europa 2 cruise ship cabins

• Vacation Rentals
• Restaurants
• Things to do
• Things to Do
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Hapag-Lloyd Europa 2 Deck Plans & Reviews

Hapag-Lloyd Europa 2

Activities & entertainment.

• Belvedere Library & Coffee Bar
• Bilingual Shore Tours
• Culinary School
• Deck Parties
• Enrichment Lectures
• Guest Lecturers
• Ocean Spa *
• Onboard Bicycles
• Onboard Skiffs
• Swimming Pool
• Theme Voyages
• Evening Shows
• Restaurant Weltmeere
• Yacht Club - Casual
• Sansibar - Casual Aft-facing Venue *
• Restaurant Tarragon - French
• Collins - Gin Bar *
• Restaurant Elements - Healthy
• Sushi Restaurant Sakura - Japanese
• Piano Bar - Lobby Piano Bar *
• Restaurant Serenissima - Mediterranean
• Excellent 3
• Very Good 0
• All languages ( 3 )
• German ( 2 )
• English ( 1 )

You are using a deprecated browser.

Please download the latest version of one of the following free browsers:

MS EUROPA 2

Ms europa 2 deck plan.

Virtual tour

Information from A-Z

ms Europa 2

Ship specifications.

City Hamburg

Ms europa 2 itineraries, 19 night san francisco - colon (the best of the american west coast), 14 night colon - miami (the diversity of central america), 18 night miami - montreal (a caribbean dream and the bright lights of north america), 14 night montreal - hamburg (canadian contrasts and the vast expanse of the atlantic), 13 night hamburg - hamburg (time for tea, highlands and deep fjords), 9 night hamburg - hamburg (norway, 3 night hamburg - kiel (a break with plenty of hygge), 12 night kiel - kiel (a big loop through the baltic sea), 8 night kiel - hamburg (historic gdansk meets scandinavian lifestyle), 12 night hamburg - lisbon (from the elbe southwards to the tagus), 13 night lisbon - malaga (the atlantic islands and the magic of andalusia), 9 night malaga - monte carlo (the sunny balearics and the glamorous cote d, 9 night monte carlo - civitavecchia (rome) (savoir vivre and dolce vita), 9 night civitavecchia (rome) - civitavecchia (rome) (italy, 9 night civitavecchia (rome) - dubrovnik (from the eternal city to the adriatic sea), 9 night dubrovnik - piraeus (athens) (the colourful adriatic and the picturesque aegean), 9 night piraeus (athens) - limassol (picture-book greek locations), 12 night limassol - colombo (sri lanka) (a heavenly break, 14 night colombo (sri lanka) - benoa (bali) (rickshaws, rainforest and rice terraces), 19 night benoa (bali) - melbourne (highlights along the eastern coast of australia), 15 night melbourne - auckland (new zealand, 20 night auckland - fiji (christmas in paradise), 17 night fiji - benoa (bali) (koalas, kangaroos and south sea dreams), 15 night benoa (bali) - hong kong (the magic of southeast asia), 14 night hong kong - shanghai (vibrant vietnam and multifaceted china), 16 night shanghai - tokyo (welcome in the lands of smiles), 16 night tokyo - yokohama (konnichiwa - experience japan in depth), 18 night yokohama - los angeles (dream destination hawaii), 18 night los angeles - los angeles (premiere: america, 15 night los angeles - panama city (the spirit of central america), hapag-lloyd cruises fleet.

See inside a new ultra-luxury river cruise line that's charging up to $59,520 per person

• Newcomer Riverside Luxury Cruises wants to break into the growing river cruise market.
• The ultra-luxury cruise line  operates former Crystal ships in popular European rivers like the Danube.
• Riverside's 2024 cruises start at $1,055 per person for four days.

A new ultra-luxury cruise line wants to be the swankiest travel-by-river vacation option.

To do so, it's enticing cruisers with truffle-infused butter, $320-per-person dinners, and butlers that can be beckoned with a simple WhatsApp message.

Affluent travelers , meet Riverside Luxury Cruises.

The budding company first set sail in March 2023. With a year of service under its belt, its three ships are now sailing some of Europe's most popular rivers — starting at more than $260 per person per day.

Riverside is operated by Seaside Collection, a European hotelier.

The firm had its sights set on a river cruise venture since 2018, Jen Halboth, CEO of Riverside Luxury Cruises, told Business Insider.

Ironically, COVID-19 was the reason it got into the business.

Crystal Cruises declared bankruptcy in early 2022 amid the pandemic. Shortly after, Seaside purchased and updated five of the then-defunct cruise line's ships.

Three of these vessels now make up Riverside's fleet. The other two are being leased to competitor Uniworld River Cruises.

River cruising has become increasingly popular as wealthy travelers gravitate to ultra-luxury small-ship vacations.

River cruise ships are much smaller than their behemoth ocean-based counterparts, allowing Riverside to sail in waterways like Europe's Rhine, Rhone, Danube, Main, Moselle, and Saône rivers.

Along the way, guests can explore destinations many giant ships can't easily access — like Budapest, Hungary; Frankfurt, Germany; and Amsterdam — sometimes visiting more than one port in a day.

One of Riverside's shortest and cheapest 2024 voyages starts at $1,055 per person for a four-day Danube River cruise from Passau, Germany, to Vienna.

Alcohol and excursion packages can tack on an extra $75 to $175 per person per night.

Looking to ball out? The most expensive and longest itinerary is $59,521 per person for a three-river, 22-day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, Hungary, in the most expensive suite with the most inclusive package.

To compare, the cheapest 2024 voyage with all-inclusive luxury competitor Uniworld River Cruises starts at $2,000 per person for an eight-day Danube River sailing.

River cruisers tend to be over the age of 55.

But the new company is targeting guests 45 years old and older, specifically those who frequent luxury vacations but have yet to try a river cruise.

