One of the most common questions first-time MSC cruisers have is simple: What food is actually included in the cruise fare?
The good news is that you can eat very well on an MSC cruise without spending anything extra on specialty dining. Every sailing includes access to the ship’s main dining rooms and buffet, along with additional complimentary options on some ships. Between full-service dinners, casual meals, snacks, pizza and late-night choices, there is enough included food to comfortably cover an entire cruise.
That said, exactly what is complimentary can vary by ship, and MSC also has a growing lineup of specialty restaurants that cost extra. In this guide, we’ll break down what dining is included on MSC Cruises, where you can find it and what you may still have to pay for.
Want more? Check out our MSC dining guide, plus guides on the buffet and Main Dining Room.
Quick Answer: What Food Is Included on MSC Cruises?
Complimentary dining on MSC Cruises generally means meals in the main dining rooms, the buffet and several other complimentary options throughout the ship. Those are the two dependable included dining options most guests should plan around, whether they are sailing Bella, Fantastica, Aurea, or Yacht Club.
There are a few important exceptions and details. Specialty restaurants cost extra. Room service depends on your experience level and what you order. Some newer ships also have additional included casual venues, but those are ship-specific rather than fleetwide. And on cruises departing from a U.S. homeport, MSC says the first entree, appetizers, and desserts in the main restaurants are complimentary, but ordering a second dish or more from specific dinner menu sections carries a $5 surcharge.
The simple way to think about it: your cruise fare covers plenty of food, but not every onboard food venue or every dining request is automatically free.
Main Dining Rooms: Included, With One U.S. Homeport Caveat
MSC’s main dining rooms are included in the cruise fare. These are the sit-down restaurants where guests have dinner service and, on many sailings, breakfast and lunch as well. For first-time MSC cruisers, the main dining room is usually the best place to start if you want a calmer meal, table service, and a more traditional cruise dining experience.
For U.S.-homeport sailings, there is one caveat worth mentioning early. Meals at the main restaurants are complimentary per guest, but guests who order a second dish or more from specific dinner menu sections are charged an additional $5. That does not mean your first entree costs extra, and it does not mean appetizers or desserts suddenly become paid items. It is a narrow surcharge for extra dinner dishes in certain sections.
Dining times can also vary. MSC still offers assigned seating, and Aurea guests receive My Choice dining. MSC’s U.S. site also describes Dine on Your Time for Bella and Fantastica guests on MSC Seashore and MSC Seaside, subject to availability. Do not treat that as a fleetwide guarantee. If flexible dinner timing matters to you, confirm what is available for your ship and sailing before you book.
The Buffet and Included Casual Food
The buffet is included and is the easiest complimentary option when you want speed, flexibility, or a casual meal. The buffet is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks, with stations such as carvery, pasta, daily specials, wellness options, ethnic dishes, and desserts. The exact layout, station names, hours, and crowding will vary by ship and itinerary.
Expect the buffet to be busy on sea days and before early port calls. That does not make it a bad option; it just means timing matters. If you want a quick meal before an excursion, give yourself a little buffer. If you want a quieter meal, the main dining room or visiting alternate places serving breakfast can be a better bet when they are open.
Some newer MSC ships have extra included casual venues beyond the basic main dining room and buffet setup. MSC Seashore, for example, is currently promoted with complimentary casual spots such as The Chicken Man and Red Cactus BBQ & Ribs. This is a new concept for MSC and we expect it to be rolled out to more ships as time goes on.
Is Room Service Included on MSC?
Room service is the part of MSC complimentary dining where experience level matters most. In-cabin breakfast is served from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. except on disembarkation day. It is included for Fantastica, Aurea, and Yacht Club guests, while Bella guests pay a delivery fee of around $5 for North American sailings.
There is, however, a distinction between delivery and food pricing. Fantastica and Aurea list free continental breakfast delivery and 24-hour room-service delivery, but MSC notes that food items may still be priced individually. In other words, free delivery does not always mean every room-service menu item is free. But for the basic continental breakfast, the cost is included.
If room service matters to you, check the current menu and your experience benefits before ordering. Use our MSC room-service guide for a deeper breakdown.
What Costs Extra?
The biggest paid category is specialty dining. MSC’s specialty restaurants, dining packages, upgraded menu items, premium desserts, specialty coffee, bottled or alcoholic drinks, and some room-service food items may cost extra.
For a first-timer, the useful distinction is this: main dining room and buffet meals are the core included food. Specialty restaurants are paid experiences. Room service depends on experience level and menu item. Ship-specific casual venues need ship-by-ship confirmation – we offer guides for each ship to cover your options.
Special Diets and Allergies
Vegetarian and vegan dishes are incorporated into main restaurant menus and buffet offerings. It also says gluten-free meals are available in main restaurants on most ships, while some older ships may have more limited pre-packaged gluten-free options. Kosher meals may be available for an additional daily charge and generally need to be booked at least 30 days before departure.
Guests with allergies or food intolerances should not rely on the buffet as the safest option if cross-contamination could cause issues. MSC says it can better control special meals in the main restaurants and cannot guarantee no cross-contamination at the buffet. The practical recommendation is to submit MSC’s required special-needs information before sailing, then confirm your needs onboard with Guest Services and the maitre d’. Check out our Specialty Menu Dining Guide for more info.
Best Strategy for First-Time MSC Cruisers
Try a mix of included dining options early in the cruise. Use the main dining room when you want a slower dinner, table service, or more support for dietary needs. Use the buffet when you want speed, casual variety, or flexible timing. If your ship has included casual venues, try them for lunch or a quick bite, but confirm they are included on your specific ship.
Do not assume the most convenient option is always free. Before ordering room service, extra dinner entrees, specialty dining, or anything that looks like an upgraded menu item, check the app, menu, or onboard signage. A few seconds of checking can avoid the small charges that surprise people later.
FAQs
Is the buffet free on MSC Cruises?
Yes. MSC’s buffet is part of the complimentary dining setup and is available for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks, though hours and stations vary by ship and sailing.
Is the main dining room free on MSC Cruises?
Yes. Main dining room meals are included. On U.S.-homeport sailings, MSC currently lists a $5 surcharge if a guest orders a second dish or more from specific dinner menu sections.
Is room service free on MSC Cruises?
It depends. Continental breakfast delivery is included for Fantastica, Aurea, and Yacht Club guests, while Bella guests in North America should expect a $5 delivery fee. Some room-service food items may still be priced individually.
Are specialty restaurants included on MSC?
No. Specialty restaurants are generally extra-cost venues or part of paid dining packages.
Do all MSC ships have the same free casual restaurants?
No. Main dining rooms and buffet are the fleetwide baseline. Some newer ships have additional complimentary casual venues, but those examples vary by ship.
For broader planning, start with the MSC Dining Guide, then use the detailed buffet, main dining room, room service, dining package, and specialty dining guides when you need menus or ship-by-ship detail.