The new cruise vessel MSC World Asia, a member of MSC Cruises’ World Class series, is being fitted with a bespoke collection of large-scale sculptures and artwork that draw on artistic traditions and visual motifs from across the Asian continent. The programme of installations and design elements has been curated to complement the ship’s overall interior and public-space layout ahead of the vessel’s entry into service with Mediterranean sailings scheduled from December 4th, 2026.
A prominent feature in the ship’s central public space, known as the World Promenade, will be a stainless-steel dragon sculpture suspended approximately 10 metres above the deck. The structure, measuring about 12 metres in length and nine metres in width and set with nearly 700 mirrors and over 3 000 LED lights, is engineered to provide a high-visibility focal point within the promenade area. Additionally, large-scale koi fish sculptures created by a UK-based artist are to be integrated into the promenade’s design, their flowing forms intended to connect the ambience of the space with cultural references associated with perseverance and transformation.
Elsewhere on the vessel, an art installation in the shape of a water droplet has been incorporated into the indoor pool environment; this piece, designed by an external artist, is proportioned to evoke a sense of lightness and fluidity within that venue. Works by Vietnamese artist Hoan Phan, which blend traditional inking techniques with digital rendering to depict themes ranging from natural landmarks to regional folklore, have been selected for display in designated areas throughout the ship. Corridor spaces on each deck will be populated with artwork tied thematically to the deck names, which are drawn from iconic Asian cities, and cabin spaces will feature pieces that reflect a range of landscapes, colours and natural motifs associated with the region.
Commissioned pieces by a Swiss art studio are planned for installation in a number of onboard venues, including bars, cafés, the theatre and designated private-access areas, continuing a longstanding relationship between the studio and the cruise line. The ship’s sushi restaurant is also to feature artwork centred on koi fish imagery that explores concepts of travel and cultural exchange.
These design and art elements form part of the broader aesthetic concept for MSC World Asia, intended to reflect the cultural heritage and artistic traditions of the Asian region across the vessel’s public, recreational and accommodation spaces.