"New luxury travelers want to be pampered, get off and have an adventure, and come back and be taken care of," the cruise line's CEO said.

"Pampering” they will get.

Of Riverside's three ships, the 394-foot-long, 74-foot-wide Mozart can accommodate the most guests — up to 162, not including the 82 crew.

Yes, it's larger than Uniworld's ships, which range from 32 to 159 guests. But it's also significantly smaller than Royal Caribbean's new 9,950-person Icon of the Seas ocean vessel.

Like most cruise liners, Riverside's three ships have spas, buffets, and plush lounges and bars.

During the day, travelers can enjoy lunch at the open-air grill and relax to live music courtesy of Steinway and Bösendorfer pianos, no less.

At night, they can dine on a seven-course meal at the 295 euros ($320) per-person Vintage Room.

Riverside’s ships have up to 5 restaurants. Vintage Room is the only specialty option.

The cost to dine includes a wine pairing and plates like veal with truffle and chanterelle mushrooms and "surf and turf" with beef sirloin and scallops.

But don't expect a lackluster, rushed meal at the other complimentary options: "This is not a churn-and-burn," the company's CEO said of the ships' Waterside restaurants. "You come in for fine dining."

Infused, whipped butter is apparently one of Riverside's hottest commodities.

Sometimes, it has chiles. Other times, it's infused with citrus. If you're lucky, you'll get one with truffles.

"People were raving about our butter," Halboth said. "Everyone's waiting to see what butter they'll get at dinner each night."

Need to sleep off all that dairy? You're in luck. Every cabin has a king bed.

Riverside's suites range from 194 to 883 square-feet. These high-end cabins include butler service, stocked mini-bars, and espresso machines.

Some suites also have double-sink vanities and walk-in closets, a hallmark of an ultra-luxury cruise vessel .

Does Riverside’s more than $260 per person, per day fare seem reasonable now?

If yes, book soon. It'll only get more expensive from here.

These fares don't offset the amount Riverside is spending on amenities like the upscale food, according to Halboth. To make up for these expenditures, the cruise line plans to raise its prices gradually over the next two years.

The company's CEO said bookings have been 'a little lighter' since the start of 2024.

But the back half of the year is "filling up" thanks to Americans: About 70 to 80% of its guests are from North America, the company said.

Riverside will operate its Mozart, Ravel, and Debussy ships for three years as it 'hones the brand,' Halboth said.

The cruise line's two additional vessels would join its fleet in the next few years.

Given the growing popularity of river cruises , it's a good time for companies like Riverside to start expanding.

However, it could face plenty of incoming competition.

Jamie Loizou, the UK managing director of luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways, is forecasting 2024 as a "pivotal" year for the river cruise industry, noting that 15 new river-based vessels are expected to launch this year, Cruise Critic reported .

• Main content

Viking cruise cabins and suites: A guide to everything you want to know

MSN has partnered with The Points Guy for our coverage of credit card products. MSN and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers.

Is a balcony something you can’t live without when staying in a cabin on a cruise ship? If so, Viking could be your line.

Viking is one of the only cruise brands in the world that offers a balcony with every cabin on every ocean ship it operates — even the least expensive, smallest cabins. That’s something that even the most upscale of Viking’s ocean cruise rivals — including Oceania Cruises , Azamara , Seabourn , Silversea Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises — can’t say.

Viking’s ocean ships also offer a large number of suites, many of which are quite spacious. If you’re looking for a room that is big and open on an ocean cruise (and are willing to pay extra for it), Viking has plenty of options.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Viking also offers many balcony cabins and suites on its river ships — something that isn’t always the case in the river cruise business, where space on vessels is at a premium. However, unlike its ocean ships, Viking’s river ships aren’t all-balcony-cabin vessels. Some can have as many as 25 cabins per ship that are below the waterline and have windows high in the walls.

Still, even on Viking’s river ships, most cabins are balcony cabins.

A Viking cabin primer

Cruising regulars know that most cruise ships offer cabins in four broad categories: windowless “inside” cabins, ocean-view cabins, balcony cabins and suites.

As noted above, though, you’ll only find the latter two types of cabins on Viking ocean ships. Viking currently operates nine traditional ocean ships aimed at the English-speaking market and two oceangoing expedition ships. Every single passenger room on all 11 of the vessels is either a balcony cabin or a suite with a balcony. As previously mentioned, that’s highly unusual in the cruise business.

Viking is also known for a relatively simple-to-understand array of subcategories of rooms within its balcony-cabin and suite categories. Unlike some cruise brands such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, which offer as many as 36 different sub-types of cabins, Viking’s ocean ships offer just six.

The bottom line is that you’ll be much less flummoxed when trying to choose the perfect cabin for you on a Viking ocean ship than when trying to choose a cabin on most other vessels.

Related: The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

When it comes to size, even the smallest cabins on Viking’s ocean ships are large by cruise ship standards at 270 square feet, and the largest suites measure nearly 1,500 square feet.

Design-wise, Viking cabins and suites across all categories are modern and elegant in an understated sort of way, with Scandinavian-influenced furnishings and decor that tie to the Norwegian heritage of the company’s founder.

You’ll find beds topped with crisp, white duvets and Scandinavian throws, comfortable contemporary sofas and chairs in neutral tones, and light wood desks and side tables that combine to offer a residential feel in bedroom areas. Soothing, minimalist colors — think creams, grays and lighter blues — are the order of the day.

Bathrooms in Viking cabins are serene, modernist escapes with luxurious travertine marble-lined walls; Scandinavian-influenced, wood-veneered vanities; shiny white sinks; and chrome fixtures.

Viking is an upscale line — some might even call it a luxury line, though Viking doesn’t market itself that way — and Viking cabins and suites have a lot of thoughtful and elegant touches, from sumptuous bedding that envelops you to heated floors in bathrooms. The rooms aren’t overly flashy, though.

