MSC World Asia: New ship from MSC Cruises to be launched in 2026

Bild: MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises has released a photo from the keel laying ceremony of MSC World Asia at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, western France. This ceremony took place last month and marks another step in the construction of the third ship of the MSC World Class, which is expected to enter service in 2026. Construction of the MSC World Asia began in April 2024 with the first steel cut. The ship is currently taking shape in the construction hall of Chantiers de l'Atlantique.

Currently, MSC Cruises has only released limited details about MSC World Asia. The company's attention is currently focused on the MSC World America, which is specifically designed for the North American market and will offer Caribbean cruises from Miami from April 2025. However, based on its name, it is believed that MSC World Asia is intended for the Asian market. It could potentially replace the MSC Bellissima in Shanghai or join the fleet in Asia from 2026. Official information on the new ship's future routes and areas of operation is not yet available.

Like the MSC World Europa, which will be delivered in 2022, and the planned MSC World America in 2025, the MSC World Asia will offer space for over 6,500 passengers at full capacity. The MSC World Class ships are equipped with dual-fuel engines that enable them to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG). LNG is a fossil fuel that helps to significantly reduce ship emissions. In addition, the MSC World Asia is also being prepared for the use of alternative, preferably renewable fuels.

Technical data of the MSC World Class ships:

Length: 333 meters
Width: 47 meters
Shipyard: Chantiers de l'Atlantique, Saint-Nazaire, France
Guest cabins and suites: 2,614
Maximum number of guests: 6,762
Crew size: 2,138

With the MSC World Asia, MSC Cruises expands its innovative World Class fleet and continues to focus on more environmentally friendly propulsion technologies in order to reduce emissions and promote the use of renewable energy sources.