msc ocean cay yacht club menu

MSC Ocean Cay Restaurant Menu & Review

Ocean Cay is the premium seafood restaurant on MSC Cruise ships with an extensive menu focused on preparation methods often found in Italy & the Mediterranean region. The food, while fresh, will likely be a little unusual for the American market. For example, finding a Squid Ragout or Grilled Octopus on a menu in America won’t be common.

For those who aren’t experimental eaters, there are seafood staples that will appeal to most, such as Lump Crab Cake, Clams, and Seared Tuna.

The Atmosphere & Service

The restaurant is simple, yet well done with a fresh nautical theme. Upon entering, especially on the MSC Meraviglia , is quite confusing. For some reason, MSC has decided to put the general reservation desk within the Ocean Cay restaurant. When you enter to get your reserved table, you end up standing around among others just looking to book tables at all restaurants on board.

After a few minutes, we sought out someone working within the restaurant and let them know we were there for a reservation time (which had long passed while waiting around with other passengers just wanting to make or change reservations). We were then immediately seated.

Don’t Wait Around in Line

The entry to the restaurant also contains the general reservations desk. You may find yourself waiting around for no reason without realizing it’s not necessary. Bypass these people and tell someone you’re there for your reserved time.

Once seated, the server presented a menu in a timely manner and proceeded to explain the various entrees and spent an unfortunate amount of time explaining how the “Dining Experience” menu was more limited and how we could choose other items on the menu for a discount, should they not be included in the “Dining Experience”.

The Experience

All of the explaining about the menus and packages detracted from the overall experience since it started to feel like an exercise in math and economics.

Once everyone got through the confusion of the menu, dining package, beverage package, etc – everything was smooth and the service was friendly and attentive.

Since we had the dining package credit to use, we naturally felt compelled to select from that limited menu, and nothing else on the main menu seemed of particular value even at half off (which you get if you swap an item from the fixed dining experience menu). The Appetizers were the hit of the whole menu with the lump crab cake and tuna tartare being perfect (albeit in small portions). The main courses were a bit of a disappointment. The choices were extremely limited and what we did get was not prepared well. For example, the Sesame seared tuna sounded great but when it arrived, the Sesame seeds overpowered every other flavor. The tuna was seared and rare as expected but felt like it was pre-done and not done to order and the quality of the fish wasn’t what you’d expect in a finer dining establishment serving the same meal. Desserts were good, as usual throughout the ship.

Unfortunately, the wine choices that fit within the “easy plus” package were limited and trying to get a cocktail, even a simple gin and tonic was like trying to move heaven and earth.

In the end, we felt like the limited dining options for the pre-set experience menu, the brain damage of the drinks, and substitution costs mixed with the average at best quality didn’t make Ocean Cay stand out or worth using a premium dining credit on. However, if you have the unlimited dining package, mix up your dining and definitely give it a try.

Ocean Cay Menu With Wine Options

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Sad choices for $100+ per- person…spending $250 for fish dinner is not what we expected. Will use our pre -pais dinning in steakhouse

I just booked a 4 dining experience package on MSC Seashore for this October. Assuming that Ocean Cay is one of our 4 choices, I sure hope that MSC will allow my wife to select a non seafood option as she doesn’t eat any fish.

Hi Richard, My recollection is there were no good options for non-seafood dishes, HOWEVER, if you ask for something as a “vegetarian”, they’ll leave the fish out… so that should give you an option or two for some pasta dishes!

Looking at the Ocean Cay Restaurant before cruising in September. I have never seen a restaurant that doesn’t serve red wine ? Did I miss the list ?

You make a good point! I don’t recall seeing red on the menu but looking at it, it’s clearly not there. Thought I was able to order drinks from the bar, so I’d assume you could order a glass of red that’s found at the bars on the ship and have it delivered.

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• MSC Cruises

MSC Seashore Yacht Club Dining Menus, Ocean Cay, Drink and Coffee Menus

By WirelessRoute , May 29, 2022 in MSC Cruises

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WirelessRoute

I was searching for various menus prior to leaving for the cruise and had hard time finding them.

Attached are various menus that downloaded from the scan bar codes at dining, bars and ocean cay from May 21st 2022 cruise on Seashore.

Hope it helps anyone that curious like me and wanted to see various menus in advance.

QR_OCP_OCEAN-HOUSE_OTHER_DAYX_EN_1653663179.pdf

QR_V_YC-BAR-LIST_OTHER_DAYX_EN_1653522292.pdf

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More Menus Drinks and Coffee

Msc Yacht Club Drink Menu.pdf Seashore Brooklyn Cafe COFFEE-AND-BAR-LIST.pdf Seshore_SPORTS-BAR-LIST.pdf The-WINE-CELLAR-LIST.pdf Yacht-Club-OCEAN-HOUSE-Ocean_Cay_Menu.pdf Yacht-Club-ROOM-SERVICE-Menu.pdf

YC Breakfast Menu's

Stayed the Same for the whole cruise.

YC_BREAKFAST.pdf

YC Lunch Menu's

YC_LUNCH_DAY2.pdf YC_LUNCH_DAY5.pdf YC_LUNCH_DAY6.pdf

YC Dinner Menu's

We requested Indian food several nights in addition to trying items off the YC dining menu. We have done this on many cruises with various cruise lines before as many of the chefs are either Indian or very good at cooking Indian food. We got a lot of curious stares but the Indian food was fantastic! Would not hesitate to ask for it.

YC_DINNER_DAY2.pdf YC_DINNER_DAY4.pdf YC_DINNER_DAY5.pdf YC_DINNER_DAY6.pdf YC_DINNER_DAY7.pdf

Many thanks for you doing this!  

Two Wheels Only

Thanks.   🥂

Seadweller001

On our April cruise we had some amazing cooked to order Indian dinners.  They cannot do enough to please guests in the YC.

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I tried a ship-within-a-ship cruise experience and it was worth it for the endless perks—here’s why

The MSC Yacht Club affords travelers a totally different cruising experience, but you’ll have to splurge.

I heard tales of luxury from people about the ritzy MSC Yacht Club , the ship-within-a-ship concept where discerning passengers enjoy their own area of the cruise ship that includes a dedicated restaurant, private lounge, separate pool and sundeck as well as private butlers and concierges to take of any whim while cruising. The elevated Yacht Club boasts priority everything while sailing MSC.

I sailed on a four-night cruise on the new MSC Seashore, a glitzy ship with Italian flair intermingled with references to New York City at every turn. Although the ship was well-appointed and had amazing dining, drinking and entertainment venues, and a bountiful Top Sail main buffet, thousands of passengers made the ship feel crowded at times, elevators were slow, and as I strolled through the general pools, they were boisterous and crowded.

RECOMMENDED: 10 things about cruising on an adults-only ship that might surprise you

Switch gears to MSC Seashore’s Yacht Club, passkey-protected for lucky guests, and is a 180 from the ship’s general spaces. Once you scan your handy Yacht Club wrist badge, or your room key, you’re instantly given entrance to a breathtaking retreat of 131 staterooms and suites. All this luxury does come at a price. Cruise fares will vary based on destination, time of year, and cabin category, but generally speaking you can expect to pay double for the Yacht Club. And from my experience, it’s worth it. Read more about why you should splurge.

