MSC Cruises has unveiled plans for a spectacular new flagship that promises to redefine family cruising, complete with the world's longest dry slide at sea. The MSC World Asia is set to launch in December 2026, offering an unprecedented blend of adrenaline-fuelled attractions and Asian-inspired elegance on its Mediterranean voyages.
A Slide Like No Other
The ship's most eye-catching feature will undoubtedly be The Spiral@Tree of Life. This breathtaking dry slide will plunge passengers a precise 81.3 metres – the height of 12 decks – in a matter of seconds. Inspired by the magnificent trees in Singapore's Gardens by the Bay, the twisting, turning attraction is poised to become a major draw for thrill-seekers.
But the excitement doesn't stop there. The vessel will also boast waterslides, zip lines, and a heart-pounding over-water swing ride called The Cliffhanger. This four-seat attraction sways out 50 metres above the sea, rocking participants back and forth. For virtual speed demons, the MSC Formula Racer offers an adrenaline-pumping VR racing experience.
Asian-Inspired Design & Family Fun
The ship's name, MSC World Asia, hints at its unique thematic direction, designed to distinguish it from other Mediterranean cruises. This influence is immediately visible in the centrepiece of the main atrium: a striking stainless-steel dragon sculpture, measuring 12 by 9 metres and adorned with 700 mirrors. Each evening, it will be illuminated by more than 3,000 LED lights.
Families are well catered for with The Clubhouse, a retro-inspired zone featuring bumper cars, roller skating, basketball, and a dedicated LEGO Family Zone. For relaxation, there are seven pools and 13 hot tubs, alongside nightly child-friendly entertainment shows.
Gastronomy & Inaugural Voyages
Culinary offerings will span the globe with a strong Asian focus. A dedicated street food section will showcase dishes from Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Indonesia, complemented by a Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki restaurant. Those craving classic Western fare will find plenty of options, including a traditional British pub serving fish and chips and pints from an onboard microbrewery. In total, guests can choose from over 40 bars, lounges, and cafes, six speciality dining venues, two buffets, and five main dining rooms.
Bookings are now open for the ship's inaugural season. The first week-long voyage departs from Genoa, Italy, on 6 December 2026. It will call at Civitavecchia (for Rome), Messina (for Taormina), Valletta in Malta, Barcelona, and Marseilles before returning to Genoa. Other itineraries will begin or end in Barcelona, Valletta, Marseilles, or Rome, with some including Naples.
Accommodation ranges from interior cabins to the lavish Royal Duplex Suite, which sleeps six and features a hot tub and butler service. Prices for a family of four in an interior cabin start from £1,766 for a week, while a week in the Royal Duplex Suite starts from £10,618.
With a construction cost expected to top £935 million, the MSC World Asia is a colossal investment. The ship will stretch 1,092ft, span 18 decks, and carry up to 6,758 passengers served by a crew of more than 2,100. It represents MSC's bold vision for the future of family cruising, combining record-breaking innovation with immersive thematic design.
