Your guide to dining and bars on MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises – continental dining and elegant style

Fairly Good

Included Dining

Specialty Restaurants

Bars & Lounges

Coffee & Desserts

Beverage Packages

Allergy & Diet Options

There is a certain rhythm to life at sea with MSC Cruises, and much of it revolves around food. The line’s Italian heritage is the golden thread running through its onboard dining, where fresh pasta, rich espresso, and Mediterranean flavours are celebrated daily.

From the grandeur of the main dining rooms to the theatre of its speciality restaurants, every meal feels like an event, blending European style with a warm, convivial atmosphere.

The experience is confident and distinctly continental. Dining rooms buzz with conversation, bars are places to see and be seen, and the food consistently delivers on freshness and flavour. It is a cruise line that understands the simple joy of a good meal, shared with good company.

Included dining

The main dining rooms on MSC ships are the heart of the culinary experience, offering classic, multi-course menus that change daily. Drawing inspiration from both Mediterranean and international cuisines, dinner might feature a delicate risotto, freshly grilled sea bass, or a perfectly cooked steak. The atmosphere is traditional yet lively, with attentive waiters navigating bustling tables.

For a more casual meal, the buffet restaurants are open almost around the clock, serving everything from breakfast pastries to late-night snacks. The variety is impressive. One station might offer pizza straight from the oven, another will have roast meats, and a third will be dedicated to salads and global dishes. While service can be brisk during peak hours, the food quality remains consistently high, making it a reliable and popular choice for families and those seeking flexibility.

Speciality dining

MSC’s speciality restaurants are where its culinary creativity comes to the fore, offering refined experiences that are well worth the supplement. At Butcher’s Cut, a classic American-style steakhouse, guests can enjoy premium cuts of beef paired with an excellent international wine list. For a taste of Asia, Kaito Teppanyaki provides an evening of entertainment and flavour, with skilled chefs cooking at live stations. The adjacent Kaito Sushi Bar offers a more tranquil setting for authentic, expertly prepared sushi and sashimi.

Adding a more playful, family-friendly dimension is Hola! Tacos and Cantina, a vibrant spot serving Mexican street food that is perfect for a relaxed lunch. For those with a sweet tooth, the partnership with famed pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury has resulted in the Chocolaterie and Café, a Parisian-style patisserie filled with exquisite handmade chocolates, macarons, and gelato. This diversity ensures that every evening offers a new culinary journey.

Bars and lounges

From the first cappuccino of the morning to the last cocktail of the night, the bar scene across the MSC fleet is truly world-class. Each venue has its own distinct personality. The sophisticated Champagne Bar is an elegant spot for a pre-dinner glass of prosecco, while the top-deck Sky Lounge offers panoramic sea views alongside expertly mixed drinks. For a more traditional atmosphere, the Masters of the Sea pub has the warm, familiar feel of a British local, complete with a wide selection of beers.

By day, the poolside bars are buzzing with energy, serving refreshing cocktails under the sun. In the evening, the central atrium bars, often framed by glittering Swarovski crystal staircases, become the perfect stage for people-watching over an Aperol Spritz. With live music often drifting from one venue to the next, the onboard atmosphere is effortlessly social and endlessly enjoyable.

Allergy and dietary options

MSC has made noticeable improvements in catering to dietary requirements, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available upon request in all its main dining venues. Given the international mix of crew and guests, however, communication can sometimes vary from ship to ship.

To ensure the smoothest experience, it is always best to notify the cruise line of any specific or severe allergies before sailing. While the staff are generally very accommodating and willing to help, guests with particularly complex needs may find it wise to double-check ingredient details with the maître d’ at the start of their cruise.