David Rowlinson

My Kind of Cruise

FAQ: MSC Cruises - Dining

Embarking on an MSC Cruise means stepping into a world of culinary exploration, with something for every taste, age and dietary need. From classic dining to world-class speciality restaurants, MSC Cruises offers an impressive variety of food and drink experiences designed to satisfy and delight.

What complimentary dining options are available on MSC Cruises?

All MSC ships offer complimentary meals at main restaurants and buffet venues. These include:

- Main Restaurants:

Mediterranean cuisine is centre stage, featuring French, Italian and Spanish dishes alongside international favourites. These venues offer full table service and daily-changing menus.

- Buffet Restaurants:

Open up to 20 hours a day, these self-service areas include:

- Carvery: Freshly carved roast meats

- Kids’ Corner: Healthy, fun meals for children

- Pasta Station: Daily fresh pasta creations

- Dessert Corner: Fine patisserie treats

- Take-away Station: Casual snacks and fast food

- Ethnic Corner: Global dishes from Asia, India and more

- Daily Special Corner: Unique dishes each day

- Wellness Corner: Health-conscious, nutrient-rich meals

Are there child-friendly meals available?

Yes. MSC offers:

- Kids’ menus in main restaurants (developed with Chicco nutritionists)

- Dedicated Kids’ Corner in buffet areas

- Supervised kids’ dining at clubs, allowing parents to dine separately

- Children can also dine in many speciality restaurants

- Special dietary options are available for babies aged 6–12 months

What dietary accommodations are available?

MSC Cruises caters to various dietary needs, including:

- Vegetarian menus: Available daily

- Gluten-free meals: Prepared in certified dedicated kitchens (Bureau Veritas certified, food code: 20 ppm)

- Kosher meals: Pre-packaged, must be booked at least 3 weeks prior (€25 pp/day)

- Halal meat: Available upon request at least 2 months before departure

SPECIALITY DINING:

What is speciality dining?

Speciality restaurants offer diverse global cuisines for an extra charge. These are optional and create more intimate, premium experiences.

What are the most popular speciality restaurants?

- Butcher’s Cut: American-style steakhouse

- Kaito Sushi & Teppanyaki: Authentic Japanese cuisine

- Hola! Tacos & Cantina: Mexican favourites

- Indochine: Vietnamese-French fusion

- Ocean Cay: Elegant seafood dining

- L’Atelier Bistrot: French small plates

- Chef’s Garden Kitchen: Sustainable, farm-to-table concept

- Robatayaki & Pan-Asian: Interactive Asian grill

- L’Atelier Grill: Sophisticated meat grill

- Sea Pavilion: Contemporary Asian fusion

- La Pescaderia: Fresh Mediterranean seafood market-style dining

DINING PACKAGES:

How many dining package options are there?

There are five different Speciality Dining Package options:

- One Dining Experience

- Two Dining Experiences

- Three Dining Experiences

- Four Dining Experiences

- Five Dining Experiences

Each tier includes a specific number of meals in different speciality restaurants, and the value increases with the number of experiences included.

What is included in the One Dining Experience package?

- Number of meals: 1

- Cuisine options: Steakhouse, Asian, Vietnamese, Seafood, Signature Fusion

- Available on: MSC Bellissima, Divina, Euribia, Fantasia, Grandiosa, Lirica, Magnifica, Meraviglia, Musica, Orchestra, Poesia, Preziosa, Seascape, Seashore, Seaside, Seaview, Splendida, Virtuosa, World Europa

- Sample restaurants (varies by ship): Butcher’s Cut, L’Atelier Grill, Sushi Bar, Robatayaki, L’Atelier Bistrot, Ocean Cay, Asian Market, Sea Pavilion, Indochine, Chef’s Garden Kitchen, La Pescaderia

What does the Two Dining Experiences (Duo Package) include?

- Number of meals: 2

- Cuisine options: Asian, Steakhouse, French, Vietnamese

- Available On: MSC Bellissima, Divina, Euribia, Grandiosa, Preziosa, Seascape, Seashore, Seaside, Seaview, Splendida, Virtuosa, World Europa

• Sample restaurants (varies by ship): Butcher’s Cut, Sea Pavilion, Sushi, L’Atelier Grill, Robatayaki, Teppanyaki, Asian Market, Indochine, L’Atelier Bistrot

What is offered in the Three Dining Experiences package?

- Number of meals: 3

- Cuisine options: Asian, Seafood, Latin American and Mexican, Vietnamese and French cuisine, Steakhouse

- Available on: MSC Bellissima, Grandiosa, Meraviglia, Seascape, Seashore, Virtuosa, World Europa

• Sample restaurants (varies by ship): Butcher’s Cut, Sushi, Indochine, L’Atelier Bistrot, Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Ocean Cay, Chef’s Garden Kitchen, L’Atelier Grill, Robatayaki

What is included in the Four Dining Experiences package?

- Number of meals: 4

- Cuisine options: Asian, Seafood, Latin American and Mexican, Vietnamese and French cuisine, Steakhouse

- Available on: MSC Bellissima, Grandiosa, Meraviglia, Seascape, Seashore, Seaside, Virtuosa, World Europa

• Sample restaurants (varies by ship): Atelier Bistrot, Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Ocean Cay, Butcher’s Cut, Sea Pavilion, L’Atelier Grill, Sushi, Robatayaki, Teppanyaki, Pan-Asian, Indochine, Chef’s Garden Kitchen

What does the Five Dining Experiences package offer?

