MSC Cruises orders another new ship

MSC Cruises is growing like an adolescent on Wheaties. In 2002, the European cruise line had a meager three ships in its fleet. By 2009, it will have 12, now that an order has been confirmed for another new ship, with delivery expected in March 2008. That’s nine ships in seven years, or roughly one and a third new ships per year.

The unnamed new ship will hold 2,500 passengers. Eighty-five percent of the cabins will have ocean views and 65 percent will have balconies.

MSC Cruises’ other upcoming ships are the MSC Musica, which will debut in July, and the MSC Orchestra, which will join the fleet in 2007. The MSC Fantasia and MSC Serenata will follow.