You’re fast-tracked through everything

The Yacht Club’s exclusivity and impeccable service standard started from the moment I got dropped off at the Port Canaveral cruise terminal. There were hundreds of people waiting to board at 1pm on embarkation day. I saw in the distance a canopy that said MSC Yacht Club. My husband and I wheeled our carry-on luggage to the representative under the canopy. I gave her my name and within two seconds, she gave me a sticker to wear and up we ascended on the escalator to check in. Just five minutes later, I was directed to the dedicated check-in area for Yacht Club guests. To my right, I saw about 1,000 people serpentine through ropes to do general check-in. I felt a sense of relief; who wants to wait in that line? Five minutes later, a butler from the Yacht Club insisted on wheeling my luggage to board the ship and I was in my room in a total on 12 minutes from the time I stepped foot out of the car to my stateroom in the Yacht Club.

Relaxing and streamlined

In addition, Yacht Club guests have the freedom to get off the ship first for excursions. Your butler will happily escort you off the ship with a smile. Guests also can disembark on the last morning first, which is a big convenience. Your butler walks you right to the place you disembark, bypassing crowds and hassles. Port Canaveral is about an hour away from Orlando International Airport, and we took a 10 am flight home. We didn’t have to linger around until the afternoon for our flight home.

Another perk is that there’s a special seating area in the theater for shows. All the shows were excellent during my voyage. All other ship passengers have to make reservations in advance for shows but that’s not the case for the privileged Yacht Club passengers. As long as you arrive about 10 minutes before any show you choose, a crew member from the Club will allow you entry into a special roped-off section. Again, no rushing through dinner—you have the flexibility to plan your evenings your way.

Your Yacht Club package is packed with remarkable value

The price tag may sound daunting, but there’s lots of value there. All Yacht Club cabins and suites include a premium drink package that covers beverages up to $15. You can use this perk both in the Yacht Club and throughout the ship. In addition, your package includes a two-device Wi-Fi package, which worked well during my sailing. Finally, you get access to the thermal spa suite, which is a place to indulge after a day in port or a sea day. Commonly, there’s a taboo regarding mini-bars, but not in the Yacht Club. It’s stocked each day with the beverages you want; just tell your butler and consider it done.

You get perks ashore too

If your sailing includes a call to Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island, Yacht Club guests get an elevated experience there too. Yacht Club guests enjoy a private area, and a dedicated restaurant called the Ocean House. While other ship guests were hosted to a buffet of predictable fare, I enjoyed a lobster roll, and my husband chose carne asada. In my opinion, one thing that could be improved was the tram service to the Yacht Club’s private area. We were told the last tram back was 3:30pm if we didn’t want to trek a 15-minute walk in the heat. Since we were docked in Ocean Cay for the evening and weren’t sailing, I was a bit dismayed by this logistical quirk. I felt like I was keeping an eye on my phone to make sure I didn’t miss the last tram.

You have private areas with curated food and drink and outdoor spaces

Within the Yacht Club complex, there’s the Yacht Club Restaurant, Top Sail Lounge and the One Pool Buffet, which are all exclusive to Yacht Club guests. Obviously, the food and service are steps above other dining venues of the ship, I can vouch for that. Although the food is delicious, if you don’t want to pay extra to dine at the specialty restaurants or fuss in the main buffet, eating three meals a day in the Yacht Club restaurant can get a bit monotonous. The breakfast is the same daily, and lunch and dinner offer a menu with daily specials plus a few standby selections like a hamburger or pasta each day. Although the Yacht Club Restaurant concept is desirable, I would strongly suggest dining in other venues on board, especially for dinner. I thoroughly enjoyed specialty dining in Ocean Cay Restaurant, Butcher’s Cut, and Kaito Teppanyaki. I also want to mention that late afternoon high tea is offered daily at the Yacht Club Restaurant. It was one of the nicest I have experienced at sea.

Also available exclusively to Yacht Club passengers is the Top Sail Lounge, which offers panoramic water views and has chef-curated selections from morning through late night. We enjoyed popping into the lounge at all hours to try finger foods and sweets. The One Pool Buffet offers a more casual option for breakfast and lunch by the pool. The buffet has grilled fish, sandwiches and lots of delicious options if you want to dine outside.

There’s also an exclusive area with a private pool and two whirlpools for Yacht Club guests only. The sun deck loungers are very comfortable and I never had to worry about finding a lounger, there are ample. One issue I had was that there was almost no shade on the sun deck; there were shaded day beds for Royal Suite and Owners Suite guests, but beyond those, I couldn’t find any shade, which was disappointing.

You can justify the price at the end of your cruise

Overall, the best way to explain my enthusiasm for my MSC Yacht Club experience is this: it’s better to book an interior stateroom in the Yacht Club than a luxe cabin outside the Yacht Club. It’s worth the splurge and you return home feeling truly pampered and it’s money well-spent. And I make this prediction: Once you try a ship-within-a-ship concept like the MSC Yacht Club, you won’t want cruise any other way. Bon Voyage!

• Erica Lamberg

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Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve: Everything you need to know

Editor's Note

If you're looking for waterslides and zip lines, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is not the private island playground you've been seeking. But if a relaxing day of lounging in the sand and floating on the waves, perhaps with an hour or two of snorkeling or paddleboarding, is what the doctor ordered, MSC Cruises' newest destination might be your new favorite cruise port.

MSC Cruises transformed a former sand extraction site, surrounded by damaged reefs and full of industrial rubbish, into an idyllic beach destination that the line hopes will be the poster child for coral restoration. It planted thousands of plants and trees and created a coral nursery on the island's east side. MSC has partnered with the Bahamian government to designate the 64 square miles of waters around Ocean Cay as an official marine reserve.

Ocean Cay is technically two tiny islands connected by a footbridge. In the middle is a sheltered lagoon. Beachgoers can choose from numerous oceanside or lagoon-facing beaches, each with its own vibe. Bars and food trucks are scattered throughout the island, and visitors can book water-based tours or rent water sports equipment.

There's plenty of space for everyone but very little shade. Ships dock right at the island, so passengers can walk off the ship whenever they're ready for their time in the sun.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Got an upcoming trip to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve? Here's everything you need to know to plan your beach day.

Note: Prices for activities and rentals can vary based on sail date and whether they're booked pre-cruise, on board or onshore.

Where is Ocean Cay?

Ocean Cay is a manmade island in the Bahamas, about 20 miles south of Bimini and 65 miles southeast of Miami. It is closer to Florida than many other cruise line private islands and beaches, such as Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay or Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay .

The island's proximity to the Florida cruise ports means that MSC Cruises ships can stay in port late into the night and still make it back to the U.S. first thing in the morning.

Related: Bahamas cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Which cruise ships go there?

Only MSC Cruises ships visit Ocean Cay. Usually, they are the ships based year-round or seasonally in the U.S., sailing Bahamas and Caribbean cruises. Occasionally, another ship on a repositioning cruise might pay a visit.

Ships visiting Ocean Cay through 2025 include:

• MSC Magnifica
• MSC Meraviglia
• MSC Seascape
• MSC Seashore
• MSC Seaside
• MSC World America

Sister cruise line Explora Journey's Explora 1 will also make a few stops at Ocean Cay.

How do you get to and around Ocean Cay?

Ships dock right at Ocean Cay's pier, so passengers can walk off the ship via the gangway instead of taking a tender boat. This makes it quicker and easier to go back and forth from the ship to the island.

Pathways take you from the pier, through the Ocean Cay Village (with its shops and bars), to the various beaches. From the pier to the farthest spot on the island is a 20-minute walk. An electric tram service also picks up passengers at designated stops (most with shaded seating areas) and takes them to the various beaches around the island. This way, you're not forced to walk if you can't or don't want to.

