MSC World America is slated to enter service in 2025, where it will begin a series of sailings in North America, making it the fourth new flagship to be deployed in the continent. 

The announcement comes just weeks before the launch of World Europa, which will be one of the world’s "largest liquefied natural gas-powered cruise ships" and one of the first to incorporate fuel cell technology. 

The vessel – which was delivered to the line by shipbuilders Chantiers de l’Atlantique on Monday (24 October) – has also been designed with an "innovative" hull shape to minimise resistance through the water.

World Europa incorporates a range of equipment to optimise energy use throughout the ship, including smart ventilation and advanced air conditioning systems and LED lighting, controlled by smart management systems to further enhance the energy saving profile.

The vessel features a Y-shaped aft structure that leads to a 104-metre-long half-open half-covered Europa Promenade with ocean views. New balcony cabins overlook the promenade, which features an architectural centrepiece in the form of The Venom Drop – an 11-deck-high slide.

MSC World Europa’s firsts include a micro-brewery, gin bar, healthy juice bar, coffee emporium and tea house. The ship has 13 different dining options including two new speciality restaurants; La Pescaderia, which will offer fresh seafood; and Chef’s Garden Kitchen, which will dish up seasonal farm-to-ocean cooking. 

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of the cruise division of MSC Group, said: "We are proud to welcome MSC World Europa to our fleet, our 20th ship and the first to be LNG-powered. This groundbreaking vessel represents the next phase in our journey toward net zero and sustainable cruising and a symbol of our unwavering commitment to both."