by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 1:25 PM ET, Thu December 4, 2025
MSC Cruises has kicked off the one-year countdown to the debut of MSC World Asia, which will launch in December 2026.
The ship will begin sailing seven-night Mediterranean itineraries on December 4, 2026, calling in Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina and Valletta during the Winter 2026/27 season. In Summer 2027, the route shifts to Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina and Valletta.
With 12 months to go, the cruise line has released 12 features guests can expect on board.
Among the new additions is a stainless-steel dragon sculpture suspended 10 metres above the World Promenade. The installation measures 12 metres long and nine metres wide, and is fitted with nearly 700 mirrors and 3,000 LED lights.
MSC World Asia will also introduce what the line calls the longest dry slide at sea. The Spiral @ Tree of Life will stretch 81.3 metres and connect 12 decks, taking its design inspiration from the trees at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay.
A new Pan-Asian Street Food venue will serve flavours from Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Indonesia, offering dine-in, takeaway and an outdoor terrace.
Families will see revamped spaces in the Family Aventura district. The Harbour has been redesigned with Asian-inspired elements and will include an over-water swing ride suspended 50 metres above the ocean, a ropes course, aquapark, playground and The Harbour Bar & Bites. The Clubhouse, a new venue, will feature table games, a LEGO Family Zone, bumper cars, basketball and roller skating.
Other highlights include:
- All-Stars Sports Bar, MSC Cruises’ first all-American sports bar in Europe, featuring large screens, interactive games and an outdoor terrace.
- Seven MSC Yacht Club categories, including the new Royal Duplex Suite, which accommodates up to six guests.
- More than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants, including returning favourites like Butcher’s Cut, Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki, and Hola! Tacos & Cantina.
- Seven themed districts to help guests navigate the ship and tailor their experience.
- Over 20 accommodation types, from luxury suites to interior cabins for solo travellers.
- Aurea Spa, Zen pools, Technogym-powered fitness facilities and 13 whirlpools.
- Entertainment across multiple venues, with stage shows, live music, games and activities.
MSC Cruises operates 23 ships globally and sails to more than 300 destinations across five continents.
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