What are the MSC Ocean Cay beaches?

The main thing to do on Ocean Cay is to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. Visitors can choose to spend time in the protected waters of the lagoon or on a beach that fronts the ocean. In one area, the lagoon's floor is covered in plant life, so you might not want to wade but rather swim over.

Sunset, Bimini and Paradise Sands beaches do not have lifeguards stationed along the beach like the other beaches do and are marked as such; however, lifeguards on jet skis do patrol the waters near these swimming areas.

Some beaches are more chill, while others have entertainment or water sports. All are close to food trucks offering complimentary burgers, hot dogs and fries, as well as bars. But if you want convenient access to the full lunch buffet, you'll want to hang out on South Beach near Seakers Food Court.

Floating beach mats and shade umbrellas are available for rent. It's cheaper to rent them in advance versus on the island. The current onboard price is $15 per umbrella rental or floating beach mat.

Pick them up at designated rental stations on the island (including the umbrellas, which you'll have to carry to the beach and set up yourself). Note that only South and North Beach have preset umbrella stands for placing your rental umbrella. Free umbrellas are already set up at Lighthouse Bay.

Ocean Cay's eight beaches include:

South Beach

The closer, longer lagoon-facing beach, with easy access to bars, food trucks and the main Seakers Food Court. If you've signed up for water sports, you'll find equipment such as standup paddleboards and kayaks at one end of South Beach.

North Beach

Across the lagoon from South Beach (and a farther walk/tram ride), this beach is a good bet for fewer crowds than South Beach or travel parties who want to easily switch from lagoon to ocean swimming.

Bimini Beach

Bimini Beach is on the ocean side of Ocean Cay's smaller island and one of the farthest spots from the ship.

Sunset Beach

Ocean Cay's longest beach (more than half a mile) faces the ocean. The farthest end of the beach is definitely a trek from the ship.

Paradise Sands

This tiny beach is between the Spa at Ocean Cay and the wedding pavilion.

Lighthouse Bay

Lighthouse Bay, with its colorful (and complimentary) beach umbrellas, sits between the ship and the island's iconic lighthouse. It's a happening spot with entertainment and activities throughout the day.

Ocean House Beach

This beach is exclusive to guests staying in the Yacht Club. It has its own restaurant and bar, as well as butler service and cabanas to rent for an additional fee.

Related: How MSC's private-island experience is different for cruisers in suites

Seakers Family Cove Beach

This small beach is still in the design process and has not yet opened. It's meant to be a shallow beach for families with young kids and is located close to food, bathrooms and the ship.

What are the best Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve things to do?

If you want more to do than swim, float or relax in a lounge chair, you have a few options on Ocean Cay. However, there aren't as many options as a tricked-out, theme-park-like private island like Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay.

For a little exercise, the following rentals are available. Rentals are for one hour unless otherwise noted:

• Snorkel equipment (all-day rental, $32)
• Stand-up paddleboard ($32)
• Kayak ($32)
• Ceclo pedal boat ($122)
• Windsurf board ($52)
• Hobie sailing kayak ($75)
• Hobie family kayak ($92)
• Hobie Eclipse paddleboard ($49)

On my summer sailing, the snorkel equipment was already sold out when I went to reserve a set the day before we docked at Ocean Cay. If you plan on renting equipment rather than bringing your own, put a hold on a set as early as possible.

You can book massages at the on-island Spa at Ocean Cay, located on Paradise Sands Beach, past the far end of South Beach, where you can enjoy the sea breezes in a private treatment cabana. The wedding pavilion is also on this beach should you wish to tie the knot during your cruise.

The ship's entertainment staff organizes a few activities, including volleyball, bocce and kite competitions (marked as 18+). The youth staff organizes kid and teen activities, too, including treasure hunts and active games.

You can take a walk around the island, but you can't climb the lighthouse unless you book an official tour.

If you like to shop, Ocean Cay Village by the pier features several storefronts selling Bahamian and MSC/Ocean Cay-themed souvenirs and beach necessities.

A Discover Scuba diving center has been built but won't open until the cruise line has finished developing its diving program and tours.

You can also book a handful of excursions through the cruise ship (see below).

Ocean Cay is unusual in that it offers evening events, as the ship can stay late in port, given its proximity to the Florida cruise ports. A Junkanoo parade puts everyone in a party spirit and culminates in a laser light show on and around the lighthouse. On sailings that stay extra late, guests can live it up at the Luna Libre party on Lighthouse Beach, complete with a DJ, bonfire, dancing and limbo contests. Bars on this part of the island stay open late, as well.

What are the MSC Ocean Cay excursions?

Want to engage in more organized fun? You can book a handful of tours for your day on Ocean Cay.

Tours include:

• WaveRunner jet ski tour ($169 per jet ski — up to two guests)
• Guided stand-up paddleboard tour ($49)
• Guided kayak tour ($49)
• Ocean Cay Lighthouse climb ($15)
• Ocean Cay "Bahama Breeze Escape" 2-hour catamaran tour ($85)
• Shipwreck snorkeling tour ($82)
• Hobie catamaran sailing tour ($142)
• Sunrise mimosa cruise ($85)

All of the tours are 1.5 to 2 hours in length, except the lighthouse climb, which is only 30 minutes. Depending on the MSC fare class you purchase, you may be eligible for discounts on tours if purchased online before your sailing. Prices for children are cheaper, except for the paddleboard tour (minimum age 14) and the jet ski tour (minimum age 10, but minimum age to drive is 18).

If your cruise ship stays late or overnight at Ocean Cay, you can book additional evening excursions. These include:

• Glow nighttime stand-up paddleboard tour ($52)
• Sunset Champagne cruise ($85)
• Beachside stargazing ($89)
• Twilight scenic island cruise and light show ($79)

These activities were not available on my summer cruise due to a combination of a later sunset and an earlier evening departure.

Related: Shore excursions: What you need to know

Does MSC Ocean Cay offer cabanas to rent?

Cabanas offer a shady hangout with a few extra perks. They're available on all beaches except Sunset Beach, Lighthouse Bay and Paradise Sands. Pricing and inclusions vary by cabana type.

Ocean Cay Beach Cabana

Anyone can rent a cabana on North, South and Bimini Beach. The thatched roof huts are partially walled with a cushioned couch and wooden table inside and lounge chairs outside; they come with extra towels, cold water and two floating mats. Up to six people can occupy one cabana.

These cost $252 per cabana to rent on board, but pricing might differ if you book before your cruise or on the island.

Ocean View Yacht Club Cabana

Yacht Club guests can access cabanas on their exclusive beach, Ocean House Beach. An Ocean View Cabana also can accommodate up to six people. In addition to fresh water and towels, the rental price includes complimentary lunch and drinks, afternoon fruit skewers, four sets of snorkel equipment and four floating mats. These cabanas are on an elevated section of the beach, offering great views of the beach and waves.

These cost $402 per cabana to rent on board; the mats and snorkel gear are valued at $188.

Beachfront Yacht Club Cabana

For an extra $50, you can get a cabana on Ocean House Beach that's closer to the water than the Ocean View version but offers all the same amenities. These cost $452 per cabana to rent on board.

Is food included on Ocean Cay?

