A huge new cruise ship that will rival the size of small UK towns is set to take to the seas later this year.

MSC Cruises’ MSC World Asia is due to make her debut in December 2026, complete with a water park, over 40 bars and restaurants, a spa, casino, bumper cars, thousands of suites, and a shopping gallery.

Boasting a 215,863 gross tonnage, this new sister ship to MSC World Europa and MSC World America will sail on a series of seven–night sailings around the sun-soaked Mediterranean, and we suspect she’ll be popular with cruise fans wanting to beat the winter blues.

The UK government classifies small towns based on a population between 5,000-10,000 residents, and given that the ship will be able to hold up to 6,758 guests across 2,582 cabins, it’s one mega ship that could easily rival some of Britain’s smaller cities. We’re not just talking about passenger capacity; we’re talking about all of the entertainment onboard too.

While the title of the world’s biggest cruise ship will remain with Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class ships, MSC World Asia still holds her own when it comes to size. In fact, the ship is so big that it’s been divided into seven ‘districts’ to make it easier for passengers to navigate.

These include Family Aventura for – you guessed it- families, a Zen Area where you can find a spa and other quieter spots for those who want a bit of R&R, the Aqua Deck with plenty of thrilling water slides and family-friendly pools, Terraces for bars and lounges, the Galleria for shopping, a Promenade for plenty of onboard fun, and the MSC Yacht Club that offers dedicated spaces for its members.

There’s set to be a huge amount of entertainment for families too. We’re talking those classic West End worthy shows that cruises have become renowned for (the ship has its own theatre of course), a rollerskating arena, table games, basketball courts and even a LEGO family zone where kids can put their building skills to the test.

For those who need an extra thrill, the terrifying Cliffhanger ride will offer a chance to swing 50m above the ocean off the side of the ship. (It’s definitely not one for the faint-hearted).

Another attraction that’s sure to get the adrenaline going is the new ‘The Spiral @ Tree of Life’ slide. Measuring 81.3metres and spanning multiple decks, it will be the longest dry slide at sea, with the design taking inspiration from Singapore’s famous Gardens by the Bay.

Holidaymakers will have over 20 different accommodation types to choose from, whether that’s an interior cabin for a solo traveller, or two family cabins that inter-connect.

Meanwhile foodies will be spoiled for choice with the various bars and restaurants, including six specialty dining options and a Pan-Asian street food area where you can sample a whole host of different cuisines. Oh, and for those who fancy a pint, there’s even a classic British pub onboard complete with a full-scale micro-brewery, as well as an ‘all-American sports bar’ with a large terrace from which to watch the game without having to give up on the ocean views.

If you can tear yourself away from the ship, there will be plenty of sun-soaked ports of call on offer, including popular spots across France, Italy and Spain to name a few.

Despite the plethora of activities on offer and MSC World Asia’s impressive size, the title of the world’s biggest cruise ship is currently held by Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. However, there could be some competition in the form of sister ship Legend of the Seas which also makes her debut later this year, boasting a 250,800 gross tonnage.

The third of the cruise line’s Icon Class ships will sail from Barcelona in summer 2026, before doing a winter season from Florida around the Caribbean. With a passenger capacity of up to 5,628, this huge ship will boast the likes of the largest waterpark at sea, the 40ft-long FlowRider surf simulator, dazzling theatre shows, epic dining venues and plenty more.

Seven-night sailings on MSC World Asia start from £679pp, departing from Marseille, France, and Civitavecchia, Italy. You can find out more and book at msccruises.co.uk.

Have you got a cruise holiday story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com