MSC Cruises to debut longest dry slide at sea aboard MSC World Asia

MSC Cruises has unveiled new details of The Spiral @ Tree of Life, the longest dry slide on any cruise ship, aboard MSC World Asia.

The attraction will debut aboard the cruise line’s new flagship, which is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, when it enters service in December 2026.

Spiralling through 81.3 metres down 12 decks, the dry slide is designed to provide both an attraction and an alternative means of moving around the ship. The slide connects directly with the World Promenade, one of the ship’s central public spaces for dining, entertainment, and relaxation.

The Spiral forms part of The Harbour, an outdoor family district conceived as a social and recreational space where guests can gather, take part in activities, and enjoy open-air experiences. At the centre of the area is the Tree of Life, a new architectural feature that serves as both a visual landmark and a meeting point for passengers.

Guests access the slide via an elevated walkway that wraps around the structure before descending to the lower decks through the enclosed spiral tube.

The Tree of Life itself rises nearly 10 metres above the deck and weighs almost eight tons. It incorporates more than 150 metres of integrated LED lighting, allowing the structure’s appearance to evolve throughout the day and become a focal point of evening entertainment.

According to MSC Cruises, the design has been inspired by contemporary Asian cities and Singapore’s iconic Supertrees, reflecting the broader Asia-inspired elements that have shaped the vessel’s interiors and public spaces.

MSC World Asia is the third vessel in the cruise line’s World Class series and forms part of an eight-ship programme that celebrates different continents and oceans.

The new flagship is intended to combine European design with international influences while expanding the line’s portfolio of family attractions and entertainment experiences.

The ship is scheduled to be officially named on November 28th, 2026, during a ceremony in Le Havre, France, before entering service less than a week later.

From December 4th, MSC World Asia will offer seven-night Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona, calling at Marseille, Messina, Civitavecchia for Rome, Naples, and Valletta. Guests will be able to embark and disembark at each port.

The Spiral is one of several attractions that will debut aboard the ship. MSC World Asia will also feature the first Cliffhanger over-water swing ride in Europe, suspended 50 metres above the sea, along with new waterslides, a high ropes course, an interactive entertainment venue, and a Formula 1-inspired racing simulator.

Beyond its attractions, the ship will feature more than 40 bars, lounges, and restaurants, seven swimming pools, 13 hot tubs, and the line’s largest variety of MSC Yacht Club suite categories to date.