MIAMI BEACH -- Cruise and shipbuilding executives crowded into the Chantiers de l'Atlantique exhibition space at the Seatrade Cruise Global exhibit hall, and some craned their heads to watch a video announcing the name for MSC Cruises' next World-class ship.
The third ship in MSC's World class will be the MSC World Asia. It is expected to begin sailing in 2026.
The ship will resemble the World Europa, which sails largely Western Mediterranean itineraries year-round, and the World America, which is scheduled to debut in April 2025, sailing Caribbean cruises out of Miami.
Laurent Castaing, general manager for the French shipyard, said the World Asia will have some environmental enhancements, such as the ability to use several fuel types and use the latest heat-recovery technology and other methods to reduce emissions.
The ship is the third in a four-ship order that includes the option for a fifth.