MSC World Asia

The 2026-built MSC World Asia cruise ship (currently under construction) is the third in a 4-unit “MSC WORLD Class” series of passenger liners designed and built for MSC Cruises. The series’ first vessel, World Europa, was launched in December 2021 and inaugurated in December 2022. The sisterships include World America (April 2025) and World Atlantic (February 2027).

The vessel (IMO number 9901556) will be Malta-flagged (MMSI tba) and registered in Valletta.

History – construction and ownership

MSC Cruises (MSC Crociere) is a passenger shipping company headquartered in Genoa and Naples, established in 1960. Today, MSC Crociere is a subsidiary of MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company)—the world’s 2nd-largest containership operator. MSC Crociere is also the world’s largest privately owned cruise company.

By annual passenger volumes, MSC ranks as the world’s 3rd-largest cruise shipowner, following Carnival Corporation and RCG-Royal Caribbean Group.

As of 2021, MSC is Europe’s largest passenger shipping company. By 2026, MSC is projected to become the world’s 3rd-largest cruise company (potentially surpassing NCLH by berth capacity), with a 29-ship fleet including 15 newbuilds (2017–2027) under an unprecedented USD 13-billion shipbuilding program.

MSC Cruises WORLD-Class liners

On April 6, 2017, during MSC Meraviglia’s delivery ceremony at the STX France Shipyard (Saint-Nazaire), MSC signed an MoU for two new WORLD-Class vessels at a total cost of ~EUR 4.5 billion (~USD 4.8B). Attendees included Emmanuel Macron (President of France), Bruno Le Maire (Minister of Economy), Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC’s Chairman), and Laurent Castaing (STX France’s CEO).

The order for the first WORLD-Class ship (World Europa) was officially signed on May 31, 2017.

The orders for the two optional ships (3rd and 4th units) were confirmed in January 2020, making MSC the largest customer in the history of Chantiers de l’Atlantique (21 ships built).

The 3rd and 4th units (World Asia and World Atlantic) were officially ordered on November 13, 2023, with an option for a 5th unit.

MSC WORLD-Class ships have a maximum passenger capacity of 6782 (5079 lower berths). The building cost per vessel is EUR 1.125 billion (USD 1.255B). Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique (formerly STX France), each ship has a volume of 215,863 GT, LOA 333 m (1093 ft), beam 41 m/135 ft (max 54 m/177 ft), height 75 m (245 ft), and draft 9.2 m (31 ft).

When first announced in April 2016, the ship design was projected at 205,000 GT, 2760 staterooms, and 6850 passengers (then the world’s largest by capacity). By gross tonnage, the WORLD-Class remains among the world’s largest cruise ships.

The ship’s design concepts (renderings and videos) reveal an interior reminiscent of RCI’s Oasis-Class, with a ship-long indoor/outdoor Promenade (lined with dining/drink venues), Promenade-view cabins (interior-facing balconies), and an aft family pool deck.

The Lido Deck is dome-covered by a retractable glass roof with solar panels and features a large resort-style pool, six Jacuzzis (including four cantilevered), a kids’ Aquapark with a pool and three waterslides (adjacent to the funnels), and an aft adults-only Sundeck (two pools). Forward is the enhanced MSC Yacht Club with a dedicated sundeck, swimming pool, Spa pool, bar, and lounge.

Districts / themed zones

MSC World Asia offers seven districts, each with its own ambiance, amenities, and activities.

FAMILY AVENTURA

Dedicated to families, the FAMILY AVENTURA district delivers a wide range of family-friendly attractions.

Anchored by The Harbor (an outdoor park with a high ropes course), the area provides age-appropriate activities and shared family experiences.

The Cliffhanger Swing—introduced on World America—is located starboard-aft on Deck 20. The attraction features four seats, elevated and extended over the ocean before swinging 50 m/164 ft above sea level.

The Clubhouse is a retro-themed entertainment zone with bumper cars, roller skating, table games, and a LEGO Family Zone.

The Cliffhanger Swing provides dramatic ocean views and a thrilling sensation of flight.

AQUA DECK

The AQUA DECK district offers a classic pool-deck experience with two main pools, sunbathing areas, daytime relaxation, and nighttime entertainment.

