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MSC Cruises has confirmed that it has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with STX France to firm up the order of two LNG-powered mega cruise ships, with options for two additional vessels.

The 200,000-grt vessels are to be delivered in 2022 and 2024 and each have a length of 330 metres and 47 metres of beam. The two additional ship options are for delivery in 2025 and 2026. All the vessels will form part of the new 'World Class' series of MSC Cruises ships.

The announcement of the World Class was made as MSC Cruises officially took delivery of the 171,598 grt MSC Meraviglia - the biggest ship to be built by a European shipowner - on June 1.

Speaking at the MSC Meraviglia flag ceremony, Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises' executive chairman, said: "Today, as we unveil MSC Meraviglia, a new vessel that marks the start of the next phase of our growth, we are delighted to confirm another key component of our ten-year investment plan: the World Class. These new vessels will further expand our partnership with STX France all the way to 2026, with up to seven additional innovative ships to be built during this period."

STX France's CEO, Laurent Castaing, commented: "Once again, MSC Cruises has chosen to put their trust in our capacity to support their growth and expansion as well as in our ability to conceive, develop and build the world's most modern and technologically-advanced cruise ships. By adding the new World Class to the four previous ship classes that we have delivered over the past 15 years, the number of vessels in their fleet built by STX France in Saint-Nazaire is set to reach 20. Our exceptional industrial partnership continues to benefit an entire region."