MSC Cruises to introduce new family, dining, and design features aboard MSC World Asia

MSC Cruises has released new details on its upcoming new ship MSC World Asia, highlighting design elements and amenities planned for the next ship in its World Class series.

MSC World Asia is scheduled to begin seven-night Mediterranean cruises from December 4th, 2026, visiting Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina, and Valletta during its first winter season, before calling at Naples in place of Civitavecchia during summer 2027.

Among the new features onboard will be a stainless-steel dragon sculpture positioned above the World Promenade. The structure measures 12 metres in length and nine metres in width, suspended 10 metres above the open-air thoroughfare.

It will incorporate nearly 700 mirrors and 3,000 LED lights, creating an illuminated display in the evenings.

MSC World Asia will also feature the Spiral @ Tree of Life, an 81.3-metre dry slide linking 12 decks. The updated design takes inspiration from the tree structures at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, and is intended to serve as a visual centrepiece as well as a guest activity.

A Pan-Asian Street Food venue will introduce a new dining format for the brand, with a focus on Southeast Asian flavours drawn from Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The restaurant will include both indoor seating and an outdoor terrace.

Family facilities will expand with two areas: Harbour and Clubhouse.

Harbour, located in the Family Aventura district, will feature a redesigned layout with Asian-influenced décor, a ropes course, an aquapark, a children’s playground and the Cliffhanger swing ride positioned 50 metres above sea level.

Clubhouse will combine activities including bumper cars, roller skating, basketball, classic table games and a LEGO family zone, with spaces that shift function throughout the day.

MSC World Asia will include an All-Stars Sports Bar with large screens, games, and an outdoor terrace, offering an American-style layout.

Dining options will extend to more than 40 restaurants, bars and lounges. Six speciality restaurants are planned, including returning concepts such as Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki, and Hola! Tacos & Cantina, alongside new venues including the Pan-Asian Street Food concept and additional fast-casual spaces still to be detailed.

Accommodation will encompass more than 20 cabin categories. MSC Yacht Club will expand to seven suite types, including a new Royal Duplex Suite with two bedrooms and capacity for up to six guests. Other options will include multi-room Owner Suites and Royal Suites with whirlpool baths.

MSC World Asia will be arranged into seven themed districts: Family Aventura, Zen Area, Aqua Deck, Terraces, Galleria, Promenade, and MSC Yacht Club. The ship will offer seven pools, including aft-facing Zen pools, and 13 whirlpools, with wellness facilities including Aurea Spa, a Technogym-equipped fitness centre, and a barber shop.

Entertainment programmes will feature stage productions and live music in multiple venues, while daytime and evening activities are planned across the ship.

MSC World Asia is set to join the fleet as the latest World Class vessel, continuing the series’ focus on high-capacity layouts combined with expanded accommodation choices and family-oriented design features.