Dreaming of a cruise where you can eat to your heart’s content while exploring stunning destinations? With MSC Cruises, that dream can become a reality! Known for its distinctive Mediterranean flair, vibrant onboard atmosphere, and diverse itinerary options, MSC Cruises offers a compelling vacation choice for couples, families, and solo travelers alike. However, understanding what culinary delights are included in your base fare and which require an additional investment is crucial for crafting a seamless and satisfying cruise experience.
This comprehensive guide will delve into the world of MSC Cruises dining, providing a clear and detailed overview of the included food options, specialty dining venues, beverage policies, and tips for maximizing your onboard dining budget. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser, a seasoned traveler seeking a budget-conscious getaway, or simply curious about the culinary landscape of MSC Cruises, this article will equip you with the knowledge you need to plan your perfect voyage.
Included Dining Options on MSC Cruises: The Complimentary Food Scene
One of the most appealing aspects of cruising is the abundance of food available throughout the day. MSC Cruises offers a range of complimentary dining options, ensuring that you’ll never go hungry and that there’s something to satisfy every palate. These options are included in the price of your cruise fare, allowing you to indulge without incurring additional charges.
The Main Dining Room
The main dining room experience is a cornerstone of traditional cruising. MSC Cruises main dining rooms exude elegance and sophistication, offering a more formal dining setting compared to the buffet. Expect attentive service, crisp linens, and a carefully curated menu that changes daily.
There are typically two dining options available: set seating times, where you’ll dine at the same table with the same companions each evening, and “My Choice” dining (also known as flexible dining), which allows you to choose your preferred dining time within a designated window. My Choice dining provides greater flexibility for those who prefer to dine at their own pace.
The menu in the main dining room is a multi-course affair, typically consisting of appetizers, soups, salads, main entrees, and desserts. You can expect a diverse range of cuisines, from classic Italian dishes to international favorites. Daily specials showcase regional flavors and seasonal ingredients. Dedicated vegetarian and vegan options are usually available, and the culinary team can often accommodate other dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, low-sodium, or allergy-related needs. It’s always advisable to inform MSC Cruises of any specific dietary requirements well in advance of your cruise to ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.
The main dining room is typically open for breakfast, lunch (on sea days), and dinner. Operating hours can vary slightly depending on the itinerary and ship, so it’s best to consult the daily program or the MSC Cruises app for the most accurate information.
The Buffet Restaurant
For a more casual and relaxed dining experience, the buffet restaurant is an excellent choice. MSC Cruises buffet restaurants are sprawling affairs, offering a vast selection of dishes in a self-service setting. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and often featuring late-night snacks, the buffet is a convenient option for quick meals and satisfying cravings.
The variety of food on offer is truly impressive. You’ll find everything from fresh salads and vibrant vegetable dishes to hot entrees, carving stations with succulent roasted meats, pasta bars with freshly made sauces, and a tempting array of desserts. International flavors are prominently featured, with themed nights showcasing cuisines from around the world.
The buffet is also a great option for families with children or picky eaters. There are usually dedicated sections with kid-friendly favorites like pizza, pasta, chicken nuggets, and french fries. The casual atmosphere and wide selection make it easy to find something that everyone will enjoy.
Buffet restaurants typically have extended hours of operation, making them a convenient option for early risers, late-night snackers, and those who prefer a more informal dining setting. Check the daily program for specific hours of operation on your particular cruise.
Included Casual Dining
In addition to the main dining room and the buffet, some MSC Cruises ships may offer other included casual dining options. These can vary depending on the ship and itinerary, but may include options such as pizza stations by the pool, burger bars, or dedicated snack areas.
For example, on some ships, you might find a dedicated pizza station where you can grab a freshly baked slice of pizza while lounging by the pool. Other ships may offer a burger bar serving up juicy burgers and crispy fries. Be sure to explore the ship and consult the daily program to discover all of the included casual dining options available on your cruise.
Specialty Dining Options: The Extra Cost Experience
While the included dining options on MSC Cruises offer a satisfying and diverse culinary experience, the cruise line also boasts a range of specialty restaurants that offer unique cuisines and elevated dining experiences. These restaurants are not included in the base fare and require reservations and an additional charge.
