MSC World Asia completes final sea trials off France
The LNG-powered ship is scheduled to enter service from Barcelona in December 2026 following a christening in Le Havre.
MSC World Asia has completed its final round of sea trials in the Atlantic Ocean off the French coast. The vessel is scheduled to be christened in Le Havre, France, on November 28, 2026, before departing Barcelona, Spain, on its maiden voyage on December 4.
The third vessel in MSC Cruises’ World class, MSC World Asia will become the company’s 24th ship and will be powered by liquefied natural gas. It measures 1,093 feet long and 154 feet wide, with a gross tonnage of 216,638. The ship will accommodate up to 6,764 guests and more than 2,000 crew members.
MSC Cruises plans to deploy the vessel on seven-night Mediterranean itineraries calling at Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina and Valletta, with embarkation available at each port. Planned onboard offerings include more than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants, along with international entertainment and family facilities.
The cruise line’s fourth World-class vessel, MSC World Atlantic, is planned to begin sailing from Port Canaveral in 2027, offering cruises to The Bahamas and the Caribbean.
