MSC World Asia. Photo: MSC Cruises MSC Cruises’ latest flagship, MSC World Asia, has completed her final sea trials off the west coast of France as the new ship moves closer to joining the company’s fleet.
The trials took place in the Atlantic Ocean this week, testing the ship’s engines, maneuverability, fuel efficiency, safety systems, speed and stopping distances. The successful tests follow the first round of sea trials completed in July.
MSC World Asia is scheduled to be delivered to MSC Cruises on November 25, following final work at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.
New bar on MSC World Asia. Photo: MSC CruisesThe ship will become the 24th vessel in the MSC Cruises fleet and the third LNG-powered ship in the company’s World Class series. Like the other ships in the class, MSC World Asia has been designed with a wide range of dining, entertainment and family facilities.
More than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants will be available onboard, alongside international entertainment and facilities aimed at families.
MSC World Asia will spend her first season sailing seven-night Mediterranean itineraries. The routes will include stops in Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina and Valletta, with passengers able to embark at each port.
The ship will be officially named in Le Havre, France, on November 28. MSC Cruises plans to bring together travel industry representatives, media, partners and invited guests for the ceremony.
Her first voyage is scheduled for December 4, when MSC World Asia will leave Barcelona for a seven-night sailing.
Among the ship’s headline attractions is The Spiral @ Tree of Life, an 81.3-meter dry slide that stretches across 12 decks. The ship also features design details inspired by Asia, including a dragon sculpture suspended 10 meters above the World Promenade.
MSC World Asia is also being positioned as one of the more efficient ships in the cruise fleet. It will operate using LNG and can also run on bio and synthetic renewable LNG fuels.
The ship is equipped with shore power connectivity, allowing its engines to be switched off while in port. This is designed to eliminate local emissions while the vessel is docked and help improve air quality around ports.
With final sea trials now completed, work will focus on finishing the remaining details before MSC World Asia is handed over to MSC Cruises later this year.