MSC cheers up Chantiers

MSC Cruises has confirmed an order to Chantiers de l?Atlantique for the construction of a 1,275 cabin cruise ship similar to the two ?MSC Musica? class. The Panamax sized newbuilding will be 294 metres long and just over 32 metres wide and is slated for delivery in time for the 2008 season.

The contract will enter into force once the financing arrangements have been put in place by MSC and it includes an option for a sistership.

MSC currently operates four cruise ships built by Chantiers de l?Atlantique. The Saint-Nazaire yard is presently completing the construction of ?MSC Musica?, which will be delivered next June. The order book of Chantiers de l?Atlantique also includes her sistership, ?MSC Orchestra? for delivery 2nd quarter 2007, and two large 1,650 cabin cruise ships, the ?MSC Fantasia? for delivery: 2nd quarter 2008 and ?MSC Serenata? for delivery 1st quarter 2009. By 2009, MSC Cruises? fleet will include nine modern cruise ships, all built at Chantiers de l?Atlantique.