Lunch is included on Ocean Cay, though certain venues charge extra for special meals. The island's eateries include:

Seakers Food Court

Seakers Food Court is the main complimentary barbecue lunch buffet spot on Ocean Cay. It serves up a variety of premade salads, barbecue fare (burgers and veggie burgers, hot dogs, chicken, fish and more), plus simple desserts like cookies. Water and iced tea are complimentary. Picnic tables are set in the sand around the buffet, so you don't need to carry your meal back to your beach chair.

I was impressed with the variety of options, and everything was tasty. I had to ask for a veggie burger (they're not set out on the buffet), but it came out in minutes (versus on other lines' private islands where I've had to wait 10 minutes or more for my food).

Food trucks

If you don't want to trek far from the beach for your lunch, food trucks around the island serve complimentary burgers, hot dogs, pasta salad and French fries. It's a much more limited menu than the main food court, but sometimes convenience is key.

Seafood Shack

The Great Star food truck near South Beach offers seafood specials for an additional charge. Choose from lobster grilled cheese, fried calamari, lobster bacon roll, grilled octopus salad, seafood ceviche and seafood watermelon salad for prices ranging from $7.95 to $12.95.

Ocean House Restaurant

Ocean House Restaurant is an indoor/outdoor dining venue and bar exclusive to Yacht Club guests; it's on their exclusive beach. The menu is fancier than the fare you'll find at Seakers Food Court, with starters such as crab ceviche and charred octopus; mains such as a lobster roll, pineapple club mahi mahi and a burger blending fresh angus chunk, short ribs and brisket; and desserts such as creme caramel and mango cheesecake.

The Smiling Fish Ice Cream Parlor

If you want a cool treat after a hot beach day, The Smiling Fish Ice Cream Parlor serves up cups, cone and its signature ice cream dish — ice cream in a fish-shaped cone. Flavors include vanilla, chocolate, coconut and key lime, and you can order toppings like M&Ms, fresh mango and Nutella sauce. Be prepared for sticker shock: A cup costs $4-$6, a waffle cone $7 and a smiling fish cone $9.

Does my MSC drink package work on Ocean Cay?

Ocean Cay has 10 bars (plus the Smiling Fish coffee bar) spread across the island, and whatever drink or all-inclusive package you have on board will apply to the island. Otherwise, you will need to swipe your cruise card to pay for drinks.

Most of the bars are thatched-roof, open-air huts with bar seating; there are conversation nooks in the sand with four chairs around a small table and even some bean bags for reclining with your beverage.

Is there shopping on Ocean Cay?

Ocean Cay Village has several shops selling souvenirs and beach necessities. Even better, they are blissfully air-conditioned, should you need a respite on your walk from the sand to the ship.

The Ocean Cay Trading Post sells Ocean Cay branded souvenirs and gifts inspired by nature. The MSC Shop and Ocean Cay Visitor Center are the spots to pick up essentials like sunscreen and beach toys; the MSC Shop also sells items from the MSC Foundation, highlighting sustainability and marine themes. The Bahamas Shop sells locally made Bahamian products.

An artisan market was closed during my visit; when it is open, it only accepts U.S. dollars for payment.

What additional Ocean Cay amenities will I find?

The rental stations doling out umbrellas and floating mats are the same buildings where you can find restrooms, changing rooms and showers. Beach wheelchairs are available for passengers with mobility issues; these can also be found by the bathrooms.

Ocean Cay is wired for Wi-Fi, so your onboard internet package will work on the island. Just connect your phone or device to Ocean Cay Wi-Fi and sign in as you would on board.

Can you stay overnight on Ocean Cay?

You can't stay overnight on Ocean Cay — but your ship might. Though MSC cruise ships stay at Ocean Cay into the evening and sometimes remain docked overnight for a two-day visit, there are no accommodations for guests on the island.

If you want the late-night experience, look for sailings that either arrive in the afternoon and depart the evening of the following day or arrive in the morning and stay for two full days. Don't think you can camp out on the sand. For these overnight stays, passengers still need to be back on board around midnight or 1 a.m.

What's the typical weather like on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve?

Like the rest of the Bahamas, Ocean Cay has warm weather year-round. Summer highs are in the 80s, and winter lows are around 70 degrees. May and June are the rainiest months, with hurricane season running from June through November. Should a storm threaten Ocean Cay, your cruise ship will reroute and skip a visit to the island until weather conditions improve.

I've found the sun very intense in the Bahamas, and there's not a ton of natural shade on Ocean Cay. Be sure to apply and reapply sunscreen liberally if you plan to spend all day at the beach to avoid sunburns.

Related: Best time to cruise to Bahamas

Can I see an MSC Ocean Cay map?

Sure! Here is a map of Ocean Cay to help you plan your day on the island.

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Home » Cruise » MSC Cruises » MSC Seascape » MSC Seascape Restaurants Guide With Menus

MSC Seascape Restaurants Guide With Menus

We are back from a recent cruise on MSC Cruises' new ship and have put together this complete MSC Seascape Restaurants Guide with menus.

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MSC Cruises’ newest ship, MSC Seascape, just made her debut in the United States, and we set sail on her first cruise from Miami . Now, we are back and have put together this MSC Seascape Restaurants Guide with menus so you can see what is available at the different restaurants onboard this latest Seaside EVO Class ship.

What Are the Complimentary MSC Seascape Restaurants?

• The Green Wave Restaurant
• Cala Jondal Restaurant
• Aegean Restaurant
• Skyline Restaurant
• The Marketplace Buffet & Restaurant

There are several dining options on the list of  MSC Seascape  restaurants. However, when compared to competitor cruise lines, the complimentary venues are limited to just the main dining room and the buffet. There are no other quick service food options included in the cruise fare. This means no pizza parlor, no poolside burger joint or Mexican fare, and no café.

Main Dining Rooms (Decks 5, 6, 7)

When it comes to the main dining room on MSC Seascape, there are four different venues and several different dining times. Guests booked in the Bella and Fantastica Experiences will be assigned a dining time, with Fantastica getting priority for requested dining times.

Aurea Experience guests get My Choice Dining in a separate dining room on MSC Seascape. My Choice Dining allows you to choose a different dining time each night of your cruise. Aurea guests can dine in the Skyline Restaurant (Deck 7) between 6 and 9:30 PM.

The three restaurants reserved for assigned dining are The Green Wave Restaurant (Deck 5), Cala Jondal Restaurant (Deck 6), and Aegean Restaurant (Deck 7). These restaurants offer Early Seating and Late Seating with times as follows:

Early Seating

• The Green Wave Restaurant 5:15 PM and 7:30 PM
• Aegean Restaurant 6 PM
• Cala Jondal Restaurant 6:15 PM

Late Seating

• Aegean Restaurant 8:30 PM
• Cala Jondal Restaurant 8:45 PM
• The Green Wave Restaurant 9:30 PM

The Green Wave Restaurant is also open for breakfast daily from 7/7:30 to 9/9:30 AM and for lunch on select days from 12 to 1 PM.

Regardless of whether you have Assigned Dining or My Choice Dining, all four restaurants offer the same rotational menu. These menus do change nightly with a list of Classic Favorites that stay the same throughout the cruise. Each night, the menu includes a selection of starters, entrees, and desserts along with a Chef’s Suggestion. Further, you are free to order as much as you want from the menu.

Main Dining Room Menus: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Wine List

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS: Get Deals on MSC Seascape Cruises!

