December 04, 2025 – The MSC World Asia is the third ship in MSC Cruises' World Class and will enter service in December 2026. It will be powered by LNG and, starting in early December, will offer 7-night itineraries in the Western Mediterranean, calling at ports such as Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia (replacing Rome), Messina, and Valletta; Naples will be added in summer 2027.
MSC positions the ship as "Art of Cruising": Asian-inspired design, a strong open-air feel, a large promenade, and numerous new concepts. The following 12 highlights give an impression of what guests can expect on board.
Go directly to the MSC World Asia offers
Sister ship MSC World Europa
1. Floating dragon sculpture above the World Promenade
A striking eye-catcher is a powerful stainless steel dragon sculpture that hovers about ten meters above the World Promenade.
The dragon is approximately twelve meters long, nine meters wide, and equipped with nearly 700 mirrors and around 3.000 LED lights. In the evenings, it creates an elaborate light show – a central photo opportunity and symbolic figure of the Asian-inspired design of MSC World Asia.
2. 7-night Mediterranean itineraries from December 2026
To start, the MSC World Asia will offer classic 7-night cruises in the western Mediterranean, which are extremely popular with many guests.
Winter 2026 / 27:
- Barcelona
- Marseille
- Genoa
- Civitavecchia (for Rome)
- Messina
- Valletta
summer 2027:
- Barcelona
- Marseille
- Genoa
- Naples
- Messina
- Valletta
Conveniently, on many journeys boarding is possible at several ports – ideal for flexibly choosing between flights, trains or travel by car.
3. The Spiral @ Tree of Life – the longest dry slide at sea
Another signature element is The Spiral @ Tree of LifeThe dry slide is approximately 81,3 meters long and connects immediately twelve decks together. Guests glide from the very top to the bottom in a matter of seconds – a spectacular architectural element inspired by the futuristic “Gardens by the Bay” in Singapore.
4. New Pan-Asian Street Food Restaurant
The new [event] is entirely themed around Asia. Pan-Asian Street Food Specialty restaurant with its own bar and outdoor terrace.
The culinary focus is on Southeast Asian cuisine – including dishes from Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Indonesia. MSC describes the concept as a street food experience unlike anything previously offered at sea.
5. Family Aventura: The Harbor & The Clubhouse
The family area Family Adventure This will be emphasized even more strongly on the MSC World Asia.
The Harbour – Outdoor family park with new attractions
- Newly designed outdoor park with sunbathing areas and snack station
- The Cliffhanger – an over-water swing approximately 50 meters above sea level
- High ropes course, water park and dedicated children's playground
- "Harbour Bar & Bites" with included snacks
The Clubhouse – Retro arcade for young and old
The Clubhouse is designed as a versatile indoor space, combining family activities during the day with evening entertainment. Planned activities include:
- LEGO® Family Zone
- Bumper cars
- Basketball, table tennis and table football
- Roller skating and other games in a retro-inspired atmosphere
6. All-Stars Sports Bar – American sports bar on a European ship
For the first time, MSC Cruises is introducing a American sports bar on a grand scale to Europe. At the All-Stars Sports Bar:
- large screens for live sports
- interactive games
- an outdoor terrace with sea view
- American classics and bar snacks
A meeting place for sports fans, but also for families who want to experience something together in the evening.
7. The largest MSC Yacht Club in the fleet to date
The exclusive one MSC Yacht Club It will be implemented in an even more extensive version on the MSC World Asia.
- Seven different cabin categories, including:
- new Royal Maisonette Suite on two levels for up to six guests
- Owner's Suite
- Royal Suites with private whirlpool
- separate restaurant area, lounge and large sun deck
- 24-hour butler and concierge service in a "ship within a ship" concept
This clearly positions MSC World Asia as a destination for guests seeking an upscale, semi-private environment on a large ship.
MSC World Asia Dragon Sculpture © MSC Cruises
8. More than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants
Overall, MSC announces over 40 bars, lounges and restaurants an – from buffets and main restaurants to specialty restaurants and casual options.
Familiar concepts such as
- Butcher's Cut Steakhouse
- Kaito Sushi & Teppanyaki
- Hola! Tacos & Cantina
These will be complemented by new ideas such as Pan-Asian street food and other fast-casual concepts, which are yet to be presented. In addition, there will be themed bars such as... Sweet Temptations for desserts as well as a classic British pub with its own microbrewery on board.
9. Seven thematic areas on board
Like the MSC World America, the MSC World Asia will also receive seven clearly defined areas, providing orientation for guests and each offering its own unique atmosphere:
- Family Adventure
- Zen Area
- Aqua Deck
- The Terraces
- Gallery
- Walk "Tour du Lac de Passy"'
- MSC Yacht Club
The idea behind it: Every travel group finds "their" favorite area – from the quiet adult sun deck to the lively family zone.
10. Over 20 different cabin and suite types
Our more than 20 cabin types MSC World Asia focuses on maximum selection:
- Inside cabins, also specifically for solo travelers
- Balcony cabins with sea view or with a view of the World Promenade
- Family cabins with connecting doors
- Suites of varying sizes, including the large Yacht Club suites.
This allows for very precise budget scaling – from the affordable inside cabin to the spacious duplex suite.
11. Wellness, Pools & Sports
There are also plenty of provisions on board for relaxation and fitness:
- Aurea Spa with massage and beauty treatments
- Fitness studio powered by Technogym® with a large sea view
- seven pools, including tranquil Zen pools in the aft area
- 13 whirlpools
- The Gentleman's Barber for classic barber services
This clearly positions MSC World Asia as a ship for guests who value a focus on wellness and spa.
12. 24-hour entertainment
The MSC World Asia will feature several show venues and theaters, numerous lounges, as well as plenty of live music and games.
Planned are:
- International shows with changing productions
- Music formats from classical to party band
- Games, changing promotions, surprise events
MSC emphasizes that a selection of entertainment will be offered around the clock – whether you prefer the big show or the small bar with a live duo.
Trips with MSC World Asia can already be booked today
Although the ship will not enter service until December 2026, the first cruises are already bookable. MSC has the Sales open for the Mediterranean season winter 2026/27 and summer 2027 – with 7-night itineraries in the western Mediterranean from ports such as Barcelona, Marseille and Genoa.
On the international MSC website, booking options for the MSC World Asia are explicitly highlighted; the shipping company says "Be among the first to sail on MSC World Asia".
Booking for German-speaking guests
Anyone wanting specific information about dates, cabin availability and prices can find currently bookable trips in the German market via the MSC search.
- The cruise ship is listed on the German MSC website. "MSC World Asia" select (filter “ship”)
- Select travel dates and departure port
- Sort results by cabin category, fare and, if applicable, arrival and departure packages.
Go directly to the MSC World Asia offers
Here you will find the current available departures of the MSC World Asia, including route information, seasonal prices and special offers.
Conclusion
With the MSC World Asia, MSC Cruises is consistently expanding its World Class: LNG propulsion, striking design with Asian accents, a large family and fun area, and an expanded MSC Yacht Club are aimed at a very broad audience – from family holidays to couples to guests with premium expectations.
Anyone wishing to experience one of the first voyages with the new flagship can already secure one of the Mediterranean routes from winter 2026.