MSC Cruises

Dining onboard MSC Cruises

One of the best things about Mediterranean-style cruising is that you can enjoy all of the culinary treasures associated with Italy and her neighbouring countries while at sea. The fantastic food available onboard MSC Cruises' magnificent fleet is a huge cruise holiday highlight. Meals are included in the cost of your cruise and you have the opportunity to enjoy gourmet speciality dining at a supplement.

MSC Dining Times

MSC Cruises offer three flexible dining styles to choose from:

• Classic- ideal for traditional cruisers, the Classic Dining Style offers fixed pre-set dining for the entirety of your cruise. Classic diners will keep the same table, dining room, staff and dining companions every evening.
• Flexi- for adaptable dining, Flexi allows you to select a preferred dining time slot or time range for your cruise, but with the option to make changes up until 4 pm each day. Flexi dining depends on your chosen MSC Experience level.
• My Choice- arrive at any time during available dinner hours, with priority access at Flexi restaurants.

MSC Included restaurants

MSC Cruises' main dining venues range from laid back restaurant (open 20 hours a day) to classic and contemporary formal dining with waiter service and set dining times. Poolside snacks, room service, and takeaway-style foods are also available. You'll find expertly prepared Mediterranean and international fare from MSC's skilled chefs in a range of venues onboard.

MSC Yacht Club provides an exclusive haven onboard MSC Cruises Fantasia Class ships. The 'ship within a ship' experience offers luxurious gourmet dining and a private sun deck.

Speciality Dining

Each ship features speciality dining venues where you can enjoy quality, gourmet dining for a fee. Sample a varied selection of cuisines including International, authentic Italian, sensational Japanese, Asian fusion and even Tex Mex. Sweet treats including delicious pastries accompanied by excellent Italian espresso or cappuccino can also be enjoyed across the MSC Cruises fleet.

Don't worry if you don't speak Italian – menus and wine lists are also printed in English and the crew are English speaking. But by all means, feel free to experiment with your Italian pronunciations!

Speciality dining venues featured on MSC Cruises ships include:

• Tex-Mex and Steakhouse- spice up your sailing with some fiery Mexican fare or fill up with hearty Texan classics in this fun and eclectic dining venue. Cool beers and cocktails are also on the menu.
• Kaito Teppanyaki Restaurant and Sushi Bar- a stylish sushi venue offering authentic Asian cuisine prepared live on the spot. Diners will be delighted by the live cooking and delicious Asian-fusion food on offer.

MSC Room Service

MSC Cruises offers a comprehensive 24/7 room service, bringing all its delicious dining and best bites straight to your stateroom or suite. Pizza delivery is a must for a cosy night in. Small additional room service fees may apply.

Special Diets with MSC

All guests are treated equally with MSC Cruises and special dietary requirements are carefully considered throughout the fleet. Gluten-Free menus are available from breakfast through to dinner. Vegetarian options and pre-prepared Kosher meals are also available.

Entertainment onboard MSC Cruises

MSC Cruise ships have everything you need to make your evenings onboard just as memorable as your time spent on shore excursions.

Shows

Onboard MSC Cruises, there is a wide range of original, Broadway-style productions available, meaning that you don’t have to go all the way to New York to experience the wonders of the theatre.

Parties

There are lots of ways to celebrate during your cruise. The popular Sailaway Party out on deck is always a hit with guests of all ages, while the white party is an excellent occasion to dress up and enjoy a special live performance from the ship’s own theatre cast.

Bars and lounges

With so many bars to choose from on an MSC Cruise, you can find your favourite spot or go somewhere different every evening. Whether you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, sophisticated cocktails or a laid back pint of beer, there’s somewhere for you.

If you’d like to step up the romance of your evening drink, why not head to one of the outdoor bars where you can sip on your drink and take in the stunning views and breathtaking sunsets.

Discover our recent blog - Cruise Ship Entertainment - How to Plan Your Evening to find out more!

Family activities onboard MSC Cruises

With MSC Cruises there are plenty of stimulating activities onboard for children, including a fun-packed club at sea designed especially just for them. The clubroom contains a wide range of fun and games, so there’s never a dull moment for any child on an MSC Cruise. MSC staff will be on hand to entertain your children from 9 in the morning until 10 in the evening.