Instead, they are eminently functional, with storage in all the right places, lots of outlets for charging your devices and lighting right where you need it. We love the reading lights built into the fabric headboards of beds, which come in addition to the lamps on bedside tables. You won’t have trouble seeing the pages of the Viking Daily activity newsletter while lying in a Viking cabin bed.

Related: The best destinations you can visit on a Viking cruise

Other little touches in Viking cabins that show the line’s attention to functionality include the large and clear lettering on the Freyja toiletries that you’ll find in every Viking cabin bathroom. The toiletries were specifically designed with bigger and clearer lettering than is common for toiletries so that the line’s older customers (Viking’s core market is in the 55- to the 75-year-old range) would have no trouble differentiating the body wash from the shampoo.

In a similar nod to functionality and ease of use, Viking had the remote controls for cabin televisions specially designed so they would only have a few buttons.

Balcony cabins on Viking cruise ships

Viking keeps it simple with the array of balcony cabins on its ocean ships. The line’s nine traditional ocean vessels aimed at the English-speaking market each have 418 balcony cabins that can be broken down into three categories:

• 42 Veranda Staterooms (10% of the total).
• 272 Deluxe Veranda Staterooms (65% of the total).
• 104 Penthouse Veranda Staterooms (25% of the total).

The first two categories, Veranda Staterooms and Deluxe Veranda Staterooms, are the same size at 270 square feet (a figure that includes balcony space). They basically look the same. However, the Deluxe Veranda Staterooms, which cost more, have better locations on the ships and come with more amenities and services. These extra amenities and services include:

• Earlier access to shore excursion reservations (67 days in advance of sailing versus 60 days).
• Priority access to spa treatment bookings (60 days in advance).
• One guaranteed priority reservation at every alternative restaurant on board, which can be made 60 days in advance of sailing.
• Binoculars in the room.
• Coffee machines with premium coffee and tea selections in the room.
• A traditional, super-soft Norwegian Marius-weave blanket for use in the room.

Passengers staying in Deluxe Veranda Staterooms can also access their rooms one hour earlier on embarkation day than those staying in Veranda Staterooms.

Both of the first two categories of balcony cabins come with minibars stocked with complimentary soft drinks, water and snacks. In the case of Deluxe Veranda Staterooms, staff replenishes these minibars once per day.

Penthouse Veranda Staterooms offer more space than the latter two categories, at 338 square feet, plus additional amenities and services, including:

• Priority shore excursion reservations that can be made 77 days in advance of sailing.
• Two guaranteed priority reservations at each alternative restaurant on board, which can be made 70 days in advance.
• Priority spa treatment bookings that can be made 70 days in advance.
• Minibars that include complimentary alcoholic beverages as well as soft drinks, water and snacks (replenished once daily).
• Complimentary clothes pressing and shoeshine services.
• A welcome bottle of Champagne.
• Earlier access to cabins on embarkation day.

Viking’s two expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, also have three categories of balcony cabins with a similar array of amenities and services. Named Nordic Balcony, Deluxe Nordic Balcony and Nordic Penthouse, the cabins of these three categories are slightly smaller than the cabins of the three balcony cabin categories on the traditional Viking ocean ships at 215, 215 and 269 square feet, respectively. They also have a different type of balcony that makes them feel more spacious than their square footage suggests.

Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris have what some in the cruise industry call an “infinite veranda” — a balcony-like space created by a window wall that opens from the top down. Viking calls them Nordic balconies.

Related: How to get a free or cheap cruise ship cabin upgrade

The majority of Viking river ships, known as Viking Longships, have 61 balcony cabins broken down into two categories: 205-square-foot Veranda Staterooms and 135-square-foot French Balcony Staterooms.

The latter has doors that open onto simple balustrades and not full balconies that you can step onto. This feature is known as a French balcony or Juliet balcony (a nod to the balcony of this type made famous in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”). Technically, these French balconies are balconies, even if they’re not quite as satisfying as a balcony with space to lounge.

Including the French balcony cabins, nearly 75% of the cabins on Viking’s Longships have balconies.

Viking also offers smaller versions of its Longships that have fewer balcony cabins, as well as a few different types of river ships with varying numbers of balcony cabins.

Suites on Viking cruise ships

The suite choices on Viking ships also are relatively easy to understand. On Viking’s traditional ocean ships, there are 47 suites broken down into three categories:

• 32 Penthouse Junior Suites.
• 14 Explorer Suites.
• One Owner’s Suite.

The Penthouse Junior Suites measure 405 square feet, including their balcony space, and come with such extra amenities and services as:

• Priority shore excursion reservations that can be made 87 days in advance of sailing.
• Three guaranteed priority reservations at each alternative restaurant, which can be booked 80 days in advance.
• Priority spa treatment bookings that can be made 80 days in advance.
• Minibars with complimentary alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, water and snacks.
• Complimentary laundry, dry cleaning, pressing and shoeshine services.

In addition to a bed area, Penthouse Junior Suites have a large sitting area with a sofa, coffee table and chairs, and a separate television. The bathrooms are large, too.

Life starts really getting good in the 14 Explorer Suites on Viking’s traditional ocean ships. They range in size from 757 to 1,163 square feet, including balcony space, and bring even more enhanced amenities and services.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

Each of the Explorer Suites is a two-room complex with a well-appointed living and dining area complete with a table that seats four people. Very large master bathrooms feature a double-sink vanity, a spacious glass-enclosed shower and a bathtub (something you won’t find in any of the lesser cabin categories on the vessels).

The Owner’s Suites, of which there is just one on each traditional Viking ocean vessel, are truly sprawling and impressive complexes that measure 1,448 square feet. They are true owner’s suites in that they are used by Viking founder and chairman Torstein Hagen when he sails on the ships, and they feature some of his personal mementos, including family pictures.

