MSC World Asia Unveils Shipwide Art Program Ahead of 2026 Debut

MSC Cruises has disclosed new details about the artwork planned for MSC World Asia, the next ship in its World Class series, ahead of the vessel’s entry into service in December 2026. The cruise line is positioning the collection as a ship-wide design feature meant to reflect Asian culture, art, and landscapes as the ship begins a Mediterranean deployment.

Debut timing and Mediterranean itinerary

MSC World Asia is scheduled to begin seven-night Mediterranean sailings on Dec. 4, 2026. The itinerary is set to include calls in Barcelona, Marseille, Messina, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Naples, and Valletta.

The ship will join MSC World Europa and MSC World America in the World Class lineup. MSC World Atlantic is also under construction, and MSC has indicated that additional World Class ships are in development beyond that.

No official statement from named MSC Cruises executives or shipyard representatives was included in the available reports.

Headline installations planned for major public spaces

MSC has outlined several large-scale pieces that are designed to serve as visual anchors in high-traffic areas of the ship, particularly along the World Promenade and near the indoor pool.

Suspended dragon sculpture for the World Promenade

MSC Cruises said a stainless-steel dragon sculpture is planned to hang above the World Promenade, suspended 10 meters overhead. The cruise line said the installation will measure 12 meters long by 9 meters wide and incorporate nearly 700 mirrors and 3,000 LED lights, with illumination intended to stand out in the evening.

Oversized koi sculptures by David Harber

Also planned for the World Promenade are large-format koi fish sculptures created by UK-based artist David Harber. MSC has linked the koi theme to ideas such as perseverance and transformation, while also tying the flowing shapes to the ship’s maritime setting.

Water droplet-inspired centerpiece near the indoor pool

Near the ship’s indoor pool, MSC said guests are expected to encounter an art installation designed to resemble a water droplet by artist Elisabetta Milan. The piece is described as widening toward the base to suggest lightness and fluid motion, and MSC said it is planned at 150 centimeters wide and 245 centimeters high as a focal point for the pool area.

Extending the concept into corridors and cabins

Beyond the signature pieces, MSC Cruises said the art program is designed to continue throughout circulation areas and accommodations, using the ship’s deck naming approach and nature-focused visuals to reinforce the broader theme.

Deck corridors tied to Asian city names

MSC said corridor artworks will be tailored to individual decks, taking cues from deck names that reference Asian cities and aiming to acknowledge the region’s diversity. Works by Vietnamese artist Hoan Phan are slated for selected areas, with pieces drawing inspiration from locations and landmarks including Mount Fuji and Ha Long Bay, as well as places across Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand.

Stateroom artwork built around landscapes and natural motifs

MSC also outlined plans for cabin artwork intended to showcase Asian landscapes, color palettes, and nature-based motifs. The cruise line described the approach as part of an immersive onboard environment that connects accommodations to the ship’s wider artistic concept.

Commissioned pieces for venues, dining, and the MSC Yacht Club

MSC said it is also commissioning venue-specific artwork across multiple onboard spaces. Renowned Swiss art workshop Atelier Le Castel is slated to design bespoke works for locations that include:

• La Dolce Vita bar, with artwork intended to align with the venue’s ambiance.
• Restaurants and cafés including Bubbles, with custom pieces created for the public areas of the ship.
• The theatre, with venue-specific works commissioned as part of the ship’s broader art program.
• Select areas of the MSC Yacht Club, where MSC said bespoke pieces are planned for parts of the premium complex.
• Suites and cabins, where MSC said custom artworks are planned for accommodations in addition to the corridor and stateroom concepts.

Kaito Sushi Restaurant installations by Raimondo Briata

MSC said the Kaito Sushi Restaurant will feature koi fish artwork by artist Raimondo Briata. The cruise line linked the koi imagery to the idea of travel and cultural exchange, framing the ship as a place where different stories and cultures intersect while moving from port to port.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When do MSC World Asia’s Mediterranean cruises begin?

MSC World Asia is scheduled to start seven-night Mediterranean sailings on Dec. 4, 2026.

Which ports are included in the seven-night itinerary?

The itinerary is set to include Barcelona, Marseille, Messina, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Naples, and Valletta.

What are the measurements and features of the dragon sculpture planned for the World Promenade?

MSC Cruises said the stainless-steel dragon will be 12 meters long and 9 meters wide, suspended 10 meters above the World Promenade, and built with nearly 700 mirrors and 3,000 LED lights.

Which artists and studios are contributing to MSC World Asia’s art program?

MSC Cruises identified David Harber (koi sculptures for the World Promenade), Elisabetta Milan (water droplet-inspired installation near the indoor pool), Hoan Phan (selected artworks for corridor areas), Atelier Le Castel (bespoke venue pieces), and Raimondo Briata (koi artwork for the Kaito Sushi Restaurant).

With its art program now outlined, MSC World Asia’s next milestone is its scheduled entry into service with seven-night Mediterranean cruises beginning Dec. 4, 2026, as the cruise line continues building out the World Class series alongside MSC World Europa, MSC World America, and the under-construction MSC World Atlantic.