MSC Cruises has revealed new details about the ship-wide artwork that will be featured on MSC World Asia, the line’s highly anticipated new flagship set to commence sailings in the Mediterranean from 4 December 2026.
The new state-of-the-art flagship is set to become the latest World Class ship to join the cruise line’s fleet, offering seven-night sailings to some of the Mediterranean’s most sought-after destinations including Barcelona, Marseille, Messina, Civitavecchia for Rome, Naples and Valletta.
Inviting guests to experience the Art of Cruising, MSC World Asia will include an emphasis on artworks throughout the ship, carefully curated to complement the ship’s subtle design elements that will reflect Asia’s rich culture, art and landscapes.
From an impressive large-scale art installation to striking sculptures, guests can look forward to an exciting range of new artworks while aboard, created exclusively for the ship.
Highlights of MSC World Asia’s new artworks on board include:
- Dragon Sculpture: As previously announced,a striking stainless-steel dragon suspended from the ceiling 10 metres above the World Promenade will captivate guests. The 12-metre-long andnine-metre-wide sculpture adorned with nearly 700 mirrors and 3,000 LED lights will also illuminate in the evening on board MSC World Asia.
- Indoor Pool – Large scale art installation: Guests will be welcomed to the indoor pool by an impressive art installation in the shape of a water droplet, widening towards the base to evoke a sense of lightness and fluidity. Designed by artist Elisabetta Milan, the installation measures 150 cm in width and 245 cm in height, making it a striking centrepiece of the space.
- The World Promenade – Japanese Carps: The World Promenade will feature large-scale koi fish sculptures by David Harber, a UK-based artist renowned for over 30 years for his sculptures, sundials, and water features that blend artistic vision with precise engineering. Rich in cultural symbolism, the koi represent perseverance, strength, and transformation – qualities that align with the ship’s spirit of travel and exploration. Their flowing, organic forms echo the movement of the sea, connecting guests to both the surrounding waters and the rich traditions of the Asian region.
- Artworks in the corridors: Each deck will feature artworks in the corridors inspired by ship’s deck names, which are titled after iconic cities in Asia, and will pay homage to the beauty, culture, and diversity of Asia.
- Artwork in the cabins: The cabin artworks are designed to seamlessly integrate with the onboard experience, bringing guests into an immersive Asian-themed environment. The artworks celebrate the beauty of Asian landscapes, colours, and natural motifs, complementing the interior design and enhancing the overall cabin atmosphere.
- Artworks by Hoan Phan: Vietnamese artist Hoan Phan will bring his bold and vibrant artworks on board MSC World Asia, which will be displayed in select areas of the ship. Mixing traditional inking techniques with digital rendering, he brings ideas to life with expressive line work and bold colours. Each piece tells a story, inviting guests to immerse themselves in moments of reflection, legend, and cultural heritage. Highlights include:
- Mount Fuji Inspiration: Hoan Phan observed a swan building her nest with dry grass intertwined with a thick rope during a visit to Lake Kawaguchi. The unexpected contrast between natural and man-made materials inspired the artwork, capturing a moment of quiet observation and harmony between human influence and nature.
- Hồ Nguyệt Cô: Inspired by Vietnamese folklore and classical opera (Hát bội), Hoan Phan depicts a fox spirit who transforms into a human woman through devotion and perseverance, dreaming of finding true love.
- Hạ Long Bay: Hoan Phan’s artwork illustrates the legend of the Mother Dragon and her children turning pearls into islands to protect Vietnam from invaders. The piece celebrates resilience and the lasting imprint of mythology on the landscape of Hạ Long Bay.
- Southeast Asia: Hoan Phan highlights details from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, reflecting the region’s enduring charm and rich cultural tapestry, capturing both its history and contemporary spirit.
- Artworks by Atelier Le Castel: Atelier Le Castel will create bespoke artworks for a wide range of onboard venues including La Dolce Vita bar, selected restaurants and cafés such as Bubbles, the theatre, and select areas of the MSC Yacht Club, along with custom artworks for the ship’s suites and cabins. MSC World Asiamarks nearly three decades of collaboration between MSC Cruises and Atelier Le Castel.
- Kaito Sushi Restaurant Artwork – The Kaito Sushi Restaurant on board will feature vibrant koi fish artwork by artist Raimondo Briata. Using the image of koi fish—symbols of resilience and transformation — the paintings explore journeys as a continuous state rather than a fixed destination. The works reflect the spirit of travel and exchange, mirroring the ship as a moving environment where energy, stories and cultures meet.
