MSC Cruises has revealed new details about the artistic program that will be part of MSC World Asia, its new flagship, which is scheduled to enter service in the Mediterranean on December 4, 2026.
This new state-of-the-art ship will be the latest addition to the company's World Class fleet and will offer seven-night cruises to some of the most outstanding destinations in the Mediterranean, including Barcelona, Marseille, Messina, Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples and Valletta.
Under the concept of “Art of Cruising,” MSC World Asia will incorporate a carefully curated selection of artworks throughout the ship, in keeping with an interior design that includes subtle references to Asian culture and traditions. Key artistic additions include:
- Dragon Sculpture. A stainless steel sculpture suspended nearly 10 meters above the World Promenade will be one of the ship's most striking features. Approximately 2 meters long and 9 meters wide, the piece is decorated with nearly 700 mirrors and 3,000 LED lights, which will illuminate at night.
- Art installation in the indoor pool. A large-format artwork in the shape of a water droplet, designed by artist Elisabetta Milan, will be installed in the indoor pool area. The piece, approximately 1.5 meters wide and 2.5 meters high, aims to convey lightness and fluidity, becoming the focal point of the space.
- Koi carp sculptures on the World Promenade. The central promenade will feature Japanese carp sculptures created by British artist David Harber. The koi figures, a cultural symbol of perseverance and transformation, have organic forms that evoke the movement of the sea.
- Works in the corridors. Each deck will include pieces inspired by the name of the corresponding bridge, which is named after iconic Asian cities, with references to the continent's cultural and landscape diversity.
- Art in the cabins. The cabins will incorporate works designed to integrate with the overall ambiance of the ship, with motifs inspired by Asian landscapes, colors, and natural elements.
Works by Hoan Phan
Vietnamese artist Hoan Phan will contribute several pieces that will be displayed in different areas of the ship. His work combines traditional ink techniques with digital tools, with a narrative approach based on Asian culture and folklore. Among his works are:
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Inspiration from Mount Fuji: a composition based on the observation of a swan building its nest on Lake Kawaguchi, which explores the interaction between nature and human intervention.
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Hồ Nguyệt Cô: a work inspired by Vietnamese folklore and the classical opera Hát bội, which represents the spirit of a fox transformed into a woman.
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Ha Long Bay: a piece that illustrates the legend of the Dragon Mother and her children, linked to the mythological origin of the landscape.
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Southeast Asia: a work that incorporates cultural elements from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand.
Collaboration with Atelier Le Castel
Atelier Le Castel will create bespoke artworks for various spaces on the ship, including the La Dolce Vita bar, restaurants and cafés such as Bubbles, the theater and areas of the MSC Yacht Club, as well as suites and cabins. MSC World Asia marks nearly three decades of collaboration between the cruise line and the art studio.
Art at Kaito Sushi Restaurant
Kaito Sushi restaurant will feature works by artist Raimondo Briata, also centered on the koi carp as a symbol of resilience and transformation. The pieces explore the concept of travel as a continuous process, in line with the experience of sailing.
With this comprehensive artistic proposal, MSC Cruises reinforces the thematic identity of MSC World Asia, integrating contemporary art and Asian cultural references into the onboard experience of its new flagship.
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