Marketplace Buffet & Restaurant (Deck 16)

The Marketplace Buffet & Restaurant is the only casual, complimentary dining option available on MSC Seascape. This venue is open for breakfast from 6 AM to 10:30 AM daily with continental items available an additional hour from 10:30 to 11:30 AM.

Lunch is served from 12 to 3/4 PM with afternoon snacks available from 3:30/4 to 5 PM. Dinner is available 6 to 9 PM with late night snacks from 10 to 11:30 PM.

At breakfast, the Marketplace Buffet features your typical offerings. There is a custom egg and omelet station all the way aft in the venue. Additional menu items include options like scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, pancakes and waffles, and breakfast pastries. Cereal, fruit, and other continental items are available as well. 

Lunch and dinner features a number of different stands with various food offerings. These include a pizza station, a pasta station, a salad bar, international hot entrees, charcuterie with meats and cheeses, and hamburgers and hot dogs.

These selections are scattered across two separate dining areas with the midship elevators separating the venue into two restaurants. Unfortunately, the setup is rather sporadic and the signage is extremely small causing mealtimes to be rather chaotic and long lines to form.

MSC Yacht Club Restaurant (Deck 18)

The Yacht Club is MSC Cruises’ “ship within a ship” concept. Not only does the Yacht Club feature the most luxurious accommodations on the ship, it includes an exclusive sundeck, restaurant, lounge, and bar. These facilities require keycard access and are limited to only those staying within the Yacht Club.

The MSC Yacht Club Restaurant is located on Deck 18 of MSC Seascape. This venue serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring a menu with more upscale selections than the main dining rooms. The lunch and dinner menus do change daily.

Yacht Club Restaurant Menus: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Wine Menu

What Specialty Restaurants are on MSC Seascape?

• Venchi 1878 Chocolate Bar
• Hola! Tacos and Cantina
• Butcher’s Cut
• Kaito Teppanyaki
• Kaito Sushi Bar
• Ocean Cay Restaurant
• Venchi 1878 Gelato

While you certainly do not have to pay extra for dining on MSC Seascape, the specialty restaurants do feature some of the best food on the ship. If you choose to dine at the available specialty restaurants, you can either pay a la carte, pay a set fee for the limited Dining Experience menu, or purchase a specialty dining package.

It is important to note that the specialty dining packages on MSC Cruises are slightly different than you find on most other cruise lines. Each package includes specific specialty restaurants. Thus, you are not able to customize your restaurant picks. Further, if you are on a dining package, you must order items off the limited Dining Experience menu and can purchase additional items off the full menu at a la carte prices.

If you plan to dine at any of these MSC Seascape restaurants, you should make reservations either pre-cruise or once onboard the ship at the desk located near the specialty restaurants on Deck 8.

Fantastica and Aurea Experience guests get a 20% discount on pre-paid specialty dining packages.

SCORE DISCOUNTS ON MSC SEASCAPE CRUISES NOW!

Venchi 1878 Chocolate Bar (Deck 6)

The Venchi 1878 Chocolate Bar is a chocolate lover’s paradise. This venue serves a variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages made with the brand’s signature chocolate including some delicious espresso-based drinks. The bar also serves a variety of other chocolates and gelato that are crafted on board in an open-air kitchen.

Venchi is generally open every day from 8 AM to midnight. Unfortunately though, none of the drinks (or other items) at Venchi are included in any of the MSC drink packages.

Venchi 1878 Chocolate Bar Menu

Hola! Tacos and Cantina (Deck 8)

Hola! Tacos and Cantina serves up Mexican-style street food in a vibrant open setting restaurant, with a nearby bar also serving up some tasty drinks.

At Hola!, guests can choose an all you can eat option for a set fee or pay a la carte for each menu item. The menu features a variety of Mexican favorites like guacamole, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, and more.

This is a great option for a casual lunch or dinner on MSC Seascape. Hola! is open nightly for dinner from 6 to 9:30/10 PM and for lunch from 12 to 3 PM.

Butcher’s Cut (Deck 8)

The Butcher’s Cut is the signature steakhouse on MSC Seascape. This upscale restaurant is one of the best at sea in our opinion, featuring premium cuts of beef alongside various starters, sides, and desserts. There’s also a signature cocktail menu and wine list that pairs perfectly with your dinner.

The venue features an open kitchen, a large dining room, and additional al fresco seating on the waterfront.

At the Butcher’s Cut, cruisers can choose to pay a flat fee for the Dining Experience menu or purchase items from the full menu at a la carte prices.

The Butcher’s Cut is open nightly for dinner from 5:45 PM to 9:30 PM and on select days for brunch from 12 to 2 PM.

Butcher’s Cut Menu

Kaito Teppanyaki (Deck 8)

Like many cruise lines, MSC Seascape offers a Japanese hibachi-style restaurant. Kaito Teppanyaki is open nightly for dinner from 5:45 to 9:30 PM with set seatings and on select days for lunch from 12 to 2 PM.

This teppanyaki restaurant’s menu features set tasting combinations at varying prices. Each begins with a sushi and sashimi plate, miso soup, teppan salad, and fried rice. There is then a fish portion and a meat portion which varies based on which experience you select. The meal then concludes with a pineapple and matcha ice cream dessert.

There is an additional vegetarian and kids menu available. Further, the chef will work to customize your selections within reason and price point. For instance, instead of the fish, I got a double portion of chicken.

Once you make your selections, it’s time to sit back and enjoy this interactive dinner show. Watch your chef cook up the meal right in front of you with a little singing and fun along the way.

Kaito Teppanyaki Menu

Kaito Sushi Bar (Deck 8)

Unique to MSC Cruises is the Kaito Sushi Bar complete with its own sushi conveyor belt. This venue is priced completely a la carte and is not part of any of the dining packages.

Kaito Sushi is open 5:45 to 9:30 PM nightly for dinner and 12 to 2 PM on select days for lunch.

At Kaito Sushi, cruisers can pull up a seat at the bar top and select items from the conveyor belt in front of them. Plates are color-coded based on pricing. There are also additional items on the menu like tempura, teriyaki, soup, noodles, and desserts.

Kaito Sushi Menu

Ocean Cay Restaurant (Deck 8)

Ocean Cay Restaurant is the intimate seafood specialty restaurant on MSC Seascape. Similar to the Butcher’s Cut, the Ocean Cay menu features a flat-fee Dining Experience menu and a larger a la carte menu. There are various hot and cold appetizers, main courses such as lobster tail, and desserts.

Unfortunately, if someone in your travel party does not like seafood, there are very limited non-seafood items available at this venue.

Ocean Cay Restaurant is open nightly for dinner from 5:45 to 9:30 PM and select days for lunch from 12 to 2 PM.

Ocean Cay Menu

Venchi 1878 Gelato (Deck 8)

MSC Seascape has several nods to the cruise line’s Italian heritage including signature Venchi gelato. A Venchi 1878 Gelato shop can be found aft on Deck 8 near the Infinity Pool. This counter serves a variety of gelato flavors as well as gelato bars, candies, and shakes at up-charge prices.

There are also additional spots to grab some gelato around the ship including near the Jungle Pool Beach Bar on Deck 16 and the Marina Bar on Deck 18. Of course, you can also score this sweet treat at the Chocolate Bar on Deck 6.

You might be wondering- Is ice cream free on MSC Cruises? Sadly, the gelato is not included in any of the MSC drink packages or dining packages. Oddly, soft serve ice cream is also an up-charge on the ship (only included in the non-alcoholic drink packages).

