MSC and Fincantieri have finalised contracts for four luxury cruiseships worth more than EUR 2bn ($2.3bn).

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC’s cruises division, said: “With this now firm order, MSC is entering a new segment that bears significant potential globally.

"While we already serve the premium market with the MSC Yacht Club featured on MSC Cruises’ fleet, our new true luxury brand will deliver to this separate and fast-growing segment with super-yacht vessels and an experience to match that."