• Number of meals: 5

• Cuisine options: Authentic Asian, French, Steakhouse, Seafood, Latin American and Mexican

• Available on: MSC Meraviglia only

• Restaurants included: Butcher’s Cut, Kaito Sushi, Kaito Teppanyaki, Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Ocean Cay

Which ships offer Speciality Dining Packages?

While every ship offers inclusive dining options, the Speciality Dining Packages are available on selected ships. The full list of eligible ships includes most of MSC’s newer and larger vessels. Always check specific restaurant availability for your cruise when booking.

How do I know which restaurants are included on my ship?

Speciality restaurants vary by ship. When booking a dining package, your confirmation will indicate which restaurants are available for your itinerary. Alternatively, you can ask your travel agent or check directly with MSC Cruises prior to sailing.

Can I make reservations for speciality restaurants in advance?

Yes, it is strongly recommended to book your preferred restaurant times as early as possible, especially for the more popular venues and sailing times. Reservations can typically be made:

- Through your MSC account online

- Via the MSC for Me app (on supported ships)

- At the onboard restaurant desk

Are these packages worth the cost?

Yes, dining packages generally offer better value compared to booking individual restaurants onboard. They also guarantee you access to highly sought-after restaurants that can become fully booked during peak cruise times.

Is gratuity included in the price of dining packages?

Gratuity (or service charges) is typically included in the cost of the dining package, but this may vary by itinerary. Always check the package conditions when booking.

Are drinks included in the dining packages?

No, drinks are not included in the Speciality Dining Packages. However, if you have purchased a drinks package (such as Easy, Easy Plus or Premium Extra), beverages may be included when dining at speciality restaurants.

Can children use the dining packages?

Children aged 12 and under can dine in speciality restaurants, but must be booked on board and may have special pricing. There are often child-friendly menus available in these venues as well.

Can I combine a dining package with a drinks package?

Yes. Many guests choose to purchase both a dining package and a drinks package to enjoy a complete, carefree onboard experience. While they are separate, they complement each other well for those who want premium meals and beverages throughout their cruise.

SWEETS & ICE CREAM

What sweet treats are available on board?

- Jean-Philippe Maury Chocolate Bar: Live chocolate-making and desserts (MSC Bellissima, Grandiosa, Meraviglia, Virtuosa)

- Venchi Gelati & Chocolate: Authentic Italian gelato and artisanal chocolates (MSC Seaside, Seaview)

DRINKS AND BAR EXPERIENCES

What types of bars are available?

MSC offers a wide variety of bars:

- Outdoor Bars: Poolside or upper deck for ocean views

- Lounge Bars: Stylish and relaxing indoor settings

- Night Bars: Ideal for cocktails and late-night conversation

- MSC Starship Club (Virtuosa only): Features Rob the robotic bartender in a fully immersive experience

Are drinks included in the cruise fare?

No, drinks are not included by default unless booked as part of a package or special promotion.

What drink packages are available?

All packages include gratuities and offer significant savings when pre-booked online:

Easy Package

- House wine and beer

- Classic cocktails

- Coffee, tea, soft drinks

- Still and sparkling water

Easy Plus Package

- Beverages up to €9 / $14

- Expanded wine, beer and cocktail options

- Mocktails, juices and speciality coffees

Premium Extra Package

- Beverages up to €14 / $16

- Premium spirits, champagne, cocktails

- Fresh juices, smoothies, bottled drinks

Alcohol-Free Package

- Mocktails, juices, soft drinks, sports drinks

- Specialty coffee, tea, soft-serve ice cream

Minors Package

- Tailored for children

- Includes juices, smoothies, soft drinks, and soft-serve ice cream

Can I pre-book drink packages?

Yes, booking before your cruise can save up to 15% off the onboard price. Some packages are only available for pre-cruise purchase, especially on itineraries in the Caribbean, North America, and Alaska.

FAMILY DINING EXPERIENCE

Are there family-specific dining options?

Yes, MSC encourages family-friendly dining through:

- Early kids’ dining with youth staff assistance

- Kids’ Corner at buffet restaurants

- Kid-approved menus in both main and speciality restaurants

- Dedicated baby-friendly options for infants 6–12 months

AVAILABILITY:

Are all options available on every MSC ship?

While complimentary dining is consistent across all ships, speciality restaurants, dessert bars and advanced bar experiences like the MSC Starship Club are available only on select ships. Always confirm availability during booking.

Dining on MSC Cruises is an experience in itself, crafted with detail, quality and variety in mind. Whether you are indulging in complimentary Mediterranean cuisine, treating yourself at a speciality restaurant, grabbing a snack from the buffet, or sipping a premium cocktail as the sun sets, the culinary options are as vast as the sea itself.

Planning your next cruise? At My Kind of Cruse we give you a chance to explore cruises with MSC, and reserve your cruise in advance. Let us help you enjoy a seamless escape at the sea, and one with tons of flavour, too!