MSC Cruises and German shipbuilder Meyer Werft are in the final stage of negotiations over one of the largest cruise ship orders in recent years. Both parties expect discussions to be concluded within the coming weeks for four New Frontier-class vessels, along with two optional ships included in the agreement.
The project was first announced in December 2025, when MSC Cruises and Meyer Werft signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to develop an entirely new cruise ship class under the name New Frontier. Since then, both design development and contract negotiations have steadily progressed and are now at an advanced stage.
Advanced Stage of Negotiations
In a joint statement, both companies confirmed that talks are now highly advanced. They noted: “In December 2025, Meyer Werft and MSC Cruises announced a Letter of Intent for the construction of four innovative cruise ships, plus two options, at Meyer Werft. Since then, the detailed planning of the ship designs and the contractual negotiations have progressed significantly. This represents a large and complex package of agreements that normally requires at least six months to complete.”
Despite the complexity of the project, both parties remain confident that a final agreement can be reached within the coming weeks.
Once the contracts are signed, additional technical and commercial details about the project are expected to be released.
New Frontier-Class Cruise Ships
The New Frontier-class will represent a new generation of cruise ships within the MSC Cruises fleet.
The vessels are expected to measure approximately 180,000 gross tons and accommodate up to 5,400 passengers, placing them in the same size category as MSC’s existing World Class ships.
The first ship is scheduled for delivery in 2030, followed by a planned series of annual deliveries. If the two optional vessels are exercised, the program could extend through at least 2035.
Focus on Innovation, Sustainability & New Itineraries
MSC Cruises has positioned the New Frontier-class as more than a fleet expansion project.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, stated: “Meyer Werft’s track record, expertise, and rich history make the company a beacon of European shipbuilding. Together, we will build ships that redefine the cruise experience. The New Frontier Class will allow us to develop new and exclusive itineraries, offer our guests an exceptional experience, and incorporate next-generation environmental technologies that support our net-zero target for 2050.”
During a visit to Papenburg in February 2026, he added: “Today I want to be very clear: we are committed for the long term. We are not here for just one project. We are not here for a symbolic gesture. We are here because we believe in German expertise.”
These statements underline MSC Cruises’ ambition to use the New Frontier-class not only for fleet expansion, but also to advance sustainability initiatives and expand its global itinerary network.
Strategic Shift in MSC Cruises’ Shipbuilding Program
The New Frontier project also marks a significant strategic shift in MSC Cruises’ newbuild strategy.
For many years, the company’s largest and most advanced vessels were built primarily by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France. That partnership remains active, particularly for the ongoing World Class series, which continues into the early 2030s.
However, with the introduction of the New Frontier-class, MSC Cruises is expanding its shipbuilding strategy to include Meyer Werft in Germany. From around 2030 onward, Meyer Werft is expected to build the new class, establishing a dual-shipyard strategy for MSC’s largest vessels for the first time.
Major Significance for Meyer Werft
For Meyer Werft in Papenburg, the potential order represents a major milestone in its long history.
Managing Director Dr. Bernd Eikens previously described the agreement as a significant moment for the shipyard, which has been operating for more than 230 years. If confirmed, the contract could secure production capacity well into the next decade.
The impact extends well beyond the shipyard itself. Meyer Werft directly employs more than 3,200 people, while over 20,000 additional jobs in the region are linked to its supplier network and wider maritime ecosystem.
German state officials, including Lower Saxony Minister-President Olaf Lies, have also emphasized the importance of the project for employment stability and the competitiveness of Germany’s maritime industry.
If finalized, the agreement would rank among the most significant cruise ship orders of the decade.
It would secure MSC Cruises’ long-term fleet expansion strategy while reinforcing Meyer Werft’s position as one of Europe’s leading cruise shipbuilders.
Pictures Meyer Werft & MSC Cruises.
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