ZEN AREA

Located aft, the ZEN AREA is an adults-only retreat featuring two pools, expansive wake views, and a serene atmosphere.

GALLERIA

The GALLERIA district is a lively midship hub with dining venues, shops, boutiques, and live entertainment.

Highlights include live music at the Dolce Vita Bar and indulgent desserts at Jean Philippe Chocolat & Café.

THE TERRACES

THE TERRACES district is an adults-only area blending dining, retail, comedy, and nightlife, including nine bars/restaurants, retail outlets, and a comedy club.

PROMENADE

The PROMENADE is an outdoor open-air space featuring the 12-deck dry slide “Tree of Life @ The Spiral”.

A dramatic stainless-steel dragon sculpture (12 m / 40 ft long) decorates the space with 700 mirrors and 3,000 LEDs, creating a striking nighttime display.

The Promenade offers evening entertainment, premium coffee at the Emporium Bar, and uninterrupted sea views.

MSC YACHT CLUB

The MSC YACHT CLUB district provides an enhanced ship-within-a-ship luxury experience.

Features include 24/7 butler service, priority embarkation/disembarkation, exclusive dining and lounge areas, and redesigned two-deck private sundecks.

• The 2-deck sundeck offers 270-degree views, with dining/bar areas on the lower deck and a pool/Jacuzzi with cabanas on the upper.
• New Owner Suites (YC4) have a double bedroom (walk-in closet), full-size bathtub, living-dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows, and two terraces with alfresco dining and Jacuzzis.
• Duplex Suites are two-level accommodations with lower-level lounges/dining areas and upper-level bedrooms and bathrooms. Each Duplex Suite has two sundecks; the lower with a Jacuzzi, the upper for sunbathing.
• Yacht Club guests enjoy exclusive massage rooms (MSC Aurea Spa) and unlimited thermal-area access.

The Yacht Club complex spans 9,900 m² (106,560 ft²) and includes 144 suites in seven categories, a sports bar, a comedy club, and six specialty restaurants.

MSC World Asia offers 40,000+ m² (430,000+ ft²) of public space, 15,000 m² (161,000 ft²) of outdoor decks, a 3440 m² (37,000 ft²) pool deck, seven pools, 13 Jacuzzis, 760+ m² (8200 ft²) of children’s spaces (LEGO & Chicco-designed), 13 dining venues (six specialty), and 21 bars/lounges. Additional themed districts include the Zen Area, Family District, Aquapark (fleet’s largest), Teens Sundeck, and multiple family-themed “villages”.

The restaurant lineup includes three buffets (Luna Park Pizza & Burger, Il Mercato, La Brasserie) and six specialty venues, such as Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar, HOLA! Tacos & Cantina, the American steakhouse Butcher’s Cut, Eataly Restaurant, La Piazzetta, and Jean-Philippe Maury’s Chocolaterie.

MSC World Asia features futuristic architecture with an arrow-shaped G-bow (vertical/90-degree bow design) and a Y-shaped stern opening onto the World Promenade. The World Promenade spans seven decks (104 m / 341 ft) and continues indoors into the World Galleria (300 m² / 3200 ft²), partially covered by a kinetic LED dome.

At the Promenade’s end is “The Spiral” (Venom Drop)—a stainless-steel dry slide spanning 12 decks (81 m / 266 ft), connecting Deck 22 to Deck 8.

The ship’s largest entertainment venue is The World Theatre (1153 seats), hosting large-scale productions, lectures, trivia, dance classes, and more. Other highlights include bumper cars, roller disco, Luna Park Arena (300-seat multifunction venue), and the Botanic Garden Pool with retractable roof.

Entertainment programming includes new shows in the Luna Park Arena (three concert-style), The World Theatre (five grand productions), and Panorama Lounge (four themed shows). Surprise pop-up exhibits also appear throughout the ship.

• Luna Park Arena hosts VR Drone Academy, Digital Dance Academy (“Dance with Flavia”), Wake Up Rave (MSC Doremi), two interactive game shows, Guinness-record challenges, and nightly interactive concerts.
• The World Theatre presents five new shows: “Eko,” “Amelia Earhart,” “Cadmo The Landwalker,” “Yellow Submarine,” and “A Night on Broadway.”
• The Panorama Lounge features themed nightly dance experiences with aerialists, acrobats, musicians, and live bands.
• Two “Earth and Ocean” living exhibitions appear through surprise pop-ups.
• Each evening concludes with the high-tech Sundowner DJ Party (poolside holographic experience).

