MSC has confirmed that its new ship, World Asia, has completed final sea trials and it is now moving into the last phase of preparation before delivery and naming ahead of December sailings.
The 22-deck ship will depart Barcelona on her inaugural seven-night voyage on December 4, following delivery on November 25 and a naming ceremony in Le Havre on November 28.
In an announcement, the cruise line said the final trials took place in the Atlantic off the west coast of France and tested engines, maneuverability, fuel efficiency, safety systems, speed and stopping distances, confirming the vessel's readiness.
Measuring 1,093.5 feet by 154 feet with a gross tonnage of 216,638, MSC World Asia has 2,614 cabins and can carry up to 6,764 guests, and offers more than 40 restaurants, bars and lounges alongside new entertainment venues and family facilities.
Among the ship's on-board features is The Spiral @ Tree of Life, a 266.7-foot dry slide that drops 12 decks, and a suspended dragon sculpture measuring 39 by 29 feet in the World Promenade.
The ship will operate itineraries calling at Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina and Valletta, with accessible embarkation available in every port.
The vessel is MSC Cruises' 24th ship and the third LNG-powered World Class ship, capable of running on bio and synthetic renewable LNG and fitted with shore power connectivity to eliminate local emissions in port.