Related: 7 reasons you should splurge on a suite for your next cruise

Each of the Owner’s Suites has a separate bedroom, living room, dining area that seats six people and master bathroom that includes a sauna with a glass wall facing the ocean.

In addition, each of the complexes has a boardroom with a long table that seats 12 people for meetings and catered dinner parties. There’s an adjacent pantry that can be used by staff serving room service or catering hosted events. Among other personal touches related to Hagen, the company founder, are book, wine and music collections that he curated for the rooms.

Viking’s two oceangoing expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, also have three categories of suites:

• Nordic Junior Suites (322 square feet).
• Explorer Suites (548 square feet).
• Owner’s Suites (1,238 square feet).

The typical Viking river ship has nine suites broken down into two categories — 275-square-foot Veranda Suites and 445-square-foot Explorers Suites.

Bottom line

Viking operates ships with a very easy-to-understand array of cabins, unlike some of its competitors.

Every passenger room on its ocean ships is a balcony cabin or a suite, something that is unusual in the cruise world, and these cabins break down into just a few subcategories. This makes the process of booking a room on a Viking vessel relatively simple compared to booking a room on many other ships.

Design-wise, Viking’s cabins are relatively upscale, with soothing, Scandinavian-influenced decor and lots of luxury touches like heated floors in bathrooms.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for a cruise

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

• CruiseMapper
• MSC Cruises

MSC World Asia

Former name: stx france y34.

Cruise line MSC Cruises

Specifications of MSC World Asia

•   Review
•   Wiki

MSC World Asia Review

Review of msc world asia.

The 2026-built MSC World Asia cruise ship ( currently under construction ) is the third in a 4-unit "MSC WORLD Class" passenger liners designed and built for MSC Cruises . The series' first vessel ( World Europa ) was launched in 2021 (Dec) and inaugurated in 2022 (Dec). From the same class are the sisterships World America (2025 Apr) and World tbn (2027 Feb).

The vessel (IMO number 9901556) will be Malta- flagged (MMSI tba) and registered in Valletta .

History - construction and ownership

MSC Cruises (MSC Crociere) is a passenger shipping company headquartered in Genoa and Naples . It was established in 1960. Today, MSC Crociere is a subsidiary of MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) - the world's 2nd largest containership company . MSC Crociere is the world's largest privately-owned cruise company.

By annual passenger shipping volumes, MSC is 3rd largest cruise shipowner - following only Carnival Corporation and RCG-Royal Caribbean Group .

As of 2021, MSC is ranked Europe's largest passenger shipping company. By the year 2026, MSC could become the world's 3rd largest cruise company (eventually surpassing NCLH by combined berth capacity) with a 29-vessel fleet that includes 15 newbuilds (2017-2027) and the unprecedented USD 13 billion budget for new shipbuilding projects.

MSC Cruises World-Class liners

On April 6, 2017, during MSC Meraviglia 's delivery ceremony at STX France Shipyard (Saint-Nazaire) , MSC signed a new shipbuilding MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with STX France for a new series of 2 vessels (World Class) at a total cost ~EUR 4,5 billion (~USD 4,8B). The ceremony was attended by Emmanuel Macron (France's President), Bruno Le Maire (France's Minister of Economy), Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC's Chairman) and Laurent Castaing (STX France's CEO). The first World-Class ship order was officially signed on May 31, 2017.

The order for the two optional ships was announced in January 2020, making MSC the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard's largest customer - with a total of 21 units constructed there.

World Class MSC ships are with max passenger capacity 6782 (5079 lower berths). Building cost per ship is EUR 1,125 billion (USD 1,255B). The shipbuilder is Chantiers de l'Atlantique (fka STX France). The shipbuilding order includes 2 initial units, plus 2 optional. Each vessel has Gross Tonnage/volume 215,863 (GT tons), LOA length 333 m (1093 ft), waterline beam/width 41 m/135 ft (max width 54 m/177 ft), height 75 m (245 ft), draft 9,2 m (31 ft).

When was first announced by MSC (in April 2016), this ship design was planned with GT 205,000 tons, 2760 passenger staterooms, max passenger capacity 6850 (world's biggest by capacity). By GT tonnage/volume, MSC's World Class represents one of the world's largest passenger ships .

Reviewing the boat's design concepts (renderings and videos) was suggested a similar to the OASIS-Class interior structure with a Promenade (ship-long wraparound complex) with numerous dining and drink venues (on the ground floor - Aurea Restaurant, Raj Polo Tea House, Gin Bar, Zest-Juice Bar, Elixir-Mixology Bar, Fizz-Champagne Bar, Malt Lounge & Smoker's Bar, Emporium Coffee House), Promenade Cabins (interior-facing balcony rooms) and aft-located swimming pool (family pool deck).

The Lido Deck is dome-covered (by a retractable glass roof with solar panels) and with a large resort-style swimming pool, 6x Jacuzzis (4 cantilevered whirlpool hot tubs / porside and starboard), kids' Aquapark with 1x swimming pool and 3x waterslides (aft-located outdoor playground adjacent to the funnels/smokestacks) and aft-located adults-only Sundeck (with 2x swimming pools). Forward is the MSC Yacht Club (exclusive Sundeck with its own swimming pool, Spa pool, bar lounge).

Districts/themed zones

MSC World Asia has seven districts/themed zones, each with its own unique ambiance, amenities, and facilties, for a diverse array of activities and experiences.

FAMILY AVENTURA

The FAMILY AVENTURA district is dedicated to families with kids. It offers a plethora of fun activities and attractions designed to create lasting memories.

Anchored by The Harbor (an outdoor park with a high ropes course) here families can enjoy quality time together amidst thrilling adventures and age-appropriate facilities.