Kids venues

MSC World Asia hosts MSC’s largest kids’ area (766 m² / 8245 ft²), spanning seven age-dedicated spaces—from nursery to teens (up to 17 years old).

All facilities are complimentary and supervised by certified staff.

Venues include Baby Club (6–36 months), Mini and Junior Clubs (3–11 years), and Young/Teen Clubs (12–17 years).

New fleet-first facilities include:

• LEGO CELEBRATION ROOM
• TEENS LAB (21 gaming consoles, 7 VR stations, 50+ games)
• 3,2,1 KNOCK (Asian-style family game show)
• BEAT THE MUSIC (mobile-app music challenge for all ages)
• Z ACTIVE (sports program offering football, basketball, pickleball, zorb balls, hoverboards)
• DRONE ACADEMY 2.0 (relay race with glowing drones, POV cameras, VR navigation)
• CABIN 12006 – THE EXPERIENCE (Nickelodeon partnership live entertainment)
• MSC DANCE CREW (teen dance competition by FremantleMedia)

New venues (fleet firsts)

The Harbor (deck 20) is a new outdoor family complex with aquapark features, a High Trail ropes course, Zip-Line, sensory playgrounds, and the Harbor Lighthouse. Shaded seating areas and food trucks complete the experience.

World Asia also debuts a new Sports Bar and a new Comedy Club.

MSC World Europa introduced fleet-first venues now carried onto World Asia, including:

Chef’s Garden Kitchen (microgreens-based cuisine with hydroponic garden by Chef Niklas Ekstedt)

La Pescaderia (market-style seafood grill with alfresco seating)

Luna Park Pizza & Burger (buffet with interactive experiences)

Butcher’s Cut, Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar, HOLA! Tacos & Cantina (returning favorites)

Pan-Asian Street Food venue (Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Indonesia)

Masters of the Sea Pub (2-deck microbrewery with craft beers brewed onboard via Teo Musso/Baladin)

Coffee Emporium (signature Lavazza roasts)

Raj Polo Tea House (India-themed)

The Gin Project (70+ craft gins and botanical cocktails)

Elixir – Mixology Bar (expert mixologists with outdoor terrace)

Zest – Juice Bar, Malt Lounge & Bar, Sweet Temptations (gelato/frozen yogurt)

Complimentary dining includes 4 MDRs (Bubbles, La Foglia, Esagono, Hexagon) and three buffets. Les Dunes Restaurant serves only Aurea-class guests.

Introduced on the 2022 MSC Seascape, ROBOTRON is a robotic-arm thrill ride with 360-degree views, customizable music synchronization, and family-friendly settings.

Decks and cabins

MSC World Asia staterooms (2614 total, 19 categories) include 159 Suites; approximately 65% of all cabins have step-out balconies. The ship offers 65 ADA/wheelchair-accessible cabins (33 Inside, 24 Balcony, 8 Junior Suites).

Seven cabin categories are new to MSC.

• Promenade-view balcony staterooms overlook the Lower Promenade deck.
• MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suites include large terraces with a Jacuzzi and alfresco dining area.
• AUREA Suites also feature balcony Jacuzzis.
• Infinite Oceanview cabins have French Balconies with down-sliding windows.

The vessel has 22 decks, of which 16 are passenger-accessible and 12 contain cabins.

MSC World Asia’s decks are named after Asian state capital cities.

Itineraries

MSC World Asia’s itinerary program (homeports, regions, destinations) and Maiden Voyage date were announced in January 2025.

MSC plans to inaugurate World Asia in December 2026 (postponed from May). The inaugural season (winter 2026–2027) is based on 7-day Mediterranean voyages starting December 11 (Maiden Voyage). The itineraries feature six homeports—Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia-Rome, Messina, and Valletta—with roundtrip departures available from each port.

All MSC Caribbean itineraries include Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the company’s private Bahamian island.