MSC World Asia completes final sea trials before December 2026 launch
The LNG-powered ship is scheduled for delivery in November following finishing work in Saint-Nazaire.
MSC World Asia has completed its final sea trials ahead of its planned launch in December 2026, according to MSC Cruises. Conducted off France’s west coast, the trials assessed the vessel’s engines, manoeuvrability, fuel efficiency, safety systems, speed and stopping distances.
The ship will now undergo finishing work at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire. Delivery is scheduled for 25 November 2026, with a christening and naming ceremony planned in Le Havre at the end of that month.
MSC Cruises describes the 6,782-guest vessel as its 24th ship and the third LNG-powered member of the World class, following MSC World Europa and MSC World America. MSC World Asia will be divided into seven onboard districts. Planned features include a dragon sculpture measuring 12 metres long and nine metres wide, suspended 10 metres above the World Promenade. The vessel will also have a Harbour outdoor park and the Cliffhanger swing ride, which moves guests back and forth 50 metres above the ocean.