[7][8] In April 2016, MSC Cruises unveiled its newest class of cruise ships, the World class, after it signed a letter of intent for up to four World-class vessels from STX France, an order worth approximately €4 billion, at Élysée Palace.

[12] MSC World Europa was floated out in December 2021,[13] and completed her first sea trials using LNG in the Atlantic during June 2022.

[19][9] Initial features announced included square cabins, a glass pool lounge, and sections designed specifically for families.

[19][9] The aft of the ships would also be open, with the lower promenade deck flanked by balcony cabin towers.

[21] The 50-kilowatt fuel cell demonstrator aboard the ship will incorporate solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology and use LNG to produce onboard electricity and heat and reportedly further reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% when compared with ships powered by conventional LNG engines.