Specialty restaurants provide an opportunity to indulge in gourmet dining and experience a wider range of culinary styles. From succulent steakhouses to authentic sushi bars, there’s a specialty restaurant to suit every taste.
Examples of Common Specialty Restaurants on MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises offers a variety of specialty restaurants, and the specific options available can vary depending on the ship. Here are a few examples of common specialty restaurants you might find on an MSC Cruises voyage:
Butcher’s Cut: A classic American steakhouse serving up premium cuts of beef, grilled to perfection. Expect a sophisticated atmosphere and an extensive wine list.
Kaito Sushi Bar & Teppanyaki: Experience the art of sushi making at the Kaito Sushi Bar, or enjoy a lively teppanyaki performance as skilled chefs prepare your meal right before your eyes.
Hola! Tacos & Cantina: Indulge in authentic Mexican flavors at Hola! Tacos & Cantina, serving up a variety of tacos, burritos, and other Mexican specialties. Enjoy a festive atmosphere and a selection of margaritas and other Mexican cocktails.
Other specialty restaurants may include French bistros, seafood restaurants, and Italian trattorias.
How to Make Reservations and Pricing
Reservations for specialty restaurants are highly recommended, as they tend to fill up quickly. You can make reservations online through the MSC Cruises website or app, or you can contact the guest services desk once you’re onboard.
The cost of dining at a specialty restaurant typically ranges from \$20 to \$50 per person, depending on the restaurant and the menu. MSC Cruises often offers dining packages that allow you to save money on specialty dining. These packages typically include a certain number of specialty dining meals at a discounted price.
Drinks and Beverages: The Crucial Question of What’s Included
Understanding the beverage policy on MSC Cruises is essential for managing your onboard expenses. While certain beverages are included in the base fare, most alcoholic beverages and specialty non-alcoholic drinks require an additional purchase.
Included Drinks
The beverages typically included in the base fare are water, coffee, tea, and juice (usually only during breakfast in the buffet). These options are readily available in the main dining room and buffet restaurant.
Drinks Packages
MSC Cruises offers a variety of drinks packages to suit different preferences and budgets. These packages allow you to enjoy a wide range of beverages without having to pay for each drink individually. Common drinks packages include:
Easy Package: Includes a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, such as house wine, beer, selected cocktails, and soft drinks.
Easy Plus Package: Offers a wider selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including premium brands and frozen cocktails.
Premium Package: Includes an even more extensive selection of beverages, including top-shelf spirits, premium wines, and specialty coffees.
Premium Plus Package: The most comprehensive drinks package, offering unlimited access to almost all beverages onboard.
Purchasing a drinks package can be a cost-effective option if you plan to consume alcohol or specialty beverages regularly.
Paying for Drinks A La Carte
If you don’t purchase a drinks package, you’ll need to pay for each drink individually. The price of drinks can vary depending on the beverage and the venue. Cocktails typically range from \$8 to \$15, while beer and wine are usually priced between \$6 and \$12. Soda and other non-alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase.
Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
MSC Cruises is committed to accommodating guests with food allergies and dietary restrictions. It’s essential to notify MSC Cruises of any specific dietary needs well in advance of your cruise. You can do this by completing the online form on the MSC Cruises website or by contacting customer service.
Once onboard, be sure to communicate your dietary needs to the dining staff. They can help you navigate the menus and ensure that your meals are prepared safely.
Tips for Budget-Conscious Dining on MSC Cruises
Maximize included dining options: Explore the main dining room menu each night and take advantage of the variety of food offered in the buffet.
Consider a drinks package if you plan to consume alcohol or specialty beverages regularly.
Look for special dining promotions or discounts offered onboard.
Plan ahead and make reservations for specialty dining in advance to secure your preferred times and potentially get better deals.
Avoid impulse purchases of snacks and drinks throughout the day.
Conclusion
MSC Cruises offers a diverse and satisfying culinary experience, with a range of included dining options and specialty restaurants to suit every taste and budget. By understanding the cruise line’s dining policies and planning ahead, you can enjoy a delicious and memorable cruise vacation. Whether you’re savoring a multi-course meal in the main dining room, indulging in a casual buffet feast, or exploring the flavors of a specialty restaurant, MSC Cruises has something to delight every palate. Ready to set sail and savor the flavors of MSC Cruises?
