MSC Cruises marks World Atlantic float out ahead of November 2027 Caribbean debut

MSC World Atlantic has floated out at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, ahead of its planned Caribbean debut in November 2027.

The construction milestone saw the vessel enter the water for the first time after being moved from its construction dock, marking the beginning of the next phase of work before delivery to MSC Cruises.

The ship will remain at the French shipyard while work continues on its interiors, public spaces, and technical systems ahead of its scheduled handover in 2027.

MSC World Atlantic will become the 25th vessel in the MSC Cruises fleet and the fourth ship in its LNG-powered World Class series.

The vessel is being developed for the North American cruise market, with a programme of alternating seven-night and 14-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries scheduled to begin in November 2027.

The itineraries will include calls at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ private island destination in the Bahamas.

MSC Cruises has positioned the new vessel as a combination of European and American influences, with its design intended to accommodate the preferences of passengers from both markets.

The ship will feature seven distinct districts, each incorporating different accommodation, dining, entertainment, and recreational facilities.

Further details of the individual districts and their attractions have not been provided in the latest construction announcement.

The float-out represents a significant step in the construction process, with the vessel progressing from assembly in the construction dock to the subsequent stages of outfitting and completion.

Work at Chantiers de l’Atlantique will now focus on completing the ship’s passenger areas and remaining technical installations before delivery.

The milestone also marks further progress in MSC Cruises’ World Class programme, which forms part of the company’s ongoing fleet expansion.

The class includes vessels designed to operate on liquefied natural gas, with MSC World Atlantic set to become the fourth LNG-powered ship in the series.

The new vessel will follow the World Class design approach, which divides onboard facilities into separate districts intended to provide different environments and activities for passengers.

Its deployment in the Caribbean will expand MSC Cruises’ capacity in the North American market, where the company has been developing its presence through additional ships and itineraries.

The alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean programmes will provide passengers with different itinerary options, including shorter seven-night voyages and extended 14-night cruises.

MSC Cruises has not provided further details of the ship’s individual port calls in the latest announcement, beyond confirming that Ocean Cay will feature in its Caribbean programme.

Following completion of the remaining construction and outfitting work, MSC World Atlantic is scheduled to be delivered in 2027 before beginning its inaugural season in November.

Bookings for the ship’s Caribbean itineraries are already open.