World-class cruise ship planning and construction

Author

Reads 3.3K

Top View of an Illuminated Cruise Ship in a Dock at Night
Credit: pexels.com, Top View of an Illuminated Cruise Ship in a Dock at Night

World-class cruise ship planning and construction involves meticulous attention to detail, as seen in the case of the Harmony of the Seas, which boasts a staggering 18 decks. The ship's massive size is a testament to the precision and expertise of the planners and builders.

The construction process for a world-class cruise ship can take up to 3 years, as was the case with the Oasis-class ships. This timeframe allows for careful planning and execution of every aspect, from the ship's design to its final outfitting.

The largest cruise ships in the world, such as the Symphony of the Seas, have a gross tonnage of over 228,000 tons, making them a marvel of modern engineering. This massive size allows for an incredible array of amenities and activities on board.

The ship's builders and planners work tirelessly to ensure that every detail, from the layout of the cabins to the selection of onboard amenities, meets the highest standards of quality and luxury.

See what others are reading: Shore Power Connection for Ships

Planning and Timeline

A luxurious cruise ship moored at the bustling Miami port with the city skyline in the background.
Credit: pexels.com, A luxurious cruise ship moored at the bustling Miami port with the city skyline in the background.

In April 2016, MSC Cruises unveiled a new class of cruise ships called the World class, after signing a letter of intent for up to four World-class vessels from STX France, an order worth approximately €4.5 billion.

Each ship in the class is estimated to measure over 200,000 gross tonnage (GT) and house over 2,700 cabins for a guest capacity of around 5,400 passengers.

The World-class ships were initially expected to be delivered in 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively.

The contract for the final two ships, now set to be delivered in 2025 and 2027, respectively, was signed in January 2020.

MSC also announced all ships in the class would be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a more environmentally friendly option.

For more insights, see: Holland America Alaska Ships

Planning

In April 2016, MSC Cruises unveiled a new class of cruise ships that it calls the World class after signing a letter of intent for up to four World-class vessels from STX France.

Luxurious river cruise ship sailing on the Danube in Budapest under a dramatic cloudy evening sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Luxurious river cruise ship sailing on the Danube in Budapest under a dramatic cloudy evening sky.

The order was worth approximately €4.5 billion, making it a significant investment for the company. Each ship in the class would measure approximately over 200,000 gross tonnage (GT).

The World-class design was the third new prototype ordered by MSC in recent years, following its commitments to the Meraviglia and Seaside classes. MSC had already finalized the order for two of the ships before announcing the World class.

All ships in the class would be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a more environmentally friendly option. This decision reflects MSC's commitment to sustainability in its operations.

In November 2019, Qatar signed an agreement with MSC to charter MSC World Europa and MSC Poesia as accommodations vessels for fans attending the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Timeline

The original delivery timeline for the ships was quite ambitious, with expected completion dates ranging from 2022 to 2026.

The contract for the final two ships, now set to be delivered in 2025 and 2027, was signed in January 2020.

A different take: Cargo Ships Canada

A stunning view of a luxury cruise ship sailing on calm seas under a bright blue sky.
Credit: pexels.com, A stunning view of a luxury cruise ship sailing on calm seas under a bright blue sky.

MSC announced the name of the first World-class ship as MSC Europa on October 31, 2019, and held a steel-cutting ceremony at Chantiers de l'Atlantique to mark the beginning of its construction.

The ship was later renamed MSC World Europa during its keel-laying ceremony on June 29, 2020.

The first World-class ship, now known as MSC World Europa, underwent a float out on April 8, 2022, and has been docked in Bassin C since August 21, 2022, after a four-month stay in Bassin de Penhöet.

Ship Design and Features

MSC World Europa and its sister ships are designed to hold a guest capacity of 6,850 passengers across 2,760 passenger cabins, more than any cruise ship.

Each ship measures 330 metres (1,082 ft 8 in) long and 47 metres (154 ft 2 in) wide, with a "Y"-shape hull design for expansive views and a "G"-shape bow design for fuel efficiency and stability.

The aft of the ships is open, with the lower promenade deck flanked by balcony cabin towers, offering stunning views and a sense of freedom.

