MSC Cruises’ latest World class cruise ship has successfully completed its final sea trials ahead of its launch in December 2026.
The final trials for MSC World Asia took place off the west coast of France this week to test the ship’s engines, manoeuvrability, fuel efficiency, safety systems, speed and stopping distances.
It will now receive its finishing touches at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire and is due to be delivered on 25 November 2026. There will be a christening and naming ceremony in Le Havre at the end of the month.
It is the 24th MSC Cruises ship and the third in the class to be powered by liquefied natural gas, joining sister ships MSC World Europa and MSC World America.
The 6,782-capacity ship will feature design elements including a 12-metre-long, nine-metre-wide dragon sculpture in the World Promenade, suspended 10 metres in the air.
MSC World Asia will have seven onboard districts, each with its own atmosphere, facilities and experiences.
The districts include Family Aventura, Zen Area, Aqua Deck, The Terraces, Galleria, Promenade and the luxury MSC Yacht Club area.
Similar to its sister ships, there will be a Harbour outdoor park, first launched on MSC World America, with a Cliffhanger swing ride that propels guests back and forth 50 metres above the ocean.
The ship also has the longest dry slide at sea, The Spiral @ Tree of Life, at 81.3 metres high and spanning 12 decks.
Guests will find 40 bars, lounges and restaurants on board including a 1980s and 1990s-themed Clubhouse and Soda Bar and a Pan Asian Bar serving street food-inspired cocktails, including a bespoke draught beer called Oceanic Asian.
Once launched in December, the ship will sail seven-night Mediterranean itineraries calling at some of the region’s most popular destinations including Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Messina and Valletta. Prices start from £630 per person.
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