|-
|World Class 5<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=MSC Orders Two More World Class Ships - Cruise Industry News {{!}} Cruise News |url=https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2025/05/msc-orders-two-more-world-class-ships/ |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=Cruise Industry News |language=en-US}}</ref>
|2029<ref name=":1" />
|216,638<ref name=":1" />
| align="Left" |LNG-fueled cruise ship<ref name=":1" />
|
|-
|World Class 6<ref name=":1" />
|2030<ref name=":1" />
|216,638<ref name=":1" />
| align="Left" |LNG-fueled cruise ship<ref name=":1" />
|
|}

MSC is also in negotiations with Finnish, Italian and French yards for new builds.<ref>https://www.ttgmedia.com/cruise/msc-cruises-confirms-talks-under-way-with-shipyards-over-new-ship-class-49216</ref><ref>https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/cruise/msc-cruises-to-take-the-bar-higher-with-next-generation-of-ships</ref><ref>https://cruiseweekly.com.au/news/msc-going-bigger/80807</ref><ref>https://www.seereisenportal.de/news/kreuzfahrt-news-schifffahrtsnachrichten/msc-cruises-hebt-mit-der-naechsten-schiffsgeneration-die-standards-an/</ref>

=== Former fleet ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Ship
! Built
! Builder
! In service for MSC
! [[Gross tonnage]]
! Notes
! Image
|-
| {{MS|Achille Lauro||2}}
| 1947
| Scheepsbouw-Maatschappij De Schelde, Vlissingen, [[Netherlands]]
| 1988- 1994
| 23,629
| align="Left" | Built for [[Royal Rotterdam Lloyd]] as the ''MS Willem Ruys''. Sank after catching fire in 1994.
| [[File:Achille39 b.jpg|180px]]
|-
| [[SS Monterey (1952)|''Monterey'']]
| 1952
| [[Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corp.]], Maryland, [[United States]]
| 1990- 2006
| 20,000
| align="Left" | Originally known as ''SS Free State Mariner''. Previously ''Monterey'' for [[Matson Lines]] and ''Monterey'' for Aloha Pacific Cruises. Scrapped in 2007.
| [[File:MSC Montery (cropped).jpg|frameless|180x180px]]
|-
| {{MS|Symphony||2}}
| 1951
| [[Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson]], [[England]]
| 1994- 2000
| 16,000
| align="Left" | Previously ''Provence'' for SGTM Line and ''Enrico C ''for [[Costa Cruises]]. Scrapped in 2001.
| [[File:"Ocean Glory I" - Dover, 2001 (cropped).jpg|180px]]
|-
| [[MS Golden Iris|''Rhapsody'']]
| 1977
| [[Burmeister & Wain]], [[Denmark]]
| 1995- 2009
| 17,095
| align="Left" | Previously ''Cunard Conquest'' and ''Cunard Princess'' for [[Cunard Line]]. Scrapped in 2022.
| [[File:MS Rhapsody in Trondheim 2007.jpg|180px]]
|-
| {{ship|MS|Melody||2}}
| 1982
| [[CNIM]] ([[La Seyne-sur-Mer]]), [[France]]
| 1997- 2013
| 35,143
| align="Left" | Previously ''Atlantic'' for [[Home Lines]] and ''StarShip Atlantic'' for [[Premier Cruise Line]]. Scrapped in 2018.
| [[File:Melody.jpg|180px]]
|}

== See also ==

* [[Explora Journeys]]
* [[List of cruise lines]]
* [[Mediterranean Shipping Company]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|MSC Cruises}}
* {{Official website|http://www.msccruises.com}}{{external media
| float  = right
| width  = 270px
| video1 = [https://tubitv.com/movies/638825/the-secret-life-of-the-cruise The Secret Life of the Cruise] – a 2018 documentary film directed by Ben Ryder showcasing the operations and management of a MSC cruise (Tubi, full episode)}}

{{MSC Ships}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:MSC Cruises}}
[[Category:Mediterranean Shipping Company]]
[[Category:MSC Cruises| ]]
[[Category:Cruise lines]]
[[Category:Italian companies established in 1988]]
[[Category:Transport companies established in 1988]]