The cruise line MSC Cruises has unveiled the upcoming flagship MSC World Asia, scheduled to begin 7-night Mediterranean sailings from December 2026. The winter 2026-2027 season will see the ship calling at ports such as Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina and Valletta; in summer 2027 the itinerary will shift slightly, replacing Civitavecchia with Naples while retaining the other ports.
On board, MSC World Asia will carry design features inspired by Asian art and landscapes — at the heart of the vessel’s public space, the open-air promenade will host a 12-metre long by 9-metre wide stainless-steel dragon sculpture suspended 10 metres overhead, decorated with nearly 700 mirrors and 3,000 LED lights to cast an illuminated display after dusk.
Aboard the ship there will be a dramatic dry slide, the Tree of Life @ The Spiral — an 81.3-metre slide spanning 12 decks — conceived as both a design centerpiece and a guest attraction.
Dining will include a new Pan-Asian Street Food venue offering Southeast Asian cuisine drawn from regions such as Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Indonesia; the restaurant will have indoor seating as well as an outdoor terrace, reflecting the ship’s commitment to diverse gastronomic experiences.
Family-oriented amenities will expand significantly. In the area called The Harbour, redesigned with Asian-inspired décor, guests will find an over-water swing ride — the Cliffhanger swing ride — waterslides, a high ropes course and a children’s playground, all complemented by casual dining at a bar & bites outlet.
The ship will also offer a family entertainment hub named The Clubhouse, a retro-themed space featuring bumper cars, roller skating, table games, a LEGO® Family Zone and more — planned to shift in function throughout the day from children’s activities to social play and evening fun.
Accommodation aboard MSC World Asia will be extensive and varied: more than 20 cabin categories are planned, with the luxury segment under MSC Yacht Club offering 7 suite types — among them a new Royal Duplex Suite with two bedrooms capable of hosting up to six guests.
In its design and concept, MSC World Asia aims to merge bold architectural and entertainment features with varied hospitality and accommodation options — offering a ship where Asia-inspired aesthetic, family-friendly facilities, diverse dining, and flexible itineraries converge for a wide range of travellers.