Key Aspects:
- MSC Cruises has unveiled the Tree of Life, a 32-foot-tall centerpiece aboard MSC World Asia.
- The attraction will feature The Spiral @ Tree of Life, a 266-foot dry slide spanning 12 decks and will be the longest dry slide at sea.
- The centerpiece will anchor The Harbor family entertainment district.
MSC Cruises is offering a closer look at one of the most recognizable features planned for its next flagship.
The cruise line has unveiled new images of the Tree of Life, a large architectural centerpiece currently under construction aboard MSC World Asia at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France.
The attraction will serve as the focal point of The Harbour, the ship’s outdoor family activity and dining area.
Standing 32 feet above the deck, the Tree of Life will weigh close to 8 tons. MSC Cruises says the structure incorporates nearly 500 feet of integrated LED lighting that will allow its appearance to change throughout the day and evening.
A walkway wrapped around the structure will lead guests to The Spiral @ Tree of Life, a 266-foot dry slide stretching across 12 decks. MSC Cruises say the attraction will become the longest dry slide at sea when the ship enters service, December 4, 2026.
The slide will connect directly to the ship’s World Promenade, one of MSC World Asia’s main public areas for dining, entertainment, and ocean views.
“Meet the Tree of Life,” the cruise line shared in a video on its Facebook page. “By day, a gathering place at the heart of The Harbor outdoor park. By night, a glowing centrepiece of onboard entertainment.”
The Harbor area will also feature waterslides, a ropes-course-style Adventure Trail, playground areas, dining venues, and Cliffhanger, the cruise line’s over-water swing attraction that debuted on MSC World America.
MSC Cruises says the Tree of Life’s design was inspired by contemporary Asian cities and Singapore’s famous Supertrees at Marina Bay, tying into the vessel’s Asia-themed design elements.
MSC World Asia Nears Completion
MSC World Asia is the third vessel in MSC Cruises’ World Class series, following the 2022 debut of MSC World Europa and the 2025 launch of MSC World America.
Construction officially began in March 2024 with a steel-cutting ceremony at the French shipyard that also completed its sister ships. The vessel is expected to measure 215,863 gross tons and carry up to 6,758 passengers at maximum occupancy, making it one of the largest in MSC Cruises’ fleet.
Like its sister ships, MSC World Asia will be organized into seven distinct onboard districts, each offering its own mix of dining, entertainment, accommodations and attractions. The vessel is not meant to be an Asia-based ship but instead incorporates design, dining, and entertainment inspiration from the continent.
Entering service on December 4, 2026, MSC World Asia’s inaugural cruise will depart from Barcelona, Spain, beginning a winter season of 7-night Mediterranean voyages. The itineraries will include calls in Marseille, France; Genoa, Civitavecchia (Rome), and Messina, Italy; and Valletta, Malta.
Guests will also have the option to embark or disembark at several of those ports for a more fluid sailing schedule.
Following MSC World Asia is MSC World Atlantic, scheduled to debut in 2027, also under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