Technically, soft serve ice cream is supposed to be available for free during the afternoon snack hour in the buffet, but we can’t confirm that it actually was.

Venchi Gelato Menu

Room Service

Room Service delivery is included with Fantastica and Aurea experiences on breakfast and 24 hour room service orders. Bella Experience guests will be charged $3.50 for delivery. However, you do still need to pay for the menu items ordered regardless of your Experience level.

Continental breakfast items are complimentary, but other items range in price from $3 for a sandwich to $7.95 for dinner items like pasta, salmon, a burger, or a NY strip steak.

Room Service Breakfast | All Day Menu

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Do you have plans to cruise on the new MSC Seascape? What is your favorite from the list of MSC Seascape restaurants? Drop us an anchor below to share your dining preferences on MSC Cruises.

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Thanks so much for providing the menus and prices for all the specialty restaurants. I was literally trying to find all this our on the MSC website and it was a complete nightmare. Luckily I stumbled onto your post during my search.

Did you pre book a specialty package? Is it worth doing ahead of time? This is my first MSC cruise, so not familiar with their system yet. Did you also pre purchase a drink package? Worth it?

Thank you for providing this information there’s nothing available on their website. The other problem I’m having is I asked about reservations for the complementary restaurants and they told me you can’t book anything until you get on the ship. I’ve never heard of that before. I always thought you should book things ahead of time even their entertainment none of that is available through their website or app. Please let me know if you have any information on this. I would love it or know where to find it

We just booked an impromptu cruise for first week of October. Wife, 3yr old daughter and myself. I am beyond grateful for this in-depth review of food etc. I am convinced if I hadn’t read it I would have had high expectations coming from traveling mostly on Holland America. Soft serve ice cream not included for crying out loud. Imagine the scene, I promise daughter Ice cream. Yikes! Also I am the hangry hubby type. I am shocked at all the restrictions. I feel as though commentary of negative this that will be rampant by strangers we encounter in the elevators and public areas. God I truly hope this was not a mistake. Holland America food throughout their entire ship has always been phenomenal. I am now seeing mix reviews. Wish we had a pros and cons review with silver lining on certain topics etc.

You know what? Something that really struck me about MSC is their cruising system. It’s quite unique, with all these different tiers, exceptions, rules, closed off areas and restrictions to certain key cards access limits, rules. They even limit you to just two complimentary eateries. Honestly, it kind of takes away the whole reason why I choose to go on a cruise in the first place. I mean, I love cruising because it’s so hassle-free. You just book it and then you can forget about everything else. But it doesn’t seem to be the case here.

Oh, how absolutely delightful it is to have the pleasure of relearning an entirely different societal norm from all those other cruiselines. It truly brings me immense joy and excitement. Just the sort of vacation one dreams about.

If this were not an impromptu vacation booking, we would likely be doing top tier or a comparable one. The fact its more expensive due to the nature of booking last minute is what is bringing such a rude awakening after reading your review.

DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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MSC SEASHORE TO DEBUT REIMAGINED DINING EXPERIENCE WITH NEW RESTAURANTS & CUISINE FROM AROUND THE WORLD

The ship’s entirely reimagined design brings guests closer to the sea with al fresco eating and drinking options and multiple new outdoor spaces completely redesigned chef’s court features new restaurant concepts for the seaside generation of ships in a brand-new location on board new bars and lounges to offer live entertainment and breath-taking views in chic and stylish surroundings.

Geneva, Switzerland (May 6, 2021 ) — MSC Cruises today revealed new details of the dining experience on its newest flagship, MSC Seashore , launching this July and arriving to the U.S. this November. MSC Seashore will offer 18 bars and lounges — including 12 indoor and six outdoor venues — five specialty restaurants and four main dining restaurants, new restaurant and bar concepts, and additional outdoor venues and al fresco dining areas. Guests can taste a wide range of internationally-inspired cuisine in stylish venues — whether casual or formal dining — including prime steaks, fresh seafood, Mediterranean fare or authentic sushi.

“At MSC Cruises, we are constantly looking to elevate our guests’ vacation experience.  For MSC Seashore , we have reimagined the design to highlight a strong connection to the sea – the ship offers new venues, al fresco dining, brand-new restaurants and more outdoor space than any of our ships sailing from the U.S.,” said Rubén Rodriguez, president of MSC Cruises USA. “We are thrilled to renew our commitment to delighting our guests in North America by bringing our newest and most innovative ships to the region. With nearly six months to go before MSC Seashore ’s arrival in Miami in November, demand for cruising aboard this new ship continues to grow, and we expect it to accelerate as consumers plan their fall vacations.” 

In addition to its dining, MSC Seashore ’s public spaces have been entirely reimagined, with 65% of the ship redesigned to enrich the guest experience, with over 139,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space to offer new bars and restaurants as well as outdoor venues and lounge space, all meant to bring guests closer to the sea.

“We have taken the dining experience on  MSC Seashore  to the next level with carefully considered new options, both outdoors and in, that are fit for this spectacular flagship vessel,” said Food & Beverage Vice President Jacques Van Staden. “The goal of our talented in-house culinary team is to create something for every palate and preference, providing a diverse array of outstanding international culinary experiences. We are sure that the new dining concepts and incredible array of restaurants and bars will make for a truly memorable gastronomic experience for MSC Seashore guests.”

REDESIGNED CHEF’S COURT FULL OF INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANTS

MSC Seashore ’s Chef’s Court is home to the ship’s five specialty restaurants, situated in a new location on Deck 8 closer to the sea.

Offering both new concepts and signature favorites, each venue serves a mouth-watering menu of international flavors. Brand new for MSC Cruises, the ship’s signature steakhouse, Butcher's Cut, will offer al fresco dining along the iconic waterfront promenade.

Kaito Sushi Bar with NEW conveyor belt – For the first time in the fleet, the hugely popular Kaito sushi bar will include a sushi conveyor belt for guests to select dishes from a moving conveyor belt, with fresh sushi, sashimi, tempura and more. This popular venue offers deliciously authentic Asian cuisine prepared in front of guests with the highest quality ingredients.

Butcher's Cut with NEW alfresco dining area – This signature American-style steakhouse serves select Linz heritage angus beef, gold standard in high-end angus beef thanks to the best genetics in breed. The menu includes a range of prime cuts for all appetites, paired with their favorite New World wines or cocktails. The new al fresco dining area allows guests the full MSC Seashore experience, with fresh air and sea views.

HOLA! Tacos & Cantina – The first in the Seaside generation and the second in the fleet, HOLA Tacos & Cantina will feature the Latin American and Mexican-inspired cuisine in family style dining. Guests can enjoy a number of street food specialties and choose from an extensive list of tequilas and mescals, all combined in a fun, interactive setting.

Ocean Cay – This chic seafood restaurant will serve Mediterranean-style fish and seafood dishes made with fresh ingredients, all complemented by an extensive wine list.

Kaito Teppanyaki – An interactive and engaging experience, guests will delight in the tastes and spectacle of this venue, with eight grills, becoming the largest teppanyaki restaurant on any MSC Cruises ship. In this combined entertainment and dining experience, chefs cook with flair on an open grill with sizzling ingredients coming together to form delectable dishes.

