MSC Cruises has begun the countdown to MSC World Asia, its next World Class flagship. Due to welcome guests from December 2026, the new ship is set to enter service with a series of seven-night Mediterranean itineraries, beginning December 4 2026.
While firmly Mediterranean in its itineraries, the ship’s design draws inspiration from Asia’s art, landscapes and cultural motifs, woven subtly throughout public spaces and architectural features.
At the heart of the ship, the World Promenade will feature a striking stainless-steel dragon sculpture, suspended ten metres above the deck. Measuring 12 metres long and nine metres wide, the installation is finished with hundreds of mirrors and thousands of LED lights, designed to transform the space after dark.
MSC World Asia will sail seven-night Mediterranean cruises beginning in early December 2026. During the Winter 2026/27 season, itineraries will include calls at Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Messina and Valletta. In Summer 2027, the ship will continue with seven-night sailings from Barcelona, visiting Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina and Valletta.
These routes place the new flagship squarely among the Mediterranean’s most popular ports, combining well-established cultural centres with ports known for their ease of access and variety of shore excursions.
MSC says the itineraries are designed to appeal to both first-time cruisers and repeat Med travellers looking for a familiar route delivered aboard a new-generation ship.
At the heart of the ship, the World Promenade will feature a striking stainless-steel dragon sculpture, suspended ten metres above the deck…
What’s new on board
MSC World Asia will introduce a range of new features alongside returning guest favourites. Among the most eye-catching is The Spiral Tree of Life, set to become the longest dry slide at sea. Stretching more than 81 metres, it allows guests to travel between 12 decks in seconds. Its design takes inspiration from Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, reinforcing the ship’s Asia-influenced aesthetic.
Dining will play a central role, with more than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants planned. Alongside established MSC concepts such as Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki, and Hola! Tacos & Cantina, the ship will debut a new Pan-Asian Street Food venue. Focused on flavours from Southeast Asia, it will offer both dine-in and takeaway options, complete with a dedicated bar and outdoor terrace.
At the upper end of the accommodation offering, MSC World Asia will feature the cruise line’s largest MSC Yacht Club to date, with seven suite categories. These include the new Royal Duplex Suite, accommodating up to six guests, alongside Owner Suites and Royal Suites with private whirlpool baths. Yacht Club guests will have access to private venues, a dedicated restaurant and sundeck, and 24-hour butler and concierge services.
Across the ship, more than 20 accommodation types will be available, ranging from luxury suites to family cabins, balcony staterooms and solo-friendly interiors. Wellness facilities include the Aurea Spa, a Technogym-powered gym with ocean views, multiple pools and whirlpool baths, and dedicated barber and beauty services.
Family spaces have been expanded and refreshed. The Harbour, located within the Family Aventura district, has been redesigned with Asian-inspired elements and will feature an outdoor park environment, complete with a high ropes course, aquapark, children’s playground and the Cliffhanger, an over-water swing ride suspended 50 metres above the sea. Nearby, The Clubhouse offers a retro-themed indoor space with games, LEGO zones, bumper cars, basketball and roller skating, shifting character from daytime family hub to evening entertainment venue.
Sports fans are also catered for, with MSC’s first all-American sports bar to sail in Europe. Featuring large screens, interactive games and a sea-facing terrace, it is designed as a social space for live sport and casual dining.
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Ares Yachts has released the first official sailing photography of its 62 metre flagship ketch, Simena, captured off Saint-Tropez during her first Mediterranean season. The images capture the elegant ketch doing exactly what she was designed to do, carving through the Med under wind power rather than simply serving as a floating luxury residence. The…
The Luxe Review 
MSC Cruises has begun the countdown to MSC World Asia, its next World Class flagship. Due to welcome guests from December 2026, the new ship is set to enter service with a series of seven-night Mediterranean itineraries, beginning December 4 2026.
While firmly Mediterranean in its itineraries, the ship’s design draws inspiration from Asia’s art, landscapes and cultural motifs, woven subtly throughout public spaces and architectural features.
At the heart of the ship, the World Promenade will feature a striking stainless-steel dragon sculpture, suspended ten metres above the deck. Measuring 12 metres long and nine metres wide, the installation is finished with hundreds of mirrors and thousands of LED lights, designed to transform the space after dark.
MSC World Asia will sail seven-night Mediterranean cruises beginning in early December 2026. During the Winter 2026/27 season, itineraries will include calls at Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Messina and Valletta. In Summer 2027, the ship will continue with seven-night sailings from Barcelona, visiting Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina and Valletta.
These routes place the new flagship squarely among the Mediterranean’s most popular ports, combining well-established cultural centres with ports known for their ease of access and variety of shore excursions.
MSC says the itineraries are designed to appeal to both first-time cruisers and repeat Med travellers looking for a familiar route delivered aboard a new-generation ship.
What’s new on board
MSC World Asia will introduce a range of new features alongside returning guest favourites. Among the most eye-catching is The Spiral Tree of Life, set to become the longest dry slide at sea. Stretching more than 81 metres, it allows guests to travel between 12 decks in seconds. Its design takes inspiration from Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, reinforcing the ship’s Asia-influenced aesthetic.
Dining will play a central role, with more than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants planned. Alongside established MSC concepts such as Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki, and Hola! Tacos & Cantina, the ship will debut a new Pan-Asian Street Food venue. Focused on flavours from Southeast Asia, it will offer both dine-in and takeaway options, complete with a dedicated bar and outdoor terrace.
At the upper end of the accommodation offering, MSC World Asia will feature the cruise line’s largest MSC Yacht Club to date, with seven suite categories. These include the new Royal Duplex Suite, accommodating up to six guests, alongside Owner Suites and Royal Suites with private whirlpool baths. Yacht Club guests will have access to private venues, a dedicated restaurant and sundeck, and 24-hour butler and concierge services.
Across the ship, more than 20 accommodation types will be available, ranging from luxury suites to family cabins, balcony staterooms and solo-friendly interiors. Wellness facilities include the Aurea Spa, a Technogym-powered gym with ocean views, multiple pools and whirlpool baths, and dedicated barber and beauty services.
Family spaces have been expanded and refreshed. The Harbour, located within the Family Aventura district, has been redesigned with Asian-inspired elements and will feature an outdoor park environment, complete with a high ropes course, aquapark, children’s playground and the Cliffhanger, an over-water swing ride suspended 50 metres above the sea. Nearby, The Clubhouse offers a retro-themed indoor space with games, LEGO zones, bumper cars, basketball and roller skating, shifting character from daytime family hub to evening entertainment venue.
Sports fans are also catered for, with MSC’s first all-American sports bar to sail in Europe. Featuring large screens, interactive games and a sea-facing terrace, it is designed as a social space for live sport and casual dining.
Prices for seven-night Mediterranean sailings currently start from £693 per person for January 2027 departures, based on selected dates, with promotional fares available for a limited time.
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