MSC World Atlantic Floats Out Ahead of 2027 Florida Debut

MSC World Atlantic Floats Out Ahead of 2027 Florida Debut

MSC World Atlantic has officially touched water for the first time.

The new World Class ship floated out at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, on September 26, marking another major step toward its debut from Port Canaveral in November 2027!

What Does a Float Out Mean?

A float out happens when a new cruise ship leaves the dry construction dock and begins floating in the water for the first time.

For MSC World Atlantic, the construction dock was filled with water before tugboats moved the ship into Basin C, where work will now continue while the vessel remains afloat. The ship does not yet have fully operational propulsion, so tugboats handled the move.

Float out does not mean the ship is finished. Interior spaces, public areas and technical systems still need to be completed before MSC World Atlantic begins sea trials and is eventually delivered to MSC Cruises.

MSC World Atlantic Is Coming to Florida

MSC World Atlantic will become the fourth ship in MSC Cruises’ World Class, following MSC World Europa, MSC World America and MSC World Asia.

The ship is approximately 333 meters long and will have more than 2,600 cabins. Construction is expected to continue for roughly another year before its first cruises in November 2027.

Unlike its sister ship MSC World Asia, World Atlantic is being built specifically with a North American deployment in mind. It will begin sailing year-round Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida, making it the first World Class ship based at the Central Florida port.

One Step Closer to MSC World Atlantic

There is still plenty of work ahead, including finishing the ship’s interiors and eventually putting its propulsion, navigation and other systems through sea trials.

But seeing MSC World Atlantic floating for the first time makes its 2027 arrival in Florida feel a lot closer.

The ship is currently scheduled to begin carrying guests from Port Canaveral in November 2027.