MSC Cruises has unveiled new details about MSC World Asia, its upcoming flagship vessel scheduled to begin Mediterranean sailings from December 11, 2026. The ship will feature the world’s longest dry slide at sea, measuring 81.3 metres.
The third vessel in the cruise line’s World Class series will showcase a new Pan-Asian specialty restaurant and enhanced experiences throughout its World Promenade district.
MSC Cruises confirmed the ship will offer “an exciting blend of returning guest favourites and innovative new concepts and venues to deliver the ultimate cruise experience”. The flagship will incorporate subtle design elements reflecting Asian culture, art and landscapes.
Like its sister ships, MSC World Asia will feature seven distinct onboard districts, each offering unique atmospheres, facilities and experiences to help passengers navigate the vessel and customise their holiday experience.
It will have the world’s longest dry slide at sea
MSC
Hola! Tacos & Cantina is one of the specialty restaurants on board
MSC
The new Pan-Asian specialty restaurant will transport guests to Southeast Asia with cuisine from Singapore, Thailand, Laos, South China, Vietnam and Indonesia. Located on the World Promenade, the venue will feature a dedicated bar and outdoor terrace.
MSC Cruises described it as offering “a world of tastes, textures and stories of the region in a way never seen at sea”. The restaurant forms part of the ship’s vibrant open-air World Promenade, positioned at the heart of the vessel with ocean views.
The ship will offer more than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants in total. These include six specialty restaurant concepts featuring returning favourites such as Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki, and Hola! Tacos & Cantina.
The Tree of Life @ The Spiral Dry Slide will feature a design inspired by Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay trees. The 81.3-metre attraction allows passengers to glide between 12 decks in seconds.
Sweet Temptations will offer gelato, cakes, crêpes, frozen yoghurt and signature shakes. The venue includes personalised food stations, a customise-your-own ice cream bar, pick and mix treats, and family entertainment experiences.
The All-Stars Sports Bar will provide large screens, interactive games including digital shuffleboard and darts, and an outdoor sea-facing terrace. Promenade Bites will serve street-food-style snacks in a modern fairground setting.
Additional World Promenade venues include Coffee Emporium, offering curated blends from around the world, and a Luxury Accessories Boutique featuring high-end pieces from international brands.
MSC World Asia will sail seven-night Mediterranean itineraries during winter 2026/27 and summer 2027. Ports of call include Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina and Valletta, with accessible embarkation available at every port.
The All-Stars Sports Bar is on the MSC World Asia
MSC
The ship begins sailing in December 2026
MSC
The ship will feature more than 20 different accommodation types, from luxury suites and balcony cabins to connecting family cabins. The MSC Yacht Club will offer 144 luxurious suites with keycard-only access to dedicated facilities including a private lounge, restaurant, pool and sun deck, plus 24-hour butler service and concierge.
Family facilities include multiple kids clubs with dedicated areas for babies to teens, original game shows, a waterpark, video arcades and a virtual reality slide. The vessel will also feature seven pools, including one with a retractable roof and 13 whirlpool baths.
MSC World Asia’s itineraries
Winter 2026/27: Sailing seven-night itineraries to Barcelona (Spain), Marseille (France), Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina (Italy) and Valletta (Malta) with accessible embarkation in every port.
Summer 2027: Sailing seven-night itineraries to Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples (Italy), Messina and Valletta.