MSC Cruises’ latest flagship, MSC World Asia, is set to debut in just 12 short months. Beginning December 4, 2026, the cruise line’s third state-of-the-art World Class ship will sail her inaugural voyage, a 7-night roundtrip Mediterranean itinerary from Barcelona.
When MSC World Asia debuts, she will feature elements representative of Asia’s culture, art and landscapes. She will offer passenger’s favorite amenities as well as new concepts that are sure to become favorites. At the start of this 12-month countdown, MSC Cruises is sharing 12 highlights of the ship:
- At the top of the list is the striking Dragon Sculpture that will be suspended 32 feet above the World Promenade. The stainless steel structure is 39-foot-long and 29-foot-wide and is covered with nearly 700 mirrors and 3,000 LED lights which are sure to make a spectacular sight each evening.
- MSC World Asia will sail breathtaking Mediterranean itineraries to some of the region’s most sought after destinations. Her 2026-27 Winter Season will sail to Barcelona, Spain; Marseille, France; Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome; Messina, Italy; and Valletta, Malta. Her 2027 Summer Season will sail to Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina and Valletta.
- Guests will find the Spiral @ Tree of Life–the longest dry slide at sea. The architectural feature is a 266.7 foot slide that spans 12 decks. The design is inspired by trees in Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay.
- A new dining venue, Pan-Asian Street Food, will offer a dedicated bar and outdoor terrace with a menu that focuses on Southeast Asian cuisine from Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Indonesia.
- The Harbour & The Clubhouse will offer top deck family fun within the Family Aventura district. The Harbour will have a new Asian-inspired design to its outdoor park where families will find Cliffhanger, a ropes course, an aquapark, a playground and The Harbour Bar & Bites. The Clubhouse offers creative play with table games, the LEGO Family Zone, bumper cars, and more.
- MSC World Asia will feature All-Stars Sport Bar–the first all-American sports bar to sail in Europe. With its large screens, interactive games and an outdoor terrace, sports fans and families will experience an authentic gameday experience while feasting on classic American bar foods.
- The MSC Yacht Club will be the biggest ship-within-a-ship concept for the cruise line to date. Guests can choose from seven different categories including the new Royal Duplex Suite, Owner Suites and Royal Suites.
- The World Class ship will be home to more than 40 Bars, Lounges and Restaurants. That number includes six specialty restaurants like Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse, Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki, Hola! Tacos & Cantina and the new Pan-Asian Street Food. There will be various casual options alongside the popular Sweet Temptations and the cruise line’s classic British pub.
- MSC World Asia will feature seven districts just like her sister ship. The districts are Family Aventura, Zen Area, Aqua Deck, The Terraces, Galleria, Promenade and MSC Yacht Club. Each district has its own vibe and experiences–something for everyone.
- Speaking of something for everyone, the ships will offer more than 20 different types of accommodations. There are luxury suites, balcony cabins, connecting family cabins, interior cabins–something for everyone.
- MSC World Asia will offer the Ultimate Wellness Escape at sea. Guests can receive massages and beauty treatments, there is a gym powered by Technogym, The Gentleman’s Barber, seven pools and 13 hot tubs.
- Finally, there will be international entertainment options around the clock–stage shows, live music, games, and more–something for everyone.
MSC World Asia was recently floated out at the Chantiers de I’Atlantique shipyard in France for the first time. Next fall, she will enter her sea trial phase in preparation for her debut in December. MSC World Asia is the third World Class ship as MSC World Europa debuted in 2022, and MSC World America debuted in April 2025. She will be followed by MSC World Atlantic in 2027, as well as a World Class 5 and 6 which are on order and expected to enter service in 2029 and 2030.