New details revealed for MSC World Asia – including longest dry slide at sea!

MSC Cruises has now marked the 12-month countdown to launch, confirming a series of new design details for the flagship.

The standout is a vast stainless-steel dragon sculpture that will hang 10 metres above the World Promenade. Stretching 12 metres in length and fitted with almost 700 mirrors and 3,000 LED lights, it’s designed to shimmer by day and glow after dark as a centrepiece of the ship’s Asia-influenced aesthetic.

MSC World Asia is MSC Cruises’ newest World Class ship, setting sail in the Mediterranean from 11 December 2026 – and it’s packed with exciting new features, flavours and family fun.

The 6,758-passenger ship is the third in the line’s World Class series and blends bold design with Asian-inspired touches, all wrapped up in a high-energy holiday experience. Think record-breaking slides, lip-smacking dining spots, and dazzling entertainment from day to night.

Where will MSC World Asia sail?

Starting on 11 December 2026 for the winter 2026/27 season, the ship will offer seven-night sailings to some of the most popular destinations in the Western Mediterranean, including Barcelona (Spain), Marseille (France), Genoa (Italy), Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina (Italy) and Valletta (Malta), with embarkation available at every port.

In summer 2027, itineraries will switch slightly to include Naples (Italy) in place of Civitavecchia.

The innovative vessel is the latest in the cruise line’s LNG-powered World Class, following MSC World Europa (which launched in 2021) and MSC World America, which will set sail in the Caribbean from Miami, USA in April 2025.

Itineraries are now available to book.

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What’s onboard MSC World Asia?

MSC World Asia introduces several brand-new features, alongside popular venues carried over from earlier World Class ships. A key design hallmark remains the ship’s seven “districts” – each one offering a different style of experience to help guests personalise their cruise.

MSC has also confirmed that the ship will feature the largest selection of MSC Yacht Club accommodation categories ever offered, with seven suite types including a brand-new Royal Duplex Suite that sleeps up to six guests. The line has also detailed the seven districts designed to help guests tailor their holiday — Family Aventura, Zen Area, Aqua Deck, The Terraces, Galleria, Promenade and MSC Yacht Club.

One of the standout new features is the Tree of Life at the Spiral Dry Slide – set to be the longest dry slide at sea, this 81.3-metre thrill ride spans 12 decks and is inspired by the trees at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay. Also debuting is ‘The Clubhouse’, a retro-inspired entertainment space designed for family fun, with bumper cars, roller skating, classic table games and more.

A Pan-Asian speciality restaurant located on the ship’s open-air promenade is another new addition, serving bold flavours from across Southeast Asia with an outdoor bar and terrace. MSC has now revealed that the concept will focus on Southeast Asian street-food flavours from Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Indonesia, served with a dedicated bar and outdoor terrace.

Other fresh features include Sweet Temptations, a colourful dessert venue offering gelato, crêpes, frozen yoghurt, customisable ice cream and sweet treats for all ages, and Promenade Bites, a casual, fairground-style snack spot serving street-food-style bites.

A new All-Stars Sports Bar brings a game-day feel to sea, with large screens, digital darts, shuffleboard and an outdoor terrace. MSC has confirmed this will be the line’s first all-American sports bar to sail in Europe, bringing a full gameday atmosphere, interactive games and an outdoor terrace to the Med.

For guests looking to indulge ashore or at sea, a new Luxury Accessories Boutique will stock designer pieces and premium labels.

Returning favourites include the private MSC Yacht Club, a keycard-only area with 144 suites, a lounge, restaurant, sun deck and private pool. The ship will also feature Masters of the Sea, MSC’s popular British pub complete with an onboard microbrewery, and the Coffee Emporium, a chic café serving international blends and brewing styles.

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Food & drink

Dining is a major highlight on MSC World Asia, with more than 40 bars, restaurants and lounges onboard. Alongside the new Pan-Asian venue, the ship will feature six speciality restaurants, including guest favourites such as Butcher’s Cut, the upscale steakhouse, Hola! Tacos & Cantina, and Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki.

