MSC Releases More Information About the Upcoming World Asia
We are less than one year away from the debut of MSC’s third World Class ship, MSC World Asia. The ship will launch on December 4, 2026. To celebrate the milestone, MSC released a deeper look at what guests can expect on their newest ship.
Asian Flair in the Mediterranean
Unlike World Europa, which sails in Europe, and World America, which sails in North America, World Asia will not sail in Asia. Instead, the name reflects the ship’s onboard theming. This World Class ship will feature custom Asian decor and flair that guests can enjoy while sailing the Mediterranean.
That means MSC will have two large ships in the Mediterranean, but the distinct theme of World Asia will provide a noticeably different onboard experience from its sister ship.
Bringing Back Many Popular Features of the World Class
World Asia will bring back many of the signature elements from the rest of the World Class. Guests will have more than 40 bars, lounges, and restaurants to choose from. Like its sister ships, the vessel will be divided into seven districts or neighborhoods: Family Aventura, Zen Area, Aqua Deck, The Terraces, Galleria, Promenade, and MSC Yacht Club.
Dragon Sculpture in the World Promenade
One of the most striking design features will be a 40-foot-long stainless steel dragon suspended 30 feet above the open-air World Promenade. The dragon will be covered in 700 mirrors and 3,000 LED lights that illuminate each evening, creating a dramatic visual centerpiece for the outdoor promenade area.
The Longest Dry Slide at Sea
Royal Caribbean and MSC have gone back and forth over the past few years in the race to claim the longest dry slide at sea. MSC held the title when World Europa debuted. Royal Caribbean then extended its slide on Utopia of the Seas. Now, MSC is extending its own slide to 266 feet to regain the title.
The slide will also feature a new theme. The Spiral @ Tree of Life is inspired by Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, and guests will be able to descend 12 decks in just a few seconds.
Pan Asian Street Food
World Asia will introduce a new Pan-Asian-inspired restaurant. The venue will include both dine-in seating and grab-and-go options. The menu will focus on South Asian flavors with dishes inspired by Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
From the description and the concept image, it appears this venue may replace Paxos, the Greek restaurant found on MSC World America. However, deck plans have not yet been updated to confirm this, and the restaurant name has not been announced.
Redesigned Top Deck Attractions
World Europa and World America feature extensive top deck spaces for families and thrill-seekers, known as The Harbour and The Clubhouse. These spaces will return on World Asia but with new Asian inspired design elements.
The Family Aventura area will still include a ropes course, waterpark, children’s playground, grab-and-go food, and the Cliffhanger, a powered swing ride that sends guests out over the side of the ship more than 164 feet above the water.
Inside, guests will find The Clubhouse, which is a reimagining of the Sportplex indoor sports and activity venues found on the other World Class ships. The space will include bumper cars, basketball, roller skating, the LEGO Family Zone, and classic table games.
The Return of All-Stars Sports Bar
When World America launched, MSC introduced its first American-style sports bar, the All-Stars Sports Bar. It became very popular with guests, so it will return on World Asia even though it does not fit the ship’s theme. The venue will once again feature large TV screens and classic American bar food.
Biggest Choice of MSC Yacht Club Cabins
Guests looking for a more luxurious experience can book a suite in MSC’s Yacht Club, the ship-within-a-ship enclave that provides private restaurants, bars, and lounges exclusively for Yacht Club guests. On World Asia, there will be seven different suite categories.
Options include Royal Suites with whirlpool baths, the new Royal Duplex Suite with two bedrooms, and large multi-room Owner Suites. MSC has not indicated any major changes to the Yacht Club concept on this ship, which may disappoint guests who prefer the layout and style of the Yacht Club on the Seaside Class ships.
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