France will be at the heart of the early days of the MSC World Asia.
The third ship of MSC Cruises’ World class will be delivered on November 25, 2026 by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, before performing its inaugural sailing and then being officially christened in Le Havre on November 28.
The liner will then join the Mediterranean, where it will kick off its inaugural season starting December 4, 2026.
It will offer seven-night itineraries in the Western Mediterranean, with embarkations notably in Barcelona and Marseille, as well as calls in Messina, Civitavecchia, Naples and Valletta. Passengers will be able to embark at each of these ports.
Beyond its inaugural schedule, this sequence highlights the long-standing partnership between MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
Since 2002, the company claims to have invested more than €21 billion in France through the construction of 19 ships, contributing to the maintenance of 7,500 direct jobs and a network of more than 500 French companies.
The third ship of MSC Cruises’ World class will be delivered on November 25, 2026 by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, before performing its inaugural sailing and then being officially christened in Le Havre on November 28.
The liner will then join the Mediterranean, where it will kick off its inaugural season starting December 4, 2026.
It will offer seven-night itineraries in the Western Mediterranean, with embarkations notably in Barcelona and Marseille, as well as calls in Messina, Civitavecchia, Naples and Valletta. Passengers will be able to embark at each of these ports.
Beyond its inaugural schedule, this sequence highlights the long-standing partnership between MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
Since 2002, the company claims to have invested more than €21 billion in France through the construction of 19 ships, contributing to the maintenance of 7,500 direct jobs and a network of more than 500 French companies.
New attractions and immersive experiences
The arrival of the MSC World Asia also marks the commercial launch of the 2026-2027 winter season in the Western Mediterranean.
The ship will notably be offered from Marseille, which has, over the years, become one of MSC Cruises’ main embarkation ports for French guests.
The company continues to unveil the new features that will distinguish the World Asia from its two predecessors.
Among them are Cliffhanger, a swing suspended 50 meters above the sea, as well as a new version of The Spiral Tree of Life, the spectacular dry slide of more than 80 meters integrated into the ship’s architecture.
The MSC Luna Park Arena will also offer a new generation of immersive entertainment experiences.
The ship will notably be offered from Marseille, which has, over the years, become one of MSC Cruises’ main embarkation ports for French guests.
The company continues to unveil the new features that will distinguish the World Asia from its two predecessors.
Among them are Cliffhanger, a swing suspended 50 meters above the sea, as well as a new version of The Spiral Tree of Life, the spectacular dry slide of more than 80 meters integrated into the ship’s architecture.
The MSC Luna Park Arena will also offer a new generation of immersive entertainment experiences.
Gastronomy: Southeast Asia in the spotlight
The culinary offering will be enriched by a space inspired by Southeast Asian street markets, bringing together a pan-Asian restaurant, street food and a dedicated bar.
The Italian house Venchi will also open its largest space at sea there, featuring a boutique, café, gelateria and Chocolate Lab spanning nearly 300 m².
Families will have access to a fully redesigned Family Aventura District, with The Clubhouse and The Harbour spaces, while the MSC Aurea Spa will inaugurate a new wellness offering.
In total, the ship will boast more than 40 bars and restaurants, seven pools, thirteen hot tubs, as well as an expanded entertainment offering for all generations.
TourMaG will follow the different stages of the MSC World Asia launch, from its delivery in Saint-Nazaire to its christening in Le Havre, before its commercial entry into the Mediterranean.
The Italian house Venchi will also open its largest space at sea there, featuring a boutique, café, gelateria and Chocolate Lab spanning nearly 300 m².
Families will have access to a fully redesigned Family Aventura District, with The Clubhouse and The Harbour spaces, while the MSC Aurea Spa will inaugurate a new wellness offering.
In total, the ship will boast more than 40 bars and restaurants, seven pools, thirteen hot tubs, as well as an expanded entertainment offering for all generations.
TourMaG will follow the different stages of the MSC World Asia launch, from its delivery in Saint-Nazaire to its christening in Le Havre, before its commercial entry into the Mediterranean.
Published by Amelia Brille 
