MSC Cruises is about to launch its newest cruise ship, and some of the things you’ll find on board are seriously impressive.
From a giant slide that drops through 12 decks to a swing that sends you soaring over the ocean, MSC World Asia is packed with attractions that you might not expect to find on a cruise ship.
And it’s not just about the thrills. There’s an enormous chocolate shop, a brewery making beer with seawater and even a restaurant concept that’s never been seen on a cruise ship in Europe before.
Here’s why you should be excited…
1. A Giant Slide That Drops Through 12 Decks
Forget taking the lift. On MSC World Asia, you can travel between decks using an enormous twisting slide.
Called The Spiral @ Tree of Life, it’s set to become the longest dry slide at sea, measuring an incredible 81.3 metres. It stretches across 12 decks, making it one of the ship’s most eye-catching features.
The design takes inspiration from Singapore’s famous Gardens by the Bay, combining a futuristic, tree-inspired structure with a thrilling ride. And unlike the waterslides you’ll find on many cruise ships, this one doesn’t involve getting wet!
2. A Swing That Sends You 50 Metres Above The Ocean
If you’re scared of heights, you might want to skip this one.
Cliffhanger is an enormous swing that extends over the side of the ship, suspending passengers 50 metres above the ocean. MSC describes it as Europe’s first over-water swing at sea, bringing the attraction to Mediterranean cruisers.
You’ll find it in The Harbour, a family entertainment area that’s also home to an expanded aquapark, a two-level high ropes course and a dedicated play area.
There’s also a complimentary snack venue called The Harbour Bar & Bites, so you can grab something to eat while watching other passengers take the plunge.
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3. A Huge Chocolate Paradise
Chocolate lovers might have trouble walking past this one – but you’re on a cruise, so you deserve to treat yourself!
MSC World Asia will have the largest Venchi chocolate experience at sea, covering an enormous 300 square metres.
The Italian chocolate brand is bringing together a boutique, café and gelateria in one space. Sounds delicious! Guests will be able to choose from:
- 20 different gelato flavours
- 20 varieties of chocolate pralines
- 11 different chocolate bars
There’s also a special gelato called Crunchy Waves, created in partnership with MSC Cruises.
Whether you’re stopping for a morning coffee, an afternoon ice cream or an evening chocolate treat, there will be plenty of temptation.
4. An Italian Restaurant That’s Never Been On A European Cruise Ship Before
If you’ve heard of Eataly, you’ll know it’s more than just a typical Italian restaurant.
The popular Italian dining brand made its cruise debut aboard MSC World America, but MSC World Asia will be the first cruise ship in Europe to feature it.
The restaurant will serve Italian dishes, with a focus on authentic ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Guests will be able to watch chefs preparing meals, enjoy a dedicated Chef’s Table experience or dine outside on a terrace overlooking the ocean.
There will also be curated wine experiences celebrating Italy’s culinary traditions.
It’s one of more than 40 bars, lounges, cafés and restaurants planned for the ship, so passengers certainly won’t be short of places to eat and drink.
5. A Brewery That Makes Beer Using Seawater
Yes, you read that correctly. MSC World Asia will have its very own brewery, and seawater is part of the recipe.
The ship’s Masters of the Sea Pub will feature a full-scale microbrewery, producing beers developed in partnership with Italian brewery Baladin.
Three signature beers are planned:
- Oceanic Pils
- Oceanic India Pale Ale
- Oceanic Asian Blanche
All three will be brewed on board using desalinated seawater.
Of course, that doesn’t mean the beer will taste salty. The water is treated before being used in the brewing process. It’s an unusual way of making a drink, and certainly gives passengers something interesting to talk about over a pint.
6. An Asian Street Food Market With Complimentary Options
Food is a huge part of cruising, and MSC World Asia is introducing a new dining concept inspired by the street food markets of Southeast Asia.
The Pan-Asian Street Food venue will bring together three different culinary experiences in one location.
Guests will be able to explore dishes inspired by more than five Asian culinary destinations, with an open kitchen allowing them to watch chefs preparing food. There will be both sit-down dining and complimentary grab-and-go options, making it somewhere you can stop for a quick bite rather than committing to a full restaurant meal.
The venue will also serve cocktails inspired by Asian flavours. Perfect if you like to try a wide range of special drinks during your cruises!
It’s a great addition for a ship whose design takes inspiration from the cultures and landscapes of Asia.
7. A Luxury Suite That Spans Two Levels
For passengers looking to splash out, MSC World Asia will offer more choice in its exclusive MSC Yacht Club than any other ship in the fleet.
There will be 144 Yacht Club suites spread across seven categories.
One of the most interesting additions is the Royal Duplex Suite, a two-level accommodation option designed for families and groups who want extra space and privacy.
Guests staying in MSC Yacht Club also get access to the exclusive facilities and services associated with MSC’s luxury ship-within-a-ship concept.
While most passengers won’t be booking one of these suites, it’s interesting to see just how far cruise ship accommodation has come from the days of simple cabins with bunk beds.
8. A Swimming Pool Inspired By The Coral Reefs Of The Philippines
MSC World Asia won’t just have ordinary swimming pools surrounded by sun loungers.
One of its most distinctive spaces will be the Coral Cove Pool, inspired by the coral reefs of the Philippines. The area will feature a striking water droplet art installation by artist Elisabetta Milan, creating a centrepiece above the pool.
It will also have a retractable roof, allowing passengers to enjoy the space even when the weather isn’t ideal.
Elsewhere, the Manila Bay Pool will serve as the ship’s main outdoor hub, with daytime entertainment and plenty of space to relax.
Both areas are designed to reflect the landscapes and coastlines of Asia, tying in with the ship’s wider theme.
9. Six Entertainment Productions Created Just For This Ship
Cruise ship entertainment has come a long way from a singer and a piano in the lounge.
MSC World Asia will feature six entertainment productions created specifically for the ship. Three of those productions will be staged in the World Theatre, while the Panorama Lounge will host a brand-new live music spectacular.
With so much happening around the ship, passengers will have plenty of options when it comes to evening entertainment.
And that’s before exploring the numerous bars and lounges, including five new concepts such as The Terraces Bar & Lounge and the colourful Clubhouse and Soda Bar, where families can create their own flavoured sodas.
MSC World Asia’s Debut
MSC World Asia is scheduled to welcome her first guests on 4th December 2026.
The ship will spend her first winter and summer seasons sailing seven-night Mediterranean itineraries, visiting destinations including Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Rome (via Civitavecchia), Naples, Messina and Valletta.
That means passengers will be able to combine some of Europe’s most popular cruise ports with all the attractions on board.
And there’s more to come.
For winter 2027/2028, MSC World Asia is scheduled to move to the Southern Caribbean, offering seven-night and 14-night itineraries.
With everything from giant slides to chocolate boutiques, this is shaping up to be a ship where you could easily spend an entire week exploring without running out of things to do.
The only question is which attraction would you try first?
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