MSC World Europa has a gross tonnage of 215,863, making it a massive vessel that's sure to impress.

Design and Specifications

An aerial view of the Porto Santo Line cruise ship docked at a serene harbor, ready for adventure.
Credit: pexels.com, An aerial view of the Porto Santo Line cruise ship docked at a serene harbor, ready for adventure.

The MSC World Europa is a massive ship, measuring 330 meters (1,082 ft 8 in) long and 47 meters (154 ft 2 in) wide. Each ship in the World class is designed to hold a guest capacity of 6,850 passengers across 2,760 passenger cabins.

The ship's unique Y-shaped hull design allows for expansive views, while the G-shaped bow design improves fuel efficiency and stability. This design also enables the ship to have a spacious open aft, perfect for taking in the ocean views.

The ship's gross tonnage is 215,863. This massive size allows the ship to accommodate a wide range of amenities and features, including square cabins, a glass pool lounge, and sections designed specifically for families.

The ship is powered by LNG, which reduces sulfur dioxide emissions by 99%, nitric oxide emissions by 85%, and carbon dioxide emissions by 20% compared to non-LNG-powered ships. This makes the MSC World Europa a more environmentally friendly option for travelers.

The ship also features an LNG-powered fuel cell, making it the world's first ship to implement this technology. This fuel cell uses solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology and produces onboard electricity and heat, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% compared to conventional LNG engines.

For your interest: Msc Cruises En Español

On-Board Experience

Credit: youtube.com, Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships - Top 10 (Must Experience) Exclusive Onboard Features

The on-board experience on MSC World Europa is designed to cater to all ages and interests. There's something for everyone, from the largest waterpark in their fleet to bumper cars and surprise street performances.

You'll find 7 swimming pools spread across the ship, including one with a sliding roof, offering ample space to relax by the water and pool deck.

The award-winning MSC kids club is a highlight for families with children, featuring state-of-the-art facilities inside a dedicated area of the ship.

Construction

The construction of World-class cruise ships is a remarkable process, and MSC Cruises has been at the forefront of this innovation. The first World-class ship, MSC World Europa, was inaugurated with a steel-cutting ceremony at Chantiers de l'Atlantique on October 31, 2019.

The ship's construction was a significant milestone, marking the beginning of a new era in cruise shipbuilding. The keel-laying ceremony took place on June 29, 2020, with two coins being placed under the keel for good luck.

Credit: youtube.com, The Crazy Process of Building The World's Largest Cruise Ships

MSC World Europa was floated out in December 2021, and she underwent her first sea trials using LNG in the Atlantic during June 2022. This was a crucial step in ensuring the ship's safety and efficiency.

The construction of MSC World Europa was a complex process, but it paid off, as the ship was delivered on October 24, 2022. On the same day, the construction of her sister ship MSC World America started, demonstrating the efficiency and speed of the shipbuilding process.

Ships

The World-class cruise ship is a marvel of modern engineering, with a massive length of over 1,000 feet and a beam of around 150 feet.

These ships are designed to accommodate thousands of passengers and crew members, with a gross tonnage of over 200,000 tons.

The ship's massive size allows for a wide range of onboard amenities, including multiple pools, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

A typical cruise ship has a top speed of around 25 knots, making it one of the fastest ways to travel across the ocean.

Close-up view of Holland America Line cruise ship docked in Vancouver's harbor.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up view of Holland America Line cruise ship docked in Vancouver's harbor.

The ship's hull is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the sea, with a double-bottom hull and a watertight subdivision system.

These features ensure the ship's stability and safety, even in rough seas.

The ship's propulsion system is powered by a combination of diesel and gas turbines, providing a reliable and efficient source of power.

This allows the ship to travel long distances without the need for frequent refueling.

Gretchen Gerhold

Writer

Gretchen Gerhold has established herself as a prolific writer, covering a diverse range of topics including logistics, trade, and economic development. Her articles on container terminals and the logistics sector in India provide deep insights into the complexities of modern supply chain management. Focusing on the state of Kerala, her work on the economy and transport in Kochi highlights the region's significant contributions to India's economic landscape.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.