Two more speciality dining concepts are due to be announced. For more casual options, Sweet Temptations and Promenade Bites will offer fun, family-friendly fare in high-energy settings.

Popular returning spots include the Masters of the Sea pub, which brews MSC’s own signature beers onboard, and the stylish Coffee Emporium, ideal for morning pick-me-ups or a relaxed afternoon break.

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Entertainment

Entertainment will be available around the clock, ranging from large-scale stage shows to live music and games. Key venues include the World Theatre, Panorama Lounge, Luna Park and a multi-purpose arena.

The Clubhouse is a brand-new venue for MSC Cruises that will debut on MSC World Asia, offering a retro-feel space where families come together for high-energy fun and creative play. Designed with a playful, timeless aesthetic, it blends classic table games, a LEGO Family Zone, bumper cars, basketball, and roller skating. The space will evolve throughout the day, with hands-on fun and bonding to be had in the day, and feel-good evening entertainment in a lively, social setting.

Another major addition is the Cliffhanger – a dramatic new overwater swing that propels riders 50 metres above the sea, and a ride that has proven very popular on sister ship MSC World America. Meanwhile, the All-Stars Sports Bar adds a new entertainment option for guests looking to watch live sport or enjoy interactive games.

Getting a whole new look is well-loved entertainment venue, Luna Park. The multi-purpose, immersive space spans two decks, designed for interactive game shows, parties, and themed events. Expect LED displays and high-energy performances that aim to draw audiences right into the heart of shows.​ The main arena space is wrapped in immersive digital display and ceiling projections, where it will host daily youth activities by day, before becoming the ship’s main nightlife venue by nightfall. Curated DJ sets and party experiences will be put on every night until late.

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Family fun

As a family-owned cruise line, MSC ensures younger guests are always front of mind. MSC World Asia will offer dedicated clubs for babies, kids and teens, as well as interactive games, original MSC game shows, a waterpark, video arcades and a virtual reality slide.

A key family space onboard is The Harbour, an open-air park for all generations, which has been redesigned specially for the new ship with an elegant Asian-inspired aesthetic. With high ropes courses, waterslides, shaded areas, splash zones, comfortable seating and more fun activities besides, it’s a great base for families to spend time together.

The Harbour will also be where you’ll find the longest dry slide at sea, the Tree of Life @The Spiral and the Cliffhanger swing ride.

To recharge, the Harbour Bar & Bites offers a complimentary food selection, perfect for enjoying tasty treats between adventures.

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Wellness & pools

For guests looking to relax, MSC World Asia delivers a mix of high-end wellness facilities and casual sun-soaked space. The ship will offer seven pools, including one with a retractable roof for year-round enjoyment, along with 13 whirlpool baths.

Adults-only Zen pools at the aft provide quiet retreats away from the action, while the Aurea Spa will feature a full menu of treatments and thermal experiences. The MSC Gym powered by Technogym offers panoramic ocean views, and the onboard Gentlemen’s Barber is ideal for guests seeking grooming and styling at sea.

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Environment & tech

Sustainability plays a key role in MSC World Asia’s design. The ship is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the cleanest marine fuel available at scale, and fitted with shore power connectivity to reduce emissions in port.

Other environmental features include an advanced wastewater treatment plant, comprehensive recycling systems, and low-impact propulsion pods to cut down on underwater noise and vibration. Smart technology will monitor and optimise onboard energy and water use to further reduce environmental impact.

MSC Voyager’s Club perks

MSC Voyager’s Club members booking MSC World Asia by 13 February 2025 will receive 1,000 extra points and €50 onboard credit per person. Guests booking more than 12 months in advance can also enjoy double membership points, up to 10% off the fare, and additional benefits from Silver tier upwards. Full terms and conditions can be found on the MSC Cruises website.

As part of the countdown, MSC has also released early pricing for selected January 2027 sailings, starting from £693pp at the time of writing, reduced from £729pp in its Black Friday promotion.

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