MSC Cruises unveils new onboard features for upcoming flagship MSC World Asia

MSC Cruises has announced new details for its upcoming flagship, MSC World Asia, including the longest dry slide at sea, a new Pan-Asian specialty restaurant, and a range of returning guest favourites and new concepts and venues.

MSC World Asia, which will begin sailing in the Mediterranean from December 11th, 2026, is the third ship in MSC Cruises’ World Class series and will operate seven-night itineraries during the Winter 2026/27 and Summer 2027 seasons, calling at Barcelona, Marseille, Messina, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Genoa, Naples, and Valletta. 

Embarkation will be available at all ports on the itinerary, a practise known as interporting, which MSC Cruises also operates during its winter season in the Arabian Gulf.

MSC World Asia continues the zoned design concept of her World Class sister ships, with seven onboard “districts” designed to offer guests a range of atmospheres, activities and experiences. 

The ship will incorporate design elements inspired by Asian culture, landscapes and art, offering a blend of returning guest favourites and innovative new concepts and venues.

A central feature of the ship will be the World Promenade, an open-air space offering dining, retail, and entertainment options. The venue will include several new and returning concepts.

World Promenade will feature:

• Pan-Asian Specialty Restaurant (name TBC): This new dining venue, with a dedicated bar and outdoor terrace, will focus on Southeast Asian cuisine, with dishes influenced by Singapore, Thailand, Laos, South China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. 
• Spiral Dry Slide (Tree of Life): This dry slide will measure 81.3 metres and span 12 decks. The design is based on Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay.
• Sweet Temptations: A dessert-focused venue offering gelato, cakes, frozen yoghurt, milkshakes, and other items, along with customisable food stations and entertainment for families.
• Promenade Bites: A street food-style concept serving casual snacks in a fairground-style environment.
• All-Stars Sports Bar: A sports-themed venue with screens, interactive games, and a sea-facing terrace.
• Coffee Emporium: A venue offering a variety of coffee blends and brewing styles.
• Luxury Accessories Boutique: A new retail concept offering international fashion accessories and statement items.

MSC World Asia follows MSC World Europa and MSC World America as the third vessel in the World Class platform, with a design aimed at showcasing global themes in both décor and programming.