MSC World Asia Gets Five New Bars Including 1980s Soda Bar

Less than three months ahead of her debut, MSC Cruises is showcasing new bars and lounges coming to its new flagship, MSC World Asia. The cruise line unveiled concepts for five new onboard drink venues debuting on the 215,863-gross-ton vessel when she enters service in December.

The new bar spaces include the Clubhouse and Soda Bar, Sky Box Bar, The Terraces Bar & Lounge, Coral Cove Bar, and Pan Asian Bar. Experiences at the venues range from family-friendly non-alcoholic drinks to cocktails inspired by Italian and Asian flavors.

The Clubhouse and Soda Bar is a nostalgic, family-friendly space inspired by the 1980s and 1990s. Guests create custom non-alcoholic soda concoctions by choosing a base and adding cream, flavorings, and other toppings. 

The venue also features games, interactive digital tables, and a LEGO area for younger guests, while nearby The Court offers bumper cars. In the evening, the venue transforms into a livelier social atmosphere, offering a selection of alcoholic cocktails and non-alcoholic mocktails.

In the Luna Park Arena, the Sky Box Bar will serve a variety of premium drinks and cocktails. Inspired by early 20th-century Futurism, the venue reimagines classic cocktails with a contemporary twist, served with theatrical flair.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, The Terraces Bar & Lounge offers an Italian aperitivo experience. Guests can enjoy classic cocktails, wines, prosecco, and light Italian bites, such as focaccia and olives, alongside panoramic ocean views and live music. The venue also features expert-led wine tasting sessions.

Meanwhile, within the Coral Cove Pool area, the Coral Cove Bar will serve classic drinks. The new poolside venue takes its design inspiration from Philippine coral reefs. The indoor Coral Cove Pool features a retractable glass roof, allowing it and the bar to be enjoyed in all weather conditions.

Finally, overlooking the Promenade, the previously announced Pan Asian Street Food restaurant will also feature the Pan Asian Bar. This bar will offer drinks inspired by Asian flavors, such as Jasmine Mojitos, Rose and Strawberry Daiquiris, Matcha Coladas, and Asian beers, such as Oceanic Asian, a house draft beer brewed at sea.

MSC World Asia Nears December Debut

MSC World Asia is the third World Class vessel from MSC Cruises, following MSC World Europa and MSC World America. The 6,758-passenger ship will feature 13 new experiences and reimagined spaces, compared with Europa, as well as returning favorites.

Construction of MSC World Asia began with a steel-cutting ceremony at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in April 2024. The ship reached another major milestone in November 2025, when she floated out of the shipyard for the first time.

Architecture, dining, and other onboard experiences are inspired by Asian culture, art, and landscapes. In June 2026, Cruise Hive reported on the installation of the massive Tree of Life, an illuminated focal point at the heart of The Harbour onboard the ship.

Inspired by Singapore’s famous Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay, the structure also serves as the starting point for The Spiral at Tree of Life, which will be the longest dry slide at sea. Another eye-catching, Asia-inspired feature of the ship is the Dragon, an illuminated sculpture hanging above the Promenade, which was installed in August 2026.

Despite the Asian influences found throughout the ship, MSC World Asia’s initial deployment will be distinctly European. She will begin service on December 4, 2026, with a 7-night Mediterranean voyage out of Barcelona. 

This sailing will visit Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina, and Valletta before returning to Barcelona on December 11. She will offer regular 7-night Mediterranean itineraries from ports throughout Spain, France, Italy, and Malta.