MSC Kids’ Clubs

Children are welcome to participate in the clubs and areas designed for their specific age range. The children are divided up into appropriate age groups to make sure they have the best time possible, with friends of similar ages.

• 3-6 years- Mini Club is aimed at children aged 3-6 years onboard all ships and on all cruises. The Mini Club Staff organise activities, shows and games (arts & crafts, baby dance, painting courses, treasure hunts, mini Olympics etc) which the children need no encouragement to participate in. Children under the age of 3 are able to attend Mini Club, but only when accompanied by a parent or guardian who must remain with the child at all times.
• 7-11 years- Junior Club is for kids aged 7-11 years, offering dedicated activities, sports, parties, games and shows. Here there are plenty of opportunities for kids to have fun and make friends while mum and dad relax elsewhere.
• - Young Club is for kids aged 12-14 years, offering sports tournaments, high-tech games and, a world of discovery and interaction. And of course there are plenty of opportunities for kids to make new friends.
• 15-17 years - Teen's Club is designed for young cruisers over 13 years of age. There are specialised entertainers to organise fun activities for teenagers such as treasure hunts, group 'missions', talent shows, the Virtual World Arcade, trivia and dance contests. There's even a newspaper in which they can write and draw about their preferred activities.
• Kid's Discos- After the day-time fun is finished, the evening parties for mini cruisers as well as the adults. Teens Club Live holds exciting events including music, live shows, and Latin and group dancing.
• Babysitting- babysitting services aboard MSC Cruises in the evening and during the day are available for a fee, which is payable onboard. Please consult with the MSC Cruises staff onboard for cost and availability – it is advised that you should book babysitting early on to avoid disappointment.

MSC Cruises & The LEGO Group

For the foreseeable future, you’ll be excited to learn that MSC Cruises has teamed up with The LEGO Group to bring bricktastic fun to its impressive fleet of ships. Colourful play areas onboard will keep any child entertained, with activities aimed at children ages 3-11, and team-based games will let everyone in the family get in on hte fun. Children ages 7-11 will also particularly love the LEGO Tech Experience on select MSC Cruises ships, where they can freely play all the latest LEGO video games on gaming platforms. On top of all this, the exciting LEGO Experience Onboard event is hosted once every cruise sailing; this is where there are special parades throughout the ship, LEGO-themed shows at the entertainment venues, and even the chance for younger guests to become Junior LEGO Master Builders!

MSC Cruises takes this one step further on MSC World America, though – which is set to sail in 2025. Elevating this partnership with The LEGO Group, MSC World America will feature a fully-themed LEGO Parade – a much larger offering than the parades on other MSC cruise ships – alongside the LEGO Family Zone and a new LEGO Family Game Show. With fun for all the family, these LEGO experiences will be bigger and more bricktastic aboard MSC World America – giving everyone to tap into their inner master builder with the colourful fun of LEGO.

MSC Food for Kids

Kids and families are well catered for on MSC Cruises ships with plenty of tasty options to choose from for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dedicated children's menus have been carefully curated so that mini cruisers can enjoy the international cuisine on offer. Fun Time Dinners and Generation Dinners for kids and teens are organised by the entertainment staff to give parents a bit of a break and the Happy Dinners scheme offers a speedy dining service which escorts kids to the Miniclub when they have finished eating. Find out more about MSC Cruises' childcare.

Where does MSC Cruises sail to?

MSC Cruises leaves no corner of our wonderful world unexplored when it comes to their incredible cruise itineraries; from MSC Cruises’ UK sailings to cruises to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Central America and South America, South Africa, and beyond, you can discover sensational destinations around the world in comfort and style.

As well as offering a selection of unmissable cruises from the UK, MSC Cruises’ sailings can also include flights from major UK airports like Gatwick, Heathrow, and Manchester. This makes exploring exciting places near and far even easier, and travelling to meet your cruise ship as stress-free as possible.

You’ll also find an incredible selection of different shore excursions available in those destinations you’ll be visiting with MSC Cruises’ incredible itineraries. Varying in duration and destination, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, regardless of your interests and preferences. From city tours and watersports to wildlife-spotting sessions and more, each cruise offers unforgettable excursions.

