MSC CRUISES OPENS SALES FOR MSC WORLD ASIA, SAILING THE WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN FROM DECEMBER 2026

• MSC World Asia will sail in the Western Mediterranean from December 2026, with winter and summer itineraries now available to book
• Ship to offer more than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants, along with international entertainment, a host of family facilities and more to provide the ultimate cruise experience

Geneva, Switzerland – 30 January 2025 – MSC Cruises’ newest World Class ship, MSC World Asia, is now open for booking, offering guests an opportunity to experience the art of cruising in the Mediterranean from December 2026. The new ship is the third World Class ship - each of which is named in homage to the world’s continents, reflecting the global nature of MSC Cruises, which sails to every corner of the globe, offering an unparalleled choice of destinations. 

Commencing on 11 December 2026 for the winter 2026/27 season, the ship will offer seven-night sailings to the most popular destinations in the Western Mediterranean – Barcelona (Spain), Marseille (France), Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina (Italy) and Valletta (Malta) with accessible embarkation in every port.

For the summer 2027 season, MSC World Asia will offer a seven-night itinerary serving Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina and Valletta.

MSC World Asia is the latest innovative ship in the cruise line’s LNG-powered World Class following MSC World Europa and the soon-to-be-launched MSC World America, which will sail in the Caribbean from Miami (U.S.) in April.

MSC World Asia features subtle design elements that reflect Asia’s rich culture, art, and beautiful landscapes. It retains the signature plumb bow rising vertically from the waterline and the iconic Y-shaped aft that opens onto the impressive outdoor promenade, hallmarks of MSC Cruises’ World Class ships.

Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises said, “We have chosen to deploy our latest flagship in the Western Mediterranean as it is our most popular region. MSC World Asia will further enhance our lineup in the region, giving guests even more choice of embarkation ports and itineraries for their winter escape or summer holiday.

As with each of our new ships, we’ll introduce innovative new concepts, venues and services to deliver the ultimate cruise experience for our guests.”

Itineraries for MSC World Asia are now available to book: LINK

MSC Voyager’s Club members who book by 13 February 2025 will receive 1000 extra points, plus an onboard credit of €50 per person. They will also benefit from their usual Voyager’s Exclusives benefits when booking more than 12 months ahead of their departure, including a 5%+5% discount, double membership points after the cruise is booked and €50 onboard credit from MSC Voyager’s Club Silver status. See website for full terms and conditions.

ABOUT MSC WORLD ASIA

MSC World Asia will invite guests to experience the art of cruising on board MSC Cruises’ third innovative World Class ship featuring more than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants, alongside international entertainment and a host of family facilities and much more to provide the ultimate cruise experience.

Following in the footsteps of her sister ship, MSC World Asia will be home to seven on board districts, each having its own atmosphere, facilities and experiences, designed to enhance the cruising experience, allowing every guest to create a one-of-a-kind holiday that is uniquely theirs and maximise their time on board.

Some of the highlights waiting for guests on board MSC World Asia include:

The Harbour - Within the Family Aventura District on board lies The Harbour - a revolutionary new outdoor park where families can come together to engage in activities, indulge in delicious bites and soak up the sun.

The MSC Yacht Club - With 144 luxurious suites the MSC Yacht Club, MSC Cruises’ exclusive “ship within a ship concept”, offers a keycard-only access to a secluded sanctuary with dedicated lounge and restaurant, private pool, sun deck and 24-hour concierge, all within easy reach of everything a larger ship has to offer.

International gastronomic experiences - MSC World Asia will cater to every taste and temptation with more than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants offering authentic experiences. With six specialty restaurant concepts including guest favourites Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki, and Hola! Tacos & Cantina, plus two new concepts to be revealed.

Popular bars and café venues such as Masters of the Sea: MSC Cruises’ classic British pub with a full-scale micro-brewery making MSC Signature beers on board and the Coffee Emporium, a sleek and modern coffee house that is any coffee connoisseur’s dream will also be featured on board MSC World Asia.

Dedicated facilities and activities especially for kids and families - MSC World Asia will also offer expansive multiple kids clubs featuring dedicated facilities for babies to teens. As a family-owned company, MSC Cruises knows what it takes to keep the whole family happy on holiday and will feature original game shows and activities, a waterpark, the over water swing Cliffhanger, video arcades and a virtual reality slide and plenty more for families to enjoy.

The ultimate wellness escape - With adults-only Zen pools at the aft of the ship, an expansive Aurea Spa with an array of relaxing treatments and facilities, an MSC Cruises’ Gym Powered by Technogym with stunning ocean views and The Gentlemen’s Barber, there will be something for everyone looking to relax on board.

A pool for every occasion - MSC World Asia will feature seven pools, including one with a retractable roof for all-weather enjoyment, plus 13 whirlpool baths. For those looking for a little more excitement, head to The Harbour, home to multiple thrilling water slides and exciting water activities.  

Worldly entertainment around the clock - MSC World Asia will feature a vast line-up of dazzling international entertainment options around the clock.

Beyond spectacular stage shows, multiple entertainment venues come to life with an impressive array of entertainment for every type of traveler. Live music, enriching activities, games, surprises and more… guests can choose to pack in as much, or as little as they like.

MSC Cruises commitment to the environment

MSC World Asia is fueled by LNG, a fuel which enables a direct transition towards drop-in bio and synthetic renewable LNG. The ship is fitted with shore power connectivity, which allows the ship’s engines to be switched off while in port, eliminating local emissions and reducing the impact on local air quality. Smart technology is used throughout the ship to ensure guests can travel in comfort while keeping energy and water use low.  The ship also has an advanced wastewater treatment plant, a comprehensive on-board recycling management plant that minimises waste, and is equipped with the latest generation propulsion pods to reduce noise which reduces the impact on marine life.