The Family Aventura district also houses the Cliffhanger Swing - an innovative over-water swing ride positioned atop the district (starboard-aft on deck 20). The facility (introduced on World America) features 4 seats (two 2-seat swings) initially positioned close to the deck. The metal structure's powered arms then elevate the swings out over the ship's edge. Then riders are propelled back and forth, soaring 50 m/164 ft above the ocean's surface.

The unique Cliffhanger Swing is an attraction designed for thrill-seekers and offers a dynamic view of the surrounding seascape, providing an unforgettable sensation of wind and freedom.

The AQUA DECK district provides the classic Pool Deck cruising experience and serves as the ultimate space for a day of relaxation and leisure by the swimming pools.

With two main swimming pools surrounded by a versatile sunbathing area, guests can unwind amidst revitalizing wellness offerings during the day and partake in lively entertainment and parties by night.

Nestled at the stern, the ZEN AREA district is an exclusive adults-only retreat for tranquility and rejuvenation.

Offering breathtaking ocean views from the ship's wake, the adults sundeck has twin pools, and provides a serene atmosphere.

The GALLERIA district is large midship area brimming with dining options, shops and boutiques, and live entertainment venues.

From live music at the Dolce Vita Bar to indulgent treats at Jean Philippe Chocolat & Cafe, tourists can immerse themselves in a vibrant atmosphere of culinary delights and excitement.

THE TERRACES

THE TERRACES district offers an adults-only exclusive space with various dining and entertainment options.

The area groups 9 restaurants and bars, plus retail shops, and a comedy club.

Guests can savor global cuisine, enjoy live performances, and cap off the night with high-energy DJ sets and karaoke sessions.

The PROMENADE district is a lively outdoor space with unobstructed views.

The PROMENADE's highlight is the architectural marvel of an 11-story-high dry slide.

The experience also includes scheduled evening activities, international coffee brand selections at the Emporium Bar, and the relaxing ambiance of the open sea.

MSC YACHT CLUB

The MSC YACHT CLUB district embodies MSC's renowned ship-within-a-ship concept, providing a secluded haven of luxury and exclusivity to affluent guests.

Offering personalized service, including 24/7 butler assistance, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and exclusive lounge and dining areas, MSC Yacht Club ensures a refined and elegant retreat amidst the ship's bustling activities.

World Asia's MSC Yacht Club is enhanced, with key highlights being:

• The 2-deck sundeck is redesigned and provides 270-degree front views. The Lower Sundeck is fitted with dining and beverage venues (bar and grill). The Upper Sundeck has a large Jacuzzi/whirlpool and a swimming pool surrounded by a sunbathing area with padded loungers and private cabanas.
• Two new Owner Suites (cat YC4) feature a double bedroom (walk-in closet), bathroom (with a full-size bathtub), a separate living-dining area (with floor-ceiling windows), two spacious sundecks (terraces with alfresco dining areas and Jacuzzies).
• The 2-deck Duplex Suites have a lower level dedicated to the sundeck, lounge and dining areas, half bath. The upper level houses the master bedroom (with its own bathroom with bathtub). Duplex Suites have 2 sundecks, with the lower housing a jacuzzi/whirlpool bath and a lounge area, while the upper deck is for sunbathing (fitted with padded loungers).
• MSC Yacht Club's passengers can visit exclusive treatment rooms for massages (part of MSC Aurea Spa) and also enjoy unlimited use of the thermal area.

The large ship has 40,000+ m2 (430,000+ ft2) of public spaces, 15,000 m2 (161,000 ft2) outdoor deck space, 3440 m2 (37000 ft2) main pool deck area, 7x swimming pools, 13x Jacuzzis (outdoor whirlpools/hot tubs), 760+ m2 (8200 ft2) of children's interior complex designed by Lego & Chicco (with 7x rooms dedicated to different age groups), multiple bars, lounges, retail shops, 13 dining venues (including 6x specialty restaurants), 21 bars and lounges, "Zen district" (adults-only complex with 2x swimming pools, solarium/sundeck, shaded outdoor bar lounge), "Family district" (with 10x kids facilities/pools, clubs, playgrounds), family sundeck (kids-friendly sunbathing area), Aquapark (fleet's largest, with playgrounds, splash pools, water cannons, waterslides with virtual reality experiences). A teens-exclusive Sundeck has its own swimming pool and Jacuzzi. There are also several family-themed "villages" (open-air districts arranged similarly to RCI's neighborhoods) with their own venues and specific amenities.

The list of restaurants features 3x buffet-style (Luna Park Pizza, Il Mercato, La Brasserie) and 6x specialty, including Kaito Teppanyaki Restaurant & Sushi Bar (Asian), HOLA! Tacos & Cantina (Latin American and Mexican food), Marketplace/Il Mercato Buffet (20-hours-a-day-open Lido Restaurant), Eataly Restaurant (Eataly Food Chain designed food store), La Piazzetta (self-service buffet and pizzeria/Afternoon tea service, midnight buffet, seafood), Butcher's Cut (American steakhouse with an open kitchen), Jean-Philippe Maury Chocolaterie (patisserie and creperie by pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury, also offers homemade gelato/gourmet ice creams).

MSC World Asia features a futuristic design with an arrow-shaped (90-degree/vertically positioned) G-bow and a Y-shaped stern that opens onto the World Asia Promenade. World Promenade spans 7 decks (total length 104 m / 341 ft) and continues indoors (to the World Galleria/sized 300 m2 / 3200 ft2) as it is partially covered by a kinetic dome ceiling with a LED screen on which are projected UHD images and videos throughout the day and night. World Galleria is lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and boutiques.

On the Promenade ends "The Spiral" (aka The Venom Drop) - a stainless-steel "dry slide". Spanning 11 decks (length 76 m / 250 ft), the slide is the quickest (and most fun) way to get from Deck 22 down to Promenade Deck (deck 8).

