Executives from the cruise industry and shipbuilding sector gathered at Chantiers de l'Atlantique's/STX France's exhibition space within the Seatrade Cruise Global exhibit hall, attentively observing a video presentation revealing the name of MSC's newest cruise vessel of their WORLD-class.
Announced as the third vessel in the MSC WORLD fleet, MSC World Asia is slated to commence operations in 2026-Q2.
Drawing inspiration from its predecessors, the World Europa and World America, World Asia is designed to mirror their architectural blueprint. World Europa predominantly navigates Western Mediterranean routes throughout the year, while World America starts Caribbean voyages out of Miami Florida USA in April 2025.
Laurent Castaing, the general manager overseeing operations at the French shipyard in St-Nazaire, highlighted several environmental advancements incorporated into the design of the MSC World Asia. These enhancements encompass the vessel's capability to utilize multiple fuel varieties and implement state-of-the-art heat-recovery systems and other emission-reducing technologies.
World Asia represents MSC's 3rd installment of a larger 4-ship order, with provisions in place for the potential addition of a 5th vessel.