MSC World Asia Adds Five New Bar and Lounge Concepts
A 12-meter stainless-steel dragon by Balich Wonder Studio has been installed above the Outdoor World Promenade with nearly 700 mirrors.
MSC Cruises has unveiled five new bar and lounge concepts for MSC World Asia, which will enter Mediterranean service in December 2026. The additions include a family-focused soda bar, an Italian aperitivo lounge and a Pan Asian venue serving regional cocktails and beer brewed aboard the ship.
The 215,863-gross-ton MSC World Asia will have 40 bars, lounges and cafes. MSC Cruises says 13 of its spaces and experiences will be new or reworked compared with MSC World Europa, the first vessel in the line’s World Class series.
Five new concepts join the beverage lineup
Clubhouse and Soda Bar will operate as a family venue during the day, with guests choosing a soda base and adding flavored syrups, cream and toppings. The 1980s- and 1990s-themed space will also have interactive digital tables, games and a LEGO area, while bumper cars will be available nearby at The Court. Cocktails and mocktails will be offered in the evening.
Within Luna Park Arena, Sky Box Bar will serve premium drinks and updated versions of classic cocktails. Its design draws on early 20th-century Futurism, and bartenders will stage mixology demonstrations as part of the service.
The Terraces Bar & Lounge will focus on Italian aperitivo service, including Negronis, Aperol Spritzes, wine and prosecco. Focaccia, olives and other light bites will accompany the drinks, with live music and expert-led wine tastings also planned.
Coral Cove Bar will be located inside the Coral Cove Pool complex, whose retractable glass roof permits all-weather use. The poolside venue takes its visual cues from Philippine coral reefs and will serve a selection of classic drinks.
Overlooking the Promenade, Pan Asian Bar will form part of the ship’s Pan Asian Street Food restaurant. Its menu will include Jasmine Mojitos, Rose and Strawberry Daiquiris, Matcha Coladas and Asian beers. Oceanic Asian, a house draft beer with Asian flavor notes, will be brewed at sea.
Returning MSC Cruises venues will include Coffee Emporium, Fizz Champagne Bar and Masters of the Sea pub. All-Stars Sports Bar will also be aboard, the first time the concept has appeared on a European deployment.
Asian design extends across the ship
MSC World Asia is the third World Class vessel, following MSC World Europa and MSC World America. At 333.3 meters long, it is designed to carry about 6,758 passengers and 2,138 crew members.
A 12-meter stainless-steel dragon designed by Balich Wonder Studio has been installed 10 meters above the Outdoor World Promenade. The pearlescent-white structure incorporates nearly 700 mirrors, 400 meters of lighting strips and more than 3,000 LED points.
“For the first time, an icon becomes the defining symbol of a ship,” said Marco Balich, chairman of Balich Wonder Studio.
The vessel is under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, with delivery scheduled for November. Its first cruise is due to depart Dec. 4 on a seven-night Mediterranean itinerary calling at Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina and Valletta.
The Caribbean follows in winter 2027-28
After its initial Mediterranean program, MSC Cruises plans to deploy the ship in the southern Caribbean for winter 2027-28. Seven- and 14-night cruises are scheduled to offer embarkation in Fort-de-France, Pointe-à-Pitre and Bridgetown.
See current MSC World Asia fares and itineraries on Cruise Lookup.
