MSC World Asia Completes Sea Trials Ahead of Fall Debut

MSC Cruises’ latest World-class ship, MSC World Asia, has reached a major milestone ahead of her delivery on November 25, 2026.

The vessel has successfully completed her final sea trials, which took place in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of France this week. The ship’s engines, maneuverability, fuel efficiency, safety systems, speed, and stopping distances were put to the test, and the fact that she passed means she’s ready to move towards final completion. The first sea trials were completed in July.

MSC World Asia is the 24th ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, and the third in the line’s largest class of ships to date.

msc world asia exterior aerial — (Credit: MSC Cruises)

Now, MSC World Asia will receive her final finishing touches at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, before being officially delivered to MSC Cruises on November 25. The vessel will be officially named on November 28 in Le Havre, France, during a ceremony that will bring together key figures from across the travel industry, international media, partners, and other invited guests.

Paying passengers will take their first voyage on December 4, when the ship departs Barcelona on her inaugural seven-night cruise. MSC World Asia will operate seven-night itineraries that call at some of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean, including Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia (Rome), Messina, and Valletta, with embarkation available in every port.

msc cruises msc world asia exterior — (Credit: Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Bernard Biger)

MSC World Asia is one of the most efficient cruise ships currently at sea. It uses liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel, and is also capable of running on bio and synthetic renewable LNG fuels. It’s also fitted with shore power connectivity, which allows the engines to be switched off while in port.

The ship, as its name suggests, features subtle design elements that reflect Asia’s culture, art, and landscapes. These include The Spiral & Tree of Life, a dry slide at sea which was inspired by the Supertrees at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, as well as a 39 foot-long dragon sculpture suspended above the World Promenade.