The ship features four main dining restaurants , including a dedicated restaurant for Aurea guests, serving first-class Mediterranean and international specialties in stylish surroundings. Menus change daily with exquisite dishes created for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For more casual dining, the Marketplace Buffet has also been redesigned to give guests a real marketplace feeling with three distinct areas, each with a different design and ambience: Il Mercato, La Piazza and La Trattoria. In addition to its 1,100 indoor seats, the buffet now features a new outdoor aft dining area as part of the Sky Bar, which offers comfortable lounge seating as the perfect spot for a cocktail with the ultimate sea view.

Meanwhile, the MSC Yacht Club, which is the largest in MSC Cruises’ fleet to-date, also includes an extended Yacht Club, offering private fine-dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests are treated to an a la carte menu with chef’s specials that change daily, a wide choice of gourmet dishes complemented by an extensive wine list, impeccable service and an elegant atmosphere.

BARS FOR ALL OCCASIONS FROM DAY THROUGH TO NIGHT

Among MSC Seashore ’s many new features, there are numerous bars and lounges for guests to enjoy a drink, a light bite or take in some of the ship’s 16+ daily hours of entertainment.

Among the highlights of the new offering are:

• NEW: The Wine Cellar – A brand new concept, this venue includes a spectacular, walk-through wine cellar and oenological tasting experience.
• Sky Bar – For panoramic sea views, this rooftop bar is the ideal stop for cocktails.
• Horizon Bar – Situated on deck 19, the Horizon bar offers comfortable outdoor lounge seating.
• The Sports Bar – Decked out with sports memorabilia, this classic sports bar now features a new billiard room.
• NEW: Chef’s Court Cocktail Bar – Located in the new Chef’s Court area at heart of the ship, this newly designed welcome bar is the ideal venue to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in stylish surroundings.
• NEW: The Uptown Lounge – A piano lounge and bar, the Uptown Lounge features live music and cocktails for those looking to wind down after dinner.
• MSC Aurea Bar – Aurea guests will also delight in the Top 19 Solarium’s stylish, which includes an outdoor lounge area and bar to complete a relaxing day in the sun.

Other returning favorites include Venchi 1878 Gelato and Venchi 1878 Chocolate and Coffee Bar — where guests can satisfy their sweet tooth — as well as the Champagne Bar, Shine Bar and Seashore Bar, all situated in the Atrium, the main social hub of the ship.

For more information on MSC Seashore , please see here .

For additional images of MSC Seashore’s dining and bars, please see here .

About MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise brand as well as the leader in Europe, South America, the Gulf region and Southern Africa with more market share in addition to deployed capacity than any other player. It is also the fastest growing global cruise brand with a strong presence in the Caribbean, North America and the Far East markets.

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises one of the two brands that sit within the Cruises Division of MSC Group, the leading privately held Swiss-based shipping and logistics conglomerate with over 300 years of maritime heritage. MSC Cruises — the contemporary brand — has a modern fleet of 18 vessels combined with a sizeable future global investment portfolio of new vessels. The fleet is projected to grow to 23 cruise ships by 2025 with options for six vessel orders in place through 2030.

MSC Cruises offers its guests an enriching, immersive and safe cruise experience inspired by the Company’s European heritage, where they can enjoy international dining, world-class entertainment, award-winning family programs and the very latest user-friendly technology on board. To learn more about MSC Cruises’ itineraries and experience on board its ships please see here .

The Company’s number one priority has always been the health and safety of its guests and crew, as well as the communities at the destinations its ships serve.  In August 2020, MSC Cruises implemented a new comprehensive and robust health and safety protocol to become the first major line to return to sea. To learn more about MSC Cruises’ health & safety protocol please see here .

MSC Cruises has long been committed to environmental stewardship with a long-term goal to achieve zero emissions for its operations. The Company is also a significant investor in next-generation environmental marine technologies, with the objective to support their accelerated development and availability industry wide. To learn more about the Company’s environmental commitment please see here . 

Finally, to learn more about the MSC Foundation, MSC Group’s own vehicle to lead, focus and advance its conservation, humanitarian and cultural commitments please see here .

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Everything you need to know about MSC Cruises cabins and suites

A relative newcomer in the North American market, MSC Cruises is equal parts elegant and kitschy. The line tends to appeal to a wide swath of cruisers, from Europeans who like to party into the wee hours of the morning to American families who book because of affordable fares and "kids sail free" pricing.

To satisfy its diverse passenger base, MSC offers accommodations to fit all types of travelers. Rooms include inexpensive inside cabins that sleep two people, midlevel staterooms with windows and balconies, and high-end suites that offer cruisers with larger budgets a private oasis in the form of the MSC Yacht Club .

A variety of connecting rooms and cabins with extra bunks accommodate larger groups and families who wish to share space.

Because your cruise cabin will be your home away from home for several days, it's important to book one that fits your needs. That's especially true if you're sharing it with several people.

Whether you're looking at an inside cabin for a cruise with friends, balcony accommodations for you and your significant other or a suite for your family, here TPG breaks down what you can expect when you book a room on one of MSC's ships.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

MSC Cruises cabin primer

MSC Cruises has become one of the fastest-growing lines in the cruise industry, with about two dozen ships in its fleet. The vessels fall into six classes : Lirica, Musica, Fantasia, Meraviglia, Seaside and World.

Although cabin offerings can vary from ship to ship and class to class, the standard types remain the same: inside, outside, balcony and suite.

Additionally, you'll find the same basic amenities in each room, unless otherwise noted below. They include two twin beds that can be joined to form a queen- or king-size bed; an in-cabin bathroom with a shower, a sink, a toilet and basic soap, shower gel and shampoo; a couple of nightstands; a chair or sofa; a desk/vanity; a closet; a safe; a hair dryer; a minifridge; a phone; USB outlets and a selection of both North American and European outlets.

On all ships except MSC Lirica, MSC Opera, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Armonia, you'll also find an interactive TV that allows you to view the daily schedule, check your onboard account and choose from a selection of live TV programs and movies.

Twice-daily room tidying is provided by a room steward assigned to each cabin, and room service is available throughout the day for an added fee.

One confusing aspect of MSC's bookings is that you'll have to select an experience package in addition to a cabin type. Package tiers determine things like your ability to choose a specific cabin and preferred dining time and whether you'll receive welcome amenities in your room. Certain cabin types are only available in conjunction with certain package experiences and vice versa. Those are noted in each respective section below.

Accessible cabins , including accommodations for wheelchair users, are available on every ship in MSC's fleet. In addition to more space, they feature wider doorways and lowered sinks and toilets in the bathrooms, as well as grab bars.

MSC Cruises' experience packages

Here's what you get when you book each of MSC's three experience packages, which determine the perks you'll receive on your sailing.

• Accommodations
• Complimentary food in the dining room and buffet
• Broadway-style theater entertainment
• Access to the onboard gym, pool and kids club
• MSC Voyagers Club points
• One for-fee change to your cruise booking (with some restrictions)
• Drink package discount at time of booking
• All Bella perks
• Choice of specific cabin and location
• One free change to your cruise booking (with some restrictions)
• Ability to choose between early and late seating for dinner
• Room service (complimentary for breakfast, but fees apply for other meals)
• Discount on pre-cruise specialty dining package
• All Fantastica and Bella perks
• Flexible My Choice dining, which lets you eat at any time you choose between set hours
• Free 24-hour room service delivery
• Pillow menu
• A welcome package, including Prosecco and chocolates
• Complimentary access to your ship's solarium and thermal area
• A 10% discount on all spa treatments purchased on board
• Special Balinese massage offer when booked pre-cruise
• Complimentary use of bathrobe and slippers
• Priority boarding and luggage drop-off

Inside cabins on MSC Cruises ships

Inside cabins — rooms with no windows — are available on all ships in the MSC fleet. Ranging from 140 to 301 square feet (depending on the ship), they make for great sleeping because they're so dark. They're also ideal for passengers who are on a budget.