The liner's largest entertainment venue is The World Theatre (capacity 1153 seats) hosting original large-scale show productions in the evenings and daily activities like lectures, bingo, trivia games, dance classes. Other signature fun facilities and activities include bumper cars, roller disco, Cinema/Luna Park Arena (300-seat multifunctional complex housing game shows, movies, themed parties, kids' activities, game shows), botanic garden pool (with a retractable glass roof, lounge area, tropical bar).

The ship's interactive entertainment programming features newly designed shows presented at Luna Park Arena (3x concert-style), The World Theatre (5x grand-scale productions), and in Panorama Lounge (4x themed). Also new for the fleet are the surprise exhibits (popping up throughout the boat.

• During the day, Luna Park Arena also hosts VR Drone Academy (virtual reality experience), Digital Dance Academy (3x "Dance with Flavia" classes by Flavia Cacace-Mistry/1980-born professional dancer), "Wake Up Rave" (by MSC's Doremi kids program), 2x new interactive gameshow, also fun challenges (for breaking Guinness world records). In the evenings, the Arena hosts a large-scale show, followed by 3x interactive musical concerts.
• The World Theatre stages 5x new large-scale shows, custom-designed and featuring modern technologies (LED visuals, UHD media), unique scenery and props, talented actors, a total of 350 custom-made costumes. The shows are named "Eko" (sustainability-themed, all costumes are made from recycled materials), "Amelia Earhart" (sea-themed, with an E-Bike Stunt Wheel), "Cadmo The Landwalker" (exploration-themed), "Yellow Submarine" (circus show with elements based on The Beatles songs) and "A Night on Broadway" (classic theatrical production).
• The aft-located (on decks 6-7) Panorama Lounge features an interactive floor and LED screens reflecting the night's theme. On the floor are projected drawings made by the guests onto interactive screens. Nightly, Panorama Lounge hosts 4x 90-minute music-themed experiences themed on different dance styles (waltz, tango, samba, disco) with performances by aerialists, acrobats, singers and dancers, live bands.
• During the voyage, surprise pop-ups (throughout different parts of the ship) include 2x living exhibitions themed "Earth and Ocean". The surprise experiences are provided by professional actors, artists, and musicians.
• Every evening is hosted the high-tech "Sundowner DJ Party" (a poolside holographic experience).

Kids venues

World Asia has MSC's largest children's area (sized 766 m2 / 8245 ft2) that consists of 7 spaces dedicated to children of different ages - from a nursery for toddlers to teenagers (up to 17-year-olds).

All kids' facilities are complimentary and supervised by certified staff.

The venues include Baby Club (6- to 36-month babies), Mini Club and Junior Club (3- to 11-year-olds), Young Club and Teen Club (12- to 17-year-olds).

New children's facilities and activities (fleet-first) include:

• LEGO CELEBRATION ROOM (via partnership with LEGO Group/plastic brick-made toys)
• TEENS LAB (technology room for teenagers) for high-tech activities based on gaming (21x consoles), VR stations (7x Virtual Reality arcades), videogames (50+ titles).
• 3,2,1 KNOCK (family gameshow with Asian entertainment- K-pop/Korean popular music and Japanese fun games and tests)
• BEAT THE MUSIC (all-ages interactive game show/music-themed, based on playing through a mobile app) parents work together to identify their kids' music preferences, while the kids try to name their parents' favorite singers and bands.
• Z ACTIVE (new children's sports program for playing football, basketball, pickleball, zorb balls, hoverboards)
• DRONE ACADEMY 2.0 (relay race with glowing drones) using POV cameras (Point-of-View Shot) and VR (Virtual Reality) - the drone race is based on navigating 15 obstacles.
• CABIN 12006-THE EXPERIENCE (via partnership with Viacom Inc/Nickelodeon brand) - live kids entertainment (7x activities, including a family game and a casting session)
• MSC DANCE CREW (via partnership with FremantleMedia/producer of the TV series Idols, The X Factor, Got Talent) - a dancing competition for tens (10-17 year-olds)

New venues (fleet's firsts)

The Harbor ( deck 20 ) is a new outdoor "family complex" designed for families with kids where they can play and relax together. The fun zone houses an aquapark (with various interactive dry and wet/water activities), a High Trail (Ropes Course), Zip-Line, sensory playgrounds, the Harbor Lighthouse (themed playground). The Harbor's relaxation areas (5x differently-themed spaces) provide plenty of shaded comfortable seating (for enjoying the top-deck views of the sea) and various food and beverage options. The Harbor's food trucks serve fast food and casual snacks and cool drinks and refreshments throughout the day.

World Asia also features a new Sports Bar (tbn) and a new Comedy Club (tbn, hosting stand-up comedian acts as well as sing-alongs and dueling pianos).

Next are listed all the new (MSC fleet's first) venues introduced with MSC World Europa.

"Chef's Garden Kitchen" is a food bar selling specialties based on microgreens/young vegetable greens with aromatic flavors and concentrated nutrient content. Chef's Garden Kitchen has its own hydroponic garden for growing herbs, greens and garnishes. The menu was developed by Michelin-starred chef Niklas Peter Ekstedt (Swedish restaurant manager, TV personality, author).

"La Pescaderia" is a market-style seafood grill (fresh fish display, takeaway options) with alfresco seating.

"Luna Park Pizza & Burger" is a buffet restaurant also offering interactive experiences (family games and a fun menu with favored American food - Coney dogs/Coney Island hot dogs, salted pretzels, classic burgers, funnel cakes, pancakes. The ship's other two buffet-type restaurants are named "Il Mercato Buffet" and "La Brasserie Buffet".

Perennial specialty restaurant favorites will also be found onboard, including the American-style steakhouse Butcher's Cut, fun and flavourful Asian-inspired Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar, and newly launched Latin American street food-inspired Hola! Tacos & Cantina.

