MSC Cruises has revealed the name of its third World class ship, which is due to be delivered in 2026

Work has officially commenced on World 3 with the steel-cutting ceremony and as is tradition, MSC revealed that the name of the new ship will be MSC World Asia.

The name follows the format of the World class ships which pay homage to the different continents. World Asia will feature signature design touches, experiences and features inspired by the continent.

Meanwhile, sister ship World America completed its float out on 7 April at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

The flagship enters its final phase of construction ready to be named on the 9 April 2025 at MSC’s new terminal in PortMiami, with a celebratory sailing to the line’s private destination in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

MSC Cruises ‘striving to improve environmental technology’

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chair of MSC Cruises, said: “World America is another example of the incredible professional partnership between us and the Chantiers de l’Atlantique with whom we have designed five distinct and innovative prototypes – the most recent being the ground-breaking World class platform.

“With each and every ship we strive to improve and enhance not only the environmental technology but also new features that enrich the experience for the guest as we design for the future holiday experience.”

World America and World Asia, as with all of the brand’s new ships, will be fitted with shore power connectivity as standard and where available ashore to reduce emissions by allowing the ship’s engines to be switched off in port.

It comes after the line encouraged its agent partners in the UK and Ireland to push further out itineraries amid the launch of its 2026 season.