MSC Cruises Unveils Asia-Inspired Artwork Aboard New Vessel – Cruise Industry News

MSC Cruises has revealed details about the artwork to be featured on MSC World Asia, the latest World Class ship to join the cruise line’s fleet.

As stated in a press release, the ship will start seven-night sailings to popular Mediterranean destinations including Barcelona, Marseille, Messina, Civitavecchia for Rome, Naples and Valletta, from Dec. 4, 2026.

The new artwork has been curated to complement the ship’s design elements that will reflect Asia’s culture, art and landscapes.

From a large-scale art installation to sculptures, guests will be able to enjoy new artwork while aboard, created exclusively for the ship.

Highlights include:

Dragon Sculpture: A stainless steel 12-meter-long and nine-meter-wide dragon will be suspended from the ceiling 10 meters above the World Promenade. Featuring 700 mirrors and 3,000 LED lights, the sculpture will illuminate in the evening.

Indoor Pool – Large scale art installation: An art installation in the shape of a water droplet will welcome guests to the indoor pool. Designed by artist Elisabetta Milan, the 150 cm wide and 245 cm high installation is envisioned as a centerpiece of the space.

The World Promenade – Japanese Carps: The World Promenade will feature large-scale koi fish sculptures by UK-based artist David Harber. Said to represent perseverance, strength, and transformation, the koi’s flowing forms echo the movement of the sea.

Artwork in the corridors: Each deck will feature artworks in the corridors inspired by ship’s deck names, which are titled after Asian cities, paying homage to the region’s beauty, culture, and diversity.

Artwork in the cabins: The cabin artworks are designed to integrate with the onboard experience, bringing guests into an immersive Asian-themed environment. They will showcase the beauty of Asian landscapes, colors, and natural motifs.

Artwork by Hoan Phan: Pieces inspired by Mount Fuji, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand by Vietnamese artist Hoan Phan will be displayed in select areas of the ship, inviting guests to immerse themselves in moments of reflection, legend, and cultural heritage.

Artwork by Atelier Le Castel: Bespoke artworks made by Atelier Le Castel will adorn a 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, Custom artworks will also be made for the ship’s suites and cabins.

Kaito Sushi Restaurant Artwork: The ship’s sushi restaurant will feature koi fish artwork by artist Raimondo Briata. MSC Cruises says the images of koi fish are meant to reflect the spirit of travel and exchange, mirroring the ship as a moving environment where energy, stories and cultures meet.