"Masters of the Sea Pub" is a British pub restaurant with The Microbrewery and craft beer bar spanning 2 decks and offering live musical performances. The Microbrewery (on Deck 7) produces MSC's signature craft beers via an exclusive partnership with master brewer Teo Musso. He is the owner of Baladin Farm Brewery in Piozzo (Italy) supplying Birra Baladin (craft beer) for Selezione Baladin (brewpub in Piozzo), Baladin Bologna (gastropub in Bologna) and Open Baladin (beer hall in Rome).

Coffee Emporium is a specialty coffee house with an outdoor patio. It also serves and sells for home brewing the signature roast MSC Lavazza.

Raj Polo Tea House is an India-themed venue.

The Gin Project is a gin bar serving 70+ craft gins, as well as classic and botanical cocktails prepared by certified bartenders.

"Elixir - Mixology Bar" serves handcrafted and trendy cocktails prepared by expert mixologists and features an outdoor terrace with seating.

Also new for the MSC fleet are "Zest - Juice Bar" (selling fresh-squeezed juices), "Malt Lounge & Bar (smoker's bar also selling fine cigars and with an incredible selection of top-shelf whiskies and cognacs), "Sweet Temptations" (ice cream bar for premium gelato and frozen yogurt/build-your-own choices).

The cruise liner's main dining/complimentary options are 4x MDRs/main dining rooms (Bubbles, La Foglia, Esagono, Hexagon), and 3x buffets (Il Mercato, La Brasserie, Luna Park Pizza & Burger). Les Dunes Restaurant is exclusive, serving only Aurea-cabin passengers.

Introduced on the 2022-built MSC Seascape , MSC WORLD ships have the ROBOTRON. The developed by RWS Entertainment Group robotic arm is rotating a 3-seat gondola for 360-degree views. ROBOTRON's riders hang over the top deck's edge (53 m / 174 ft above sea level) as the robotic arm is twisting and turning the gondola upside down in all directions. Near the ROBOTRON there is a DJ Booth for a personalized "grooving" experience as the rhythm and bass are visualized as colorful patterns and pulsating lights, while the robotic arm is "dancing" in tempo. ROBOTRON has different thrill levels, making it a family-friendly experience as well.

Decks and cabins

MSC World Asia staterooms (2614 total, in 19 categories) include 159x Suites and ~65% of all cabins are with step-out balconies. For passengers with disabilities, the liner has a total of 65 handicapped/wheelchair-accessible ADA cabins (33x Inside, 24x Balcony, 8x Junior Suite).

Of all the 19 cabin grades, 7 are new for MSC types of cabins.

• There are staterooms with balconies that overlook the Lower Promenade deck.
• MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suites (2-deck accommodations) are fitted with large terraces with a Jacuzzi and an alfresco dining area.
• AUREA Suites are also with balcony Jacuzzies.
• Infinite Oceanview cabins have a French Balcony (down-sliding window/balustrade opening to a false balcony/glass balustrade).

The boat has 22 decks , of which 16 are passenger-accessible and 12 with cabins.

MSC World Asia decks will be probably named after Asian state capital cities.

Itineraries

MSC World Asia's itinerary program (homeports, regions, destinations, call ports) and the Maiden Voyage's date will be announced later/sometime in 2025.

All MSC Caribbean itineraries include the company's private Bahamian island Ocean Cay .

MSC plans to inaugurate World Asia in May 2026.

MSC World Asia - user reviews and comments

Msc world asia ship related cruise news.

MSC Cruises achieves milestones in World-class ship construction

MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique achieved significant milestones on Wednesday, April 10, during the construction of the groundbreaking...

MSC reveals name for newest WORLD-class cruise ship: MSC World Asia

Executives from the cruise industry and shipbuilding sector gathered at Chantiers de l'Atlantique's/STX France's exhibition space within the Seatrade...

MSC confirms order of two LNG-powered cruise ships with Chantiers de l’Atlantique/STX France

MSC Cruises has officially confirmed the order of two liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessels in collaboration with Chantiers de l&rsquo...

•   show more news

Other MSC Cruises cruise ships

• MSC Armonia
• MSC Bellissima
• MSC Euribia
• MSC Fantasia
• MSC Grandiosa
• MSC Magnifica
• MSC Meraviglia
• MSC Orchestra
• MSC Preziosa
• MSC Seascape
• MSC Seashore
• MSC Seaside
• MSC Seaview
• MSC Sinfonia
• MSC Splendida
• MSC Virtuosa
• MSC World America
• MSC World Europa

MSC World Asia Wiki

The vessel (STX France, Chantiers de l’Atlantique yard/hull number Y34) has volume 215863 GT-tons, DWT-deadweight tonnage 18000 tons, max draught 9,2 m. The powerplant is based on 5x Wartsila marine diesel engines (model 14V46DF) with combined output 80 MW (107280 hp). The propulsion is based on 2x aft 5-blade propellers and 7x azimuth thrusters (4x bow + 2x stern) with combined output 44 MW (59000 hp). The registered shipowner is COMPANIA NAVIERA WORLD 2 SA, while the registered manager is MSC CROCIERE SPA.

The vessel's construction (hull/yard number Y34) officially started with the steel-cutting ceremony held on April 9, 2024, at Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard/STX France in St Nazaire . During the ceremony, Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC Cruises' Executive Chairman) also officially announced the newbuild's name ("MSC World Asia"). The special event was also attended by Gianni Onorato (MSC Cruises’ CEO) and Laurent Castaing (shipyard's General Manager).

The vessel's physical construction/assembly will start with the keel-laying/coin ceremony (at Chantiers de l'Atlantique).

MSC WORLD ships ASIA and TBN-2027 were officially ordered on November 13, 2023. The documents (signed by Pierfrancesco Vago and Laurent Castaing) also include an option for a 5th unit of the same class.

