MSC Cruises’ newest ship, MSC World Asia, is set to debut in December 2026. But before she officially begins sailing, a few details are being revealed by the cruise line, including complimentary dining options.
When it comes to cruising, it’s all about the details. And one of those details is understanding what is actually included in the price of the fare.
I’m a big fan of cruise ships offering greater selection in the food that is included. After all, no one wants to be nickeled-and-dimed every time they want to eat somewhere other than the buffet and main dining room.
When one of the more economical options for cruising starts offering more complimentary dining options than any other ship in the fleet, it’s time to pay attention.
More Included Options on the Ship
MSC Cruises is offering more variety with MSC World Asia. And much of this variety is included in the base fare.
MSC is packing this new World-class ship with a mix of main dining rooms, expansive buffets, and convenient grab-and-go venues spread out across the 216,000+ gross ton vessel.
MSC Cruises lists 20 dining venues overall on this ship. Of those, a solid number are free of charge for all guests.
Main Dining Rooms
The ship has several full-service main restaurants. Names include Hexagon (Esagono) La Foglia, Bubbles, and Les Dunes (the latter mainly for Aurea guests).
They share the same rotating dinner menus with Mediterranean dishes, Italian specialties, seafood, international options, and desserts.
- Bella and Fantastica guests get traditional assigned seatings.
- Aurea guests get flexible “My Choice” dining.
- Some rooms also open for breakfast on port days and brunch on sea days.
Buffets and Grab & Go
Two large buffet restaurants are available: Il Mercato and La Brasserie (sometimes called the Marketplace Buffet).
These run for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Late-night snacks continue until the early morning hours. Expect the usual mix of eggs, omelets, pancakes, waffles, pasta, pizza, salads, burgers, hot dogs, carvery items, and daily specials.
In addition, MSC has added a dedicated Buffet Grab & Go area near the buffets for passengers seeking quick, ready-to-eat bites between activities.
Casual and Grab-and-Go Spots
A few extra free options include:
- Aqua Food Market
Located on the Aqua Deck, this new food hall features five distinct food stalls serving customizable salads, loaded fries, pitas, sandwiches, and desserts in a poolside setting. - Luna Park Pizza & Burger
Open from late morning until around 2:00 AM. It serves pizza by the slice, burgers, hot dogs, fries, and desserts in a casual diner-style setting. - Promenade Bites
Located on the World Promenade. Afternoon hours typically cover hot dogs, sliders, popcorn, and sweets. - Harbour Bar & Bites
In the family area. Offers rotating grab-and-go snacks like wraps, empanadas, and cookies.
The New Pan-Asian Free Window
The biggest new free addition is the walk-up counter inside the Pan-Asian Street Food venue on the World Promenade.
The full sit-down restaurant and cocktail bar cost extra, but the on-the-go window serves complimentary street-food style bites during the day.
MSC mentions items such as crispy seafood balls and bao buns.
Yacht Club Guests
Passengers booked in the MSC Yacht Club get their own private restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a sundeck grill. Both are included with the Yacht Club experience.
Overall
MSC is clearly trying to give guests more places to eat without opening their wallets again. I for one am very excited to check them out.
Multiple main dining rooms, two buffets with long hours, late-night pizza and burgers, a few snack counters, and that new free Asian street-food window should not only give cruisers more options, but make the ship feel less crowded around dining times.
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