MSC Cruises is celebrating the 12-month countdown to MSC World Asia, set to begin 7-night Mediterranean itineraries from 4 December 2026.
*All details correct at time of publish (8 December 2025)
The ship will combine the much-loved favourites enjoyed by MSC Cruises guests with an array of brand-new concepts, promising an elevated cruising experience that celebrates discovery, creativity and world-class craftsmanship as the line ushers in its newest flagship.
The state-of-the-art flagship is set to become the latest World Class ship to join the cruise line’s fleet, inviting guests to experience the Art of Cruising beginning December 2026.
Setting sail to some of the Mediterranean’s most sought-after destinations from 4 December 2026, the ship will feature subtle design elements that reflect Asia’s rich culture, art and landscapes and will offer returning guest favourites alongside new concepts that will deliver unforgettable onboard experiences.
Antonio Paradiso, VP of International Sales at MSC Cruises said: “As we mark the 12-month countdown to MSC World Asia, we’re thrilled to offer our UK and Irish guests a truly unique new way to experience the Mediterranean.
“This remarkable new ship brings together striking Asia-inspired design, exceptional dining and entertainment, and an outstanding choice of accommodation.
“MSC World Asia will further strengthen our commitment to delivering memorable holidays at sea and broaden the range of experiences available to our guests across the UK and Ireland.”
With just 12 months to go until the ship’s launch, MSC Cruises is sharing 12 highlights about the flagship, and the exciting amenities, world-class dining and spectacular entertainment that await guests on board.
- NEW! Dragon Sculpture: Suspended from the ceiling 10 metres above the World Promenade, the 12-metre-long and nine-metre-wide sculpture adorned with nearly 700 mirrors and 3,000 LED lights will be illuminated in the evening on board MSC World Asia.
- Mediterranean Itineraries: MSC World Asia will sail in the Mediterranean, calling at some of the region’s most captivating destinations including Barcelona (Spain), Marseille (France), Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina (Italy), Valletta (Malta), and Naples (Italy).
- NEW! The Spiral @ Tree of Life: Set to be the longest dry slide at sea at 81.3 metres, this eye-catching, signature architectural feature of MSC Cruises’ World Class ships offers a thrilling ride that lets guests slide between 12 decks in seconds.
- NEW! Pan-Asian Street Food: Focusing on Southeast Asian cuisine – including flavours from Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Indonesia – this speciality restaurant will transport guests to a world of tastes, textures and stories of the region in a way never seen at sea.
- Top Deck Family Fun – The Harbour & The Clubhouse:
- NEW DESIGN! The Harbour: Featuring a new, elegant Asian-inspired redesign, offering a revolutionary outdoor park within the Family Aventura district and the Cliffhanger – an exhilarating over-water swing ride towering 50 metres above the ocean, a thrilling high ropes course, an aquapark, a dedicated children’s playground, plus The Harbour Bar & Bites, offering a selection of complimentary delicious food.
- NEW! The Clubhouse: Designed with a playful, timeless aesthetic, it blends classic table games, the LEGO® Family Zone, bumper cars, basketball and roller skating. It’s a dynamic venue that evolves throughout the day – offering playful bonding moments for kids and adults alike, and feel-good evening entertainment in a lively, social setting.
- All-Stars Sports Bar: This lively venue offers an authentic gameday atmosphere featuring large screens, interactive games and an outdoor sea-facing terrace. Guests can enjoy a drink with friends and family as they watch a game while enjoying comfort bar food and classic American favourites.
- The Biggest Choice of MSC Yacht Club to date, with seven different categories to choose from, including the luxurious NEW! Royal Duplex Suite, which boasts two bedrooms and accommodates up to six guests, multi-room Owner Suites, and Royal Suites with a whirlpool bath.
Guests will enjoy plenty of options in MSC Cruises’ ship-within-a-ship concept, offering exclusive, private venues including a dedicated lounge, restaurant and sundeck, plus 24-hour personalised butler and concierge services.
- More Than 40 Bars, Lounges and Restaurants, including six speciality restaurant concepts, including guest favourites Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki, and Hola! Tacos & Cantina, plus new concepts, including a new Pan-Asian Street Food speciality restaurant and fast-casual options to be revealed.
Popular bars and café venues include Sweet Temptations, offering sweet indulgences at any time of day and MSC Cruises’ classic British pub with a full-scale microbrewery making MSC Signature beers on board.
- Seven Districts: MSC World Asia will feature seven onboard districts, each with its own atmosphere, facilities and experiences, designed to help guests navigate the ship and choose their own holiday experience. The districts include Family Aventura, Zen Area, Aqua Deck, The Terraces, Galleria, Promenade and MSC Yacht Club.
- More Than 20 Different Accommodation Types: MSC World Asia will offer an unrivalled choice of accommodation types from luxury suites, balcony cabins with stunning ocean or lively promenade views to connecting family cabins and interior cabins perfect for solo travellers – there are comfortable accommodations to suit every guest.
- The Ultimate Wellness Escape: Amenities include the MSC Cruises’ luxurious Aurea Spa with a comprehensive range of massages and beauty treatments, Gym powered by Technogym® with stunning ocean views, The Gentleman’s Barber, seven pools (including Zen pools at the aft of the ship) and 13 whirlpool baths.
- International entertainment options around the clock: Offering spectacular stage shows and multiple entertainment venues for every type of traveller. Plus, live music, enriching activities, games, surprises and more – guests can choose to pack in as much, or as little as they like.
To learn more about MSC World Asia, visit here. To book, visit www.mscbook.com.
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