MSC World Asia completes sea trials ahead of November delivery

MSC World Asia, MSC Cruises’ upcoming flagship, has successfully completed its final open-sea trials off the coast of France. The tests confirmed the unit’s engine efficiency, maneuverability, speed, fuel consumption, and safety systems. The ship will now receive its final touches at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyards in Saint-Nazaire. It will become the 24th unit in the fleet and the fourth to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), joining its World-class sister ships: MSC World Europa and MSC World America.

The ship’s official delivery is scheduled for November 25, 2026, followed by the christening ceremony to be held in Le Havre on November 28, attended by international guests, media, and tourism industry representatives. The maiden voyage will commence on December 4, while the first Italian call is scheduled for Genoa on December 6. From that date, the flagship will offer a cyclic seven-night itinerary in the Mediterranean with calls at Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina, Valletta, Barcelona, and Marseille, allowing passengers to embark from the most convenient port.

The ship will feature over 40 bars, lounges, and restaurants, complemented by spectacular attractions such as The Spiral @ Tree of Life, the longest dry slide at sea, boasting an 81.3-meter descent across 12 decks. The entire interior design pays homage to Asian culture and landscapes: the most striking element is a stainless steel dragon sculpture, 12 meters long and 9 meters wide, suspended 10 meters high above the World Promenade, created by the renowned Italian creative agency Balich Wonder Studio.

On the sustainability front, the new unit aligns with the company’s strategy for reducing environmental impact. In addition to being LNG-powered and prepared for the future use of renewable biological and synthetic fuels, MSC World Asia is equipped with systems for shore power connection. This technology allows the main engines to be switched off during dockside stops, eliminating local emissions and improving air quality in host port cities.