Ship technology

In mid-January 2020, MSC and the French shipbuilder unveiled the revolutionary R&D (research and development) project PACBOAT focusing on integrating the new fuel cell technology (SOFC) on LNG-powered cruise ships . PACBOAT allows the generation of power/electricity using as fuel LNG.

• PACBOAT project's partners are France's CEA (Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission / government-funded research organization) and ADEME (Environment and Energy Management Agency / under the joint authority of the country's Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Higher Education and Research), also ENTREPOSE Group (product design and manufacturing), BUREAU VERITAS SA (marine safety certification agency), CHANTIERS DE L'ATLANTIQUE (as shipbuilder, integrator, project coordinator / subsidiary of STX Europe AS) and MSC CRUISES (as shipowner, subsidiary of MSC -Mediterranean Shipping Company SA).
• SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell) operates at very high temperatures (~750 Celsius / 1382 Fahrenheit). The new technology is ~60% more efficient than the Hydrogen-based PEMFC (Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell). PEMFC (aka polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells) is a low-temperature technology developed mainly for transport, stationary and portable applications. The LNG-fueled SOFC technology reduces greenhouse gas emissions by ~30% in comparison to the standard Wartsila dual-fuel marine engines (LNG-diesel).
• In 2022, MSC's SOFC project joined GE (General Electric Company), LR (Lloyd's Register Group Ltd), Ceres (nonprofit organization). GE developed a collaborative design for multi-megawatt (max 10 MW) shipboard SOFC system - powerful enough to provide electricity for large ships, and able to replace the conventional diesel generators.

Among "MSC World Class" key features are the new generation LNG-powerplant , new wastewater treatment plants, ultra-modern marine architecture with a Y-shaped superstructure (better panoramic views, significantly increased number of balcony staterooms), G-bow hull (vertically positioned / at 90-degree angle) improving the vessel's stability and hydrodynamics / fuel efficiency).

In January 2020, the Finnish company Wartsila was contracted to supply the engines, fuel systems, and propulsion systems (thrusters, propellers) for both "MSC World" ships (2022 and 2024). Each boat has 5x Wartsila 46DF dual-fuel engines (14-cylinder, running on MDO/marine diesel oil, each is fitted with NOx reduction units), 2x Wartsila LNGPac (gas supply system/fuel storage), 7x Wartsila thrusters (steerable/4x bow, 2x stern), 2x Wartsila FPPs (fixed pitch propellers/5-blade). The machinery was scheduled for delivery in mid-2020 (World Europa) and mid-2022 (World America).

This MSC ship class is also the industry's first to introduce LNG-powered SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell) to produce all the electricity and heat needed for onboard services without combustion. The technology further reduces (by ~1/3) greenhouse gas emissions in comparison to conventional LNG-powered cruise ships.

• SOFC is an electrochemical conversion device using solid oxide electrolytes to produce electric power directly from oxidizing a fuel (in this case LNG/liquified natural gas).
• SOFCs are best known for having relatively fuel flexibility, low cost, low greenhouse gas emissions, high heat and power efficiency, long-term stability.
• SOFCs operate at very high temperatures (500-1000 C) and thus don't require platinum catalyst material and are not vulnerable to CO catalyst poisoning. IT-SOFCs operate at "intermediate temperatures" (600-800 C). LT-SOFCs operate at "low temperatures" (350-650 C). SOFC-GT is a system that combines a SOFC and a gas turbine.
• SOFCs are often used in stationary generators (with max power outputs 2 MW). The higher operating temperatures allow SOFCs to be used in the marine industry (engine heat recovery systems), which further increases the ships' overall fuel efficiency.

MSC World Asia's two LNG-based SOFCs (fuel cells by Bloom Energy) are with capacity 75 kW per unit (total output 150 kW). While the liner is in port, Bloom Energy Server shows ~60% efficiency and ~30% reduction of CO emissions without methane slippage.

MSC WORLD-class units are fitted with the latest and most environmentally efficient BWTS (ballast water treatment system) model BIO-SEA B02 0300 (by BIO-UV Group). The technology combines mechanical water filtration with UV disinfection. It is chemical-free and meets the IMO's requirement of 300 m3 per hour water flow rate.

In January 2021 STX France contracted ALMACO to deliver and install the MSC WORL Class vessels' laundry and catering equipment. The ship's catering area (~5000 m2 / 53820 ft2) is fitted with 12x galleys/kitchens and 58x pantries (storage rooms for food, crockery, cutlery). ALMACO also provided each ship with 46 provision stores (total area ~2150 m2 / 23140 ft2). The ALMACO-installed laundry equipment (by Girbau Group/1960-founded, Barcelona-based manufacturer) is part of a sophisticated laundry system integrated with the ship's water recycling plant that purifies the wastewater.

On February 1, 2019, MSC officially revealed the in-cabin digital assistant ZOE. The technology ("cruise industry first") was developed by Harman International (USA-based company, fully-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics) which has developed digital audio solutions for major corporations like Google, Microsoft, Amazon.

• ZOE is an artificial intelligence device (voice-enabled, with advanced voice recognition software) available in all passenger staterooms.
• ZOE speaks 7 languages, answers cruise-related questions, provides info on shipboard services-activities-facilities, makes reservations and bookings.
• The digital device features far-field microphones, top-quality speaker, quad-core processor (for fast response times), direct phone connection (through Bluetooth). The system can also upgrade its own database to answer previously unanswerable questions.
• Passenger data (including itinerary/tour and shipboard preferences) is stored in the Cloud Storage system and used on the next scheduled voyage.

The device (sized ~15 cm) can be activated whenever passengers choose. A waiver must be signed to agree for their personal data to be stored.

Starting with MSC Bellissima (2019), ZOE is planned for a fleetwide introduction (over the period 2019-2024) and available on all MSC newbuilds.