The MSC World Asia is currently undergoing the first set of sea trials ahead of its delivery, which is scheduled for late November.

According to AIS data, the LNG-powered vessel departed from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard for the first time on July 15, 2026.

The trials aim to validate the ship’s technical and operational performance, testing engines, maneuverability, fuel efficiency and safety systems.

MSC Cruises celebrated the milestone in a social media update, highlighting the vessel’s design and building process.

“A milestone worth marking. Our new World class flagship has left the shipyard and taken to open water for the very first time, beginning the final phase of her journey towards her December debut,” the company said.

MSC added the vessel was designed to offer the highest standards in every element onboard, from advanced engineering to thoughtfully designed spaces.

After being delivered by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the MSC World Asia is scheduled to enter service in the Western Mediterranean later this year.

Kicking off a year-round program in the region, the 205,700-ton vessel will welcome its first guests in Barcelona on December 4, 2026.

For its inaugural season, the ship will offer a series of seven-night cruises to destinations in Spain, Italy, Malta and France.

With guests able to board in multiple ports, the vessel’s regular itinerary features visits to Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina and Valletta.

As the third ship in MSC’s World Class, the MSC World Asia follows the MSC World Europa, which debuted in 2022, and the MSC World America, which entered service in 2025.

The company will welcome five additional ships for the series through 2031, starting with the MSC World Atlantic in 2027.

Set to join the MSC World America in the Caribbean, the 5,400-passenger vessel is scheduled to sail year-round from Port Canaveral.