MSC World Asia Set to Depart Saint-Nazaire for Second Sea Trial Campaign

The MSC World Asia, a 333-meter cruise ship built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, is scheduled to depart the port on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, for its second sea trial campaign. This departure comes just weeks before the vessel’s planned delivery to MSC Cruises in November.

Purpose of the Second Sea Trial

Following an initial trial campaign conducted in July, the ship will return to the open sea to continue technical verifications of its equipment, propulsion systems, and maneuvering capabilities. According to local reports, the departure is expected in the late afternoon, timed with the tide, for approximately two days of testing before the vessel returns to Saint-Nazaire on Friday.

Key Specifications of the MSC World Asia

• Dimensions: 333 meters in length and 47 meters in width.
• Gross Tonnage: Over 216,000 GT.
• Capacity: Approximately 6,800 passengers and more than 2,100 crew members.
• Accommodation: Over 2,630 cabins and suites.
• Propulsion: Powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
• Class: The third ship in MSC Cruises’ World class.

Upcoming Commercial Operations

This second sea trial marks a significant industrial milestone prior to delivery. MSC Cruises plans to commence commercial cruises for the MSC World Asia in the Mediterranean starting December 4, 2026. The initial itineraries will feature seven-night voyages connecting key ports including Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina, and Valletta.

The schedule highlights the intensity of the final construction phase: after completing sea trials, the vessel must undergo final commissioning operations before being transferred to its owner and entering commercial service. The first sea trial campaign, conducted in July, had already successfully tested the ship’s propulsion and navigation capabilities off the French coast.