MSC Cruises’ new ship begins sailing in December with new attractions, international cuisine and spaces for families
By Krooze Editorial Team
One month remains until the debut of the MSC World Asia. The new MSC Cruises ship will welcome its first guests on December 4, 2026, and will sail seven-night voyages in the Mediterranean.
The itineraries will include calls in Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Naples, Messina and Valletta. Inspired by Asian cultures and landscapes, the vessel will be divided into seven districts, bringing together different dining, entertainment, leisure and accommodation experiences.
MSC World Asia
Embarkation and disembarkation: Marseille, France
7 nights
Itinerary: Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina, Valletta and Barcelona
Dining gets new concepts
The MSC World Asia will feature more than 40 bars, restaurants, lounges and cafés. Among the main new features will be Venchi’s largest space at sea, spanning 300 square meters.
The venue will bring together a chocolate boutique, café and gelateria, with 20 gelato flavors, 20 praline varieties and 11 chocolate bars. The menu will also include Crunchy Waves, an MSC-exclusive gelato inspired by the sea.
The ship will also welcome the first Eataly at sea in Europe. The restaurant will offer Italian cuisine, show cooking, Chef’s Table, terrace dining and experiences with selected wines.
Another highlight will be the Pan-Asian Street Food, a venue inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine. The setting will feature an open kitchen, dishes from different destinations, themed cocktails and complimentary grab-and-go options.
Largest waterslide at sea
At 81.3 meters long and spanning 12 decks, The Spiral @ Tree of Life will be presented as the largest waterslide at sea. The attraction will feature a design inspired by Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay and will also serve as a central architectural element of the ship.
The Harbour will receive a new Asian-inspired configuration. The outdoor family area will bring together an expanded water park, a two-level ropes course, Play Deck and The Harbour Bar & Bites.
The space will also feature the Cliffhanger, a swing installed 50 meters above the ocean. The attraction will project guests beyond the side of the ship, combining adrenaline and ocean views.
New pools and entertainment
The program will feature six productions created especially for the MSC World Asia. Three of them will be presented at the World Theatre, while the Panorama Lounge will host a new live music show.
The pools will also have Asian inspiration. The Manila Bay Pool will be the main space for daytime entertainment and relaxation.
Protected from the weather, the Coral Cove Pool will have a retractable roof and a water-drop-shaped art installation. The work, created by Elisabetta Milan, was inspired by the coral reefs of the Philippines.
MSC Yacht Club will have 144 suites
The MSC World Asia will offer the widest variety of MSC Yacht Club accommodations ever offered by the company. There will be 144 suites across seven categories.
Among the new features will be the Royal Duplex Suite, designed for families and groups seeking more space and privacy, in addition to the area’s exclusive services.
After its Mediterranean season, the ship will sail to the Southern Caribbean in 2027/2028, with seven- and 14-night voyages.
For more information, consult your travel agent!
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