MSC Cruises provides better-quality ingredients, almost all sourced in Europe, than some other major cruise lines. The cuisine is still mainstream – you’ll find butter in packets. However, at the self-serve buffets, salt and pepper are typically provided on each table, not in packets as on most rival cruise lines. Espresso and cappuccino (Segafredo brand Italian coffee) are available in the dining rooms, at extra cost, and in almost all bars.
Aboard the newest ships, MSC Cruises has introduced the Italian “slow food” concept. Always available items include spaghetti, chicken breast, salmon fillet, and vegetables of the day. Refreshingly, the company spotlights regional Italian cuisine and wine, so daily dining room menus feature food from regions such as Calabria, Piedmont, Lazio, Puglia, and Sicily.
All pizza dough is made on board, not brought from ashore, while risotto (featured daily) has become a signature item for MSC Cruises and something the ships make really well. Spaghetti is always available, with a tomato sauce freshly made each day. Many varieties of Italian breads such as bruschetta, focaccia, and panettone, are provided.
Alternative dining: The newest ships have an alternative specialty restaurant. Aboard MSC Opera and MSC Poesia, it is Kaito – an authentic Japanese restaurant with an extensive, outstanding menu. Aboard MSC Orchestra it is Shanghai, a Chinese restaurant with real wok cooking and dim sum. The quality is high, and it really is worth having at least one meal in these venues.
Room service: Continental breakfast is complimentary from 7.30 to 10am, while room service snacks can be bought at any other time. A basket of fruit is provided to all cabins at embarkation, and replenished daily for suite-grade accommodation.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2010