MSC Cruises’ sensational private island destination

What’s more, MSC Cruises actually has its own exclusive destination in the Bahamas: Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

One of the best cruise line private islands out there, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is an idyllic resort-style destination that invites you to connect with nature and relax in complete comfort, all while enjoying MSC Cruises’ signature service and attention to detail. It’s a stunning slice of paradise where you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to see and do. Featuring soft white sands and vibrant green palm trees, glistening lagoons and bright sunshine, this island boasts a laid-back environment where you can enjoy delicious cuisine and soak up the sunshine. However, if you’re not content with lounging about all day in the sunshine, though, the chance to snorkel and kayak awaits, among other watersports.

From late 2027, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will feature new and improved entertainment and dining environments, expanding the island resort’s offerings with fresh experiences and exciting amenities for everyone to enjoy. This includes a cruise ship pier that can accommodate two ships at once, an adults-only retreat called Paradise Sands, and Seakers Cove – a family-friendly lagoon featuring a kids’ playground, water-based ropes course, and more.

This upgrade isn’t just about new restaurants and splash zones, though; Shifting Perspective, a new MSC Foundation experience, is also set to be introduced in late 2027 alongside the existing Marine Conservation Centre. Joined by the development of Little Cay, a secondary private island resort adjacent to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, there’s a lot to look forward to from MSC Cruises’ upcoming Caribbean-bound cruises.

Spa and fitness

MSC Cruises like to make sure that their guests make the most out of their holiday experience, and what better way to do so that by taking advantage of the fantastic spa, beauty and fitness facilities available on every ship. Boasting the popular MSC Aurea Spa, Medi Spa Centers, a thermal area, beauty and hair salons and barber shops, every guest can leave feeling relaxed and pampered.

In addition, there are plenty of ways to stay fit and active. Whether you’re up for some competition with a five-a-side football match or a turn on the squash or tennis courts, or you’d rather have a more intensive workout at the well-equipped gym, there’s an exercise spot for everyone. If you’d prefer something a little more leisurely, there’s even a minigolf course and a power walking track where you can get in your daily steps while you take in the incredible ocean views.

Recreation

When it comes to activities out on deck, MSC Cruise ships have lots to offer. The swimming pools are always a popular choice for taking a refreshing dip or lounging about in the sun, while the waterpark is a winner amongst the younger guests. For thrill seekers, some ships even boast the Himalayan Bridge, an 80m sky walk suspended 60m over the sea, or even a zip line.

Inside the ship is just as fun as the decks, with everything from bowling, to cinemas to an arcade. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities such as clothes shops, an art gallery and duty free shops where you can pick up all your favourite brands at unbeatable prices.

MSC Yacht Club

Available on almost every ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet, MSC Yacht Club improves the remarkable experience on offer aboard these luxurious cruises even further with a host of additional benefits and services. With premium spacious suites available, attentive butler services available 24-hours a day, and exclusive access to venues designed solely for MSC Yacht Club guests, you’ll enjoy a truly elevated experience with MSC Yacht Club with MSC Cruises.

Of the many benefits you can enjoy, MSC Yacht Club also affords you complimentary refreshments in MSC Yacht Club venues, included Wi-Fi internet packages, and both discounts to spa treatments and unlimited access to the MSC Aurea Spa thermal suite. Although, if you book into an MSC Yacht Club suite with a private whirlpool hot tub, you might not necessarily need to take advantage of that!

For more, like details on MSC Yacht Club’s priority embarkation privileges or laundry benefits, check out our updated blog that answers this all-important question: Is MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club worth it?

MSC Suites

Upgrade your cruise holiday with MSC by treating yourself to a stay in one of their many suites. Whether you're travelling alone, as a family or on a romantic getaway with your partner, you're sure to find a room which perfectly matches the level of luxury you're looking for. Favourite suites include:

• Duplex Suite- split over 2 levels, guests will find a living area with a private veranda, boasting its own whirlpool, on the first level, and a spacious bedroom on level 2.
• Grand Suite- with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living area and balcony, this is the perfect option for a larger group travelling together.
• Royal Suite- featuring not only separate living and sleeping areas, but also a dining room and large balcony with a whirlpool, you'll forget you're at sea in the spacious Royal Suite.

