A 12m-long dragon has boarded MSC Cruises’ newest flagship, MSC World Asia, which is being built in France.

The stainless steel sculpture, which is suspended 10m above the ship’s Outdoor World Promenade, is a big milestone for the vessel growing at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.

It will be a focal point in one of the ship’s most distinctive outdoor spaces.

MSC World Asia will start sailing its seven-night itineraries in the Mediterranean from December 4.

Voyages will include Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia (Rome), Messina and Valletta.

The 3.5m-wide dragon was designed by Balich Wonder Studio, the international creative powerhouse behind some of the world’s biggest live entertainment productions.

It reflects Asia’s rich culture, art and landscapes and is finished in pearlescent white.

It has:

+ Nearly 700 mirrors.

+ 400m of integrated strip lighting.

+ More than 3000 LED light points.

An MSC spokesperson says: “Every detail has been designed to capture movement and reflection, creating the impression of a powerful figure flying above the ship.

“As night falls, the sculpture illuminates, bringing the dragon to life after dark and enhancing the vibrant atmosphere of the Outdoor World Promenade.”