The order, which also includes two options, secures capacity at the Papenburg shipyard in Germany well into the next decade with delivery schedules stretching into the 2030s. The first ship will be delivered in 2030.

Each ship will have a maximum passenger capacity of 5,400 and approximately 180,000 gross tons.

Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises executive chair, said: “Meyer Werft’s track record, expertise and proud history make it a true beacon of European shipbuilding.

"Together, we will create vessels that redefine the cruise experience while preserving the craftsmanship that keeps Germany at the forefront of maritime engineering."

He added: "The New Frontier class will enable us to design new and exclusive itineraries, offer exceptional guest experience and will feature next-generation environmental technologies that will advance our net-zero 2050 commitment.”

It secures thousands of jobs in Germany, particularly in Lower Saxony and Papenburg, where Meyer Werft is a cornerstone employer and sustains work for the shipyard’s extensive supplier network.

More than 3,200 people are directly employed at Meyer Werft, with over 20,000 jobs in the wider region linked to its operations.