MSC Voyager's Club

MSC guests also get exclusive member benefits and loyalty rewards by joining the MSC Voyagers Club after their first sailing. This scheme is ideal for anyone who loves cruising with MSC Cruises because the more you times you cruise, the more MSC Voyagers Club points you can accrue - which means more benefits to enjoy. Find out more on our blog - A Quick Guide to MSC Cruises’ Voyagers Club.

Alternatively, if you’ve never sailed with MSC Cruises before, but are a past passenger of other cruise lines, MSC offers an extra 5% discount on your first cruise as part of their MSC Status Match programme. This can be combined with many hotel loyalty schemes. (Terms and conditions apply.)

MSC For Me

MSC for Me is an innovative digital experience that can be enjoyed onboard MSC’s Meraviglia and Seaside Class ships. Fuelled by technology and inspired by people, MSC for Me provides guests with five services meticulously tailored to enhance the onboard experience.

MSC for Me features include:

• Navigation- Browse everything onboard and sail through the ship as well as the sea. Use the kid's locator to keep track of your family onboard.
• Concierge - Attention day or night, when you need it with an online booking service.
• Capture - Virtual and Augmented Reality. Preview excursions before you book. Stay connected with chat.
• Organiser - Book activities and manage your personal agenda onboard.
• TailorMade- A personal welcome created for you wherever you go.

Gratuities

When sailing with MSC Cruises, gratuities are included in the cruise fare. This means that there is no need to take the cost of tips into account when budgeting for your MSC Cruise.

Martha Stewart

Bringing guests closer to the most idyllic holiday imaginable, MSC Cruises have collaborated with beloved American homemaker, Martha Stewart. Martha has helped design some thrilling excursions, delicious onboard meals and some surprise gift packages. She says her partnership with MSC embodies the true celebratory nature of travel, exploration and discovery, offering passengers the chance to get closer to some glorious destinations in the Caribbean. Onshore experiences include tastings, cooking classes, ocean horse riding, garden tours, and lessons from local fishermen to name a few. Martha's additions are first available on MSC Seaside, and then MSC Armonia, MSC Divina, and MSC Meraviglia.

MSC Drinks Packages

MSC Cruises' drinks packages have something for all tastes, from non-alcoholic to alcoholic options. To find out more information about the drinks packages currently on offer, see our blog - A Guide to MSC Cruises Drinks Packages.

MSC Open Booking

MSC Cruises has a new Open Booking programme that’s available for guests sailing aboard its fleet. With this programme, you can book a future cruise whilst on your MSC getaway, without having to worry about committing to a particular itinerary, ship or sailing date.

To secure your next sailing, you can put down a deposit, which may be available at a reduced rate, whilst onboard your MSC sailing. You’ll then receive a certificate, stating that you’ll have 12 months to select a preferred sailing date for your future cruise.

A big benefit of using MSC Cruises’ new Open Booking programme is that all guests will receive onboard credit! This makes MSC one of the best cruise lines to book onboard with at the moment. If you book your future cruise within 60 days of booking it onboard, you’ll receive up to €200 onboard credit (per cabin). Although, this depends on when you book, what cruise you book, and the stateroom you've chosen.

The Open Booking programme also makes for a great gift for loved ones, as it can be used before the sail date or ship is chosen!

Further Reducing Emissions Across MSC Cruises’ Fleet

By 2026, MSC Cruises will see its fleet of ship’s emissions reduced by up to 15% – thanks to the introduction of a new itinerary planning tool, OptiCruise.

Developed alongside research company OPTIMeasy, this tool will be used to achieve the optimum efficiency while sailing by effectively planning the route of each itinerary, all while continuing to offer the same level of service and depth of destinations MSC Cruises’ itineraries currently offer.

Prototyped on MSC Bellissima over a 12-month period, this technology will be applied to upcoming itineraries across MSC Cruises’ fleet, with itinerary planning typically taking place roughly two years before a sailing. Another step towards MSC Cruises’ goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, this system will improve the operational efficiency of the cruise line as a whole by a significant amount and better-prepare it for future improvements.