MSC World Asia Adds 12-Metre Mirrored Dragon Before Debut
Suspended ten metres above the Outdoor World Promenade, the pearlescent sculpture uses almost seven hundred mirrors and more than three thousand points of light.
MSC Cruises has completed installation of a 12-metre stainless-steel dragon aboard its new flagship, MSC World Asia. The work was finished at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, where construction continues ahead of the ship’s entry into service on December 4, 2026. The sculpture is intended as a visual focal point for the third vessel in MSC’s World Class series.
Lighting and mirrors above the promenade
Finished in pearlescent white, the 3.5-metre-wide structure hangs 10 metres above the Outdoor World Promenade. Its surface carries almost 700 mirrors, while the lighting package comprises 400 metres of strip lights and more than 3,000 LED points.
The lights illuminate the installation after dark. The arrangement of the lighting and mirrors is designed to produce shifting reflections and give the dragon an appearance of movement above the open-air promenade.
Balich Wonder Studio designed the installation. “The dragon brings together vision, craftsmanship and emotion, creating an experience that will remain with guests long after their journey,” said Marco Balich, chairman of the studio.
Other design references to Asian culture, art and landscapes appear around the ship, including artwork in corridors and cabins and a water-droplet-shaped installation in the indoor pool.
MSC World Asia prepares for Mediterranean service
The opening deployment will consist of seven-night Mediterranean cruises. Calls in the announced program include Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina and Valletta.
See current MSC World Asia fares and itineraries on Cruise Lookup.
