What meals come with your MSC cruise ticket

Your MSC cruise ticket includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main dining room at no extra cost. You also get access to the buffet restaurant, which serves multiple meals throughout the day. Coffee, tea, and tap water are free at all times. Soft drinks, alcohol, specialty coffees, and bottled water cost extra and are charged to your cabin account.

The main dining room operates on a fixed schedule — typically dinner at one assigned time each evening, though some ships now offer flexible dining where you choose your time. Breakfast and lunch in the main dining room are usually open seating, meaning you can arrive during the service window and sit where you like. The buffet stays open from early morning through late evening, so you can eat on your own schedule.

Specialty restaurants on the ship — places with names like Eataly, Butcher's Cut, or the Asian fusion venue — charge a cover fee per person, usually between $15 and $35 depending on the restaurant and the ship. These are optional; you are not required to eat there.

Key Takeaways

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main dining room and buffet are included in your ticket price with no surcharge.
  • Specialty restaurants on the ship charge a separate fee per person that you pay when you dine there or book in advance.
  • Soft drinks, alcohol, bottled water, and premium coffee drinks are not included and are billed to your cabin account daily.
  • Room service breakfast is free, but room service lunch and dinner carry a charge unless you have a beverage package.
  • You can purchase a beverage package before your cruise that covers drinks for the entire voyage at a flat rate.

Beverage packages and what they cover

MSC offers several drink packages you can buy before boarding or during your cruise. The most common is the Classic Beverage Package, which covers soft drinks, beer, wine, and spirits at all bars and restaurants. Prices vary by cruise length and ship, but typically run $15 to $20 per person per day for a week-long cruise. A Premium Beverage Package adds specialty cocktails and top-shelf spirits and costs more.

If you do not buy a package, you pay per drink — usually $7 to $12 for a cocktail or glass of wine, $5 to $8 for beer, and $3 to $5 for a soft drink. These charges appear on your final bill when you leave the ship. Many families find a beverage package worth the cost if they plan to drink regularly; others skip it and order selectively.

Specialty coffee drinks — cappuccino, latte, espresso — are not covered by any beverage package. You buy these at the coffee bar for $4 to $6 each. Regular drip coffee and tea remain free.

Room service and in-cabin dining

MSC provides a free room service breakfast menu that you can order the night before or request in the morning. You receive it in your cabin at no charge. Lunch and dinner room service are not free; you pay a per-item charge unless you hold a beverage package that includes room service (some premium packages do).

If you are ill or have mobility issues, speak to guest services about room service options — some situations may have access to for complimentary meals in your cabin, but you need to request this and explain your circumstances.

Specialty dining fees and how to book

Each specialty restaurant charges a cover fee that you pay per visit. MSC publishes these fees in your pre-cruise paperwork and on the ship's daily program. You can book a table in advance through the MSC website before you sail, or you can walk in during your cruise and ask the maître d' if a table is available. Booking ahead guarantees your spot, especially on busy nights.

Some specialty restaurants require advance payment when you book; others charge you when you arrive. Check your confirmation email to see which applies. If you change your mind, cancellation policies vary — some allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before, others charge a fee. Read the terms when you book.

Dining packages and all-inclusive options

MSC does not offer an all-inclusive dining package that covers specialty restaurants, but you can purchase a Dining Package that gives you a set number of specialty restaurant visits (usually 3, 5, or 7 dinners) at a discounted rate compared to paying per visit. These packages must be bought before your cruise and are non-refundable.

A dining package is worth considering if you know you want to try multiple specialty restaurants. If you are unsure, skip it and decide once you are on the ship — you can always book a specialty restaurant at full price if you change your mind.

What to know about kids' meals and dietary needs

Children eat free in the main dining room and buffet, just like adults. The buffet and main dining room both offer kids' menus with familiar options. If your child has a food allergy or follows a specific diet (vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal, gluten-free), inform MSC when you book your cruise. The ship's kitchen can accommodate most dietary requests at no extra cost in the main dining room and buffet.

Specialty restaurants can also accommodate dietary needs, but you must mention this when you book the restaurant. Give the ship advance notice so the kitchen has time to prepare.

Tipping and gratuities at meals

MSC automatically adds a gratuity to your account — typically $15 per person per day for standard cabins, higher for suites. This covers dining room staff, buffet attendants, and cabin service. You can adjust this amount at guest services if you feel it is too high or too low, or you can add extra cash tips directly to your server if you prefer.

Gratuities are separate from the cost of specialty restaurants. When you dine in a specialty restaurant, the cover fee does not include a tip — you add that yourself, either in cash or by signing the bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat in the buffet every day instead of the main dining room?

Yes. The buffet is open throughout the day and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Many cruisers prefer the buffet because they can eat on their own schedule and choose from a wider variety. There is no penalty for skipping the main dining room.

What happens if I do not want to pay for drinks?

You can drink tap water, coffee, and tea at no cost. If you want soft drinks or alcohol, you either buy them per drink or purchase a beverage package. There is no obligation to buy either.

Are there restaurants on the ship that are not included?

Yes. Specialty restaurants charge a cover fee. The main dining room and buffet are the only full-service restaurants included with your ticket. Casual cafés and pizza stands are also free.

Can I book a specialty restaurant if I have a food allergy?

Yes. When you book the specialty restaurant, mention your allergy. Contact the ship before you sail to confirm the kitchen received your request and can accommodate you safely.

Do I have to eat dinner at the assigned time in the main dining room?

No. You can eat in the buffet or main dining room at any time during service hours, or you can skip dinner entirely. The assigned time is only if you prefer a reserved table with the same server each night.