MSC World Asia to Be Named in Le Havre in 2026
Built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique, MSC World Asia is listed at about 215,863 gross tons, with capacity for 6,758 passengers and 2,142 crew.
MSC Cruises will name MSC World Asia on Nov. 28, 2026, in Le Havre, France, before the ship begins its first sailing from Barcelona on Dec. 4.
The newbuild is the third ship in an eight-vessel World Class series and follows MSC World Europa and MSC World America in the class. Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, MSC World Asia is listed at about 215,863 GT, 333.3 meters long and 47 meters wide, with capacity for up to 6,758 passengers and 2,142 crew. The ship is LNG-powered and fitted for shore power use during port operations.
“Captain Paolo Benini will take the helm of the MSC World Asia,” Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said, adding that the assignment recognized Benini’s leadership on MSC Euribia, including its recent Dubai deployment.
Mediterranean season opens from Barcelona
After the Le Havre naming ceremony, MSC World Asia will operate seven-night Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona. The itinerary includes Marseille, Messina, Civitavecchia for Rome, Naples and Valletta, with embarkation available at each port on the rotation.
Family attractions lead the onboard program
The onboard program named by MSC centers on six attractions. Cliffhanger will be an over-water swing 50 meters above the sea, while The Spiral @ Tree of Life is an 81.3-meter dry slide spanning 11 decks. Other listed features include Twin Racer and U Drop waterslides, the 6,210-square-foot Adventure Trail high ropes course with Sky Rails, the two-seat MSC Formula Racer simulator and MSC Luna Park Arena, a two-deck interactive venue for game shows, themed parties and other entertainment.
The Harbour, the ship’s open-air family area, will house Cliffhanger, the ropes course and waterslides, along with a playground and daily live entertainment including a Lego Parade. The area is also planned for activity after sunset.
Inside the Family Aventura District, The Clubhouse is planned with bumper cars, roller skating, a Lego Family Zone, interactive games and pop-up MasterChef at Sea Juniors contests. Doremiland is listed at 10,000 square feet, with a Baby Club, teen gaming and two Lego-themed rooms.
Steve Leatham, MSC Cruises’ vice president of entertainment, said families will see the line’s “widest range of programs yet,” covering toddlers through teens. The ship will also have more than 40 bars, lounges and cafes, including a sports bar, live comedy venue and Champagne bar.
MSC did not include an official starting fare in the announcement. Sailings for MSC World Asia’s inaugural season are open for booking through MSC Cruises.
