Three banks will provide most of the money for MSC Cruises' addition of two ships to its 17 cruiseships over the next five years.

BNP Paribas, Unicredit and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti have lent EUR 1.5bn to the Mediterranean cruise company, according to legal adviser on the transaction Watson Farley & Williams.

Gianni Oronato-led MSC Cruises plans to spend EUR 1.8bn