In addition to the standard amenities mentioned above, they provide room for anywhere from two to four passengers to sleep. (Rooms that sleep more than two feature bunks that pull down from the ceiling.)

These cabins are available with the line's Bella and Fantastica experiences.

If you're sailing solo, some MSC vessels offer cabins for one outfitted with a twin bed that converts into a couch. These interior studio accommodations are only available with the Bella package on MSC Meraviglia , MSC Bellissima and the line's World Class ships.

Ocean-view cabins on MSC Cruises ships

Ocean-view rooms are similar to insides in that they provide basic amenities — but with a view.

Offering 129 to 269 square feet of space (depending on the specific ship and ocean-view category), these staterooms allow you to see outside through a porthole or a window that doesn't open.

MSC's outside cabins are available to passengers who book Bella and Fantastica packages.

Additionally, if you're traveling with your family or another group, several of MSC Cruises' ships — particularly those in the Meraviglia and Seaside classes — feature space for as many as 10 passengers via a series of connecting rooms. Options are available at the ocean-view and balcony levels.

Balcony cabins on MSC Cruises ships

You might be surprised to discover that most of MSC Cruises' balcony cabins provide less interior square footage than what's available in inside or ocean-view staterooms.

Balcony rooms run anywhere from 129 to 205 square feet, but their key feature is, of course, a private balcony, which does add an extra 32 to 129 square feet, depending on the vessel and specific type of balcony room booked. These cabins are bookable in conjunction with MSC's Bella, Fantastica and Aurea experiences.

Although balcony cabins offer upgraded amenities, including MSC's brand of hand lotion and toiletries, they are largely the same as inside and ocean-view accommodations.

MSC's newest ships — including those in the Meraviglia, Seaside and World Classes — house connecting balcony rooms that can sleep up to 10 in the same group traveling together.

Additionally, on its World Class ships, the line has introduced inward-facing balconies, similar to the ones Royal Caribbean pioneered in 2009 with the debut of its Oasis Class vessels . On World Europa, for example, they overlook the ship's promenade, offering views of the activity below, rather than the ocean.

MSC Cruises suites

All ships in MSC's fleet have suites that can be booked as part of the Fantastica and Aurea packages, but it's Aurea that offers the largest number of perks, as outlined above.

The several types of suites vary by ship in terms of size and amenities. Some come with balconies, while others only offer floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows.

Junior Suites

Although this room type is listed as a suite, it's essentially a balcony cabin with a bit more space — 183 square feet of interior accommodation with a balcony that ranges from 140 to 183 square feet.

Standard suites include rooms with huge balconies larger than the cabin's interior space and ones with private whirlpool tubs. They run from 269 to 355 square feet, with balconies measuring 32 to 409 square feet.

Grand Suites

Coming in between 377 and 420 square feet, with balconies spanning from 32 to 495 square feet, Grand Suites — found on Seaside and World Class ships — come in two types. They include standard one-bedroom Grand Suites, as well as two-bedroom varieties.

The latter has one bedroom with a queen-size bed and another with two twins. It sleeps up to five passengers and offers two bathrooms — one with a shower and the other with a bathtub.

While most suites are designed for double occupancy, some suite accommodations on MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Magnifica can sleep up to five people.

MSC Yacht Club suites on MSC ships

All cabins located in the MSC Yacht Club — an exclusive, gated area on select ships — are called suites, even the smallest and least expensive, which don't have windows or balconies.

Yacht Club suite types range from insides to two-deck duplexes, all of which come with butler and concierge services, luxuriously appointed furnishings (such as real marble finishes, memory foam mattresses and Egyptian cotton sheets) and access to members-only restaurants, bars (alcohol is free there), lounges, pools and sun decks.

The Yacht Club features seven different types of rooms. Ships that have the MSC Yacht Club on board include MSC Bellissima, MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Seaside, MSC Seascape, MSC Seaview, MSC Seashore, MSC Splendida, MSC Virtuosa and MSC World Europa.

Note: Not all Yacht Clubs have the same suite types available.

MSC Yacht Club Interior Suites

Although these 161- to 226-square-foot cabins don't offer a view or fresh air, they are elegantly decorated and include all the Yacht Club benefits mentioned above.

MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suites

These Yacht Club digs are the equivalent of a balcony cabin — but in a dedicated area that includes all the exclusive perks. They run 236 to 366 square feet and have balconies ranging from 54 to 86 square feet, so they also come with a bit more space, both inside and outdoors.

MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Grand Suites

Similarly, Deluxe Grand Suites are like the Yacht Club equivalent of booking a Grand Suite with more perks. Depending on the ship, they offer anywhere from 269 to 463 square feet of space, plus 65- to 129-square-foot balconies. Some Grand Suites also have two bedrooms instead of one. Further, these rooms on Seaside Class ships include bathrooms with bathtubs, as well as separate living areas.

MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suites

Rising two decks, MSC's duplex staterooms measure 495 to 635 square feet and come with 65- to 334-square-foot balconies. They feature living rooms with two-person sofa beds downstairs and master bedrooms upstairs, which also sleep two passengers.

Each of these accommodations comes complete with two walk-in closets and two bathrooms — one with a bathtub and one with a shower. Most duplexes on Meraviglia and World Class ships also have their own private whirlpool tubs.

MSC Yacht Club Executive and Family Suites

The line's Executive and Family Suites, available only on Fantasia Class vessels, are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to stay in the Yacht Club with a family or other group of more than two people.

This option, which is one type of suite (despite its confusing name), has space for up to five cruisers via a combination of bunk beds, sofa beds and beds that pull down from the ceiling, depending on the ship. The suites clock in at around 431 to 549 square feet, depending on the vessel.

The only drawback is that these staterooms have no balconies and no in-room dining areas, but they do include all the perks you'd find in Yacht Club cabins.

MSC Yacht Club Royal Suites

Although they only occupy one level, at 388 to 667 square feet, MSC's Yacht Club Royal Suites are right up there with the Duplex Suites in terms of space. They offer the second-largest amount of square footage after the Owner's Suites. They come with huge balconies comprising 355 to 753 square feet of outdoor area.

Additionally, bathrooms in these suites offer bathtubs on Fantasia, Meraviglia, Seaside and World Class ships, and the latter three have private whirlpool tubs, as well. All four classes' Royal Suites also include separate living room areas.

MSC Yacht Club Owner's Suites

The largest and most impressive of all MSC's cabins are the Owner's Suites found in the Yacht Club. Offering an impressive 840 to 1,119 square feet — larger than some land-based apartments — plus 269- to 670-square-foot balconies, they're some of the most luxurious rooms afloat.

Specific amenities vary by ship, but as an example, Owner's Suites on MSC World Europa offer floor-to-ceiling windows and walk-in closets. These accommodations on both the line's Seaside and World Class vessels also feature bathrooms with separate showers and bathtubs, as well as private whirlpool tubs and separate living room areas.

Bottom line

Although MSC Cruises' cabin types are straightforward, the line's add-on experiences can complicate things a bit.

Overall, what's key to remember is that MSC Cruises offers a wide variety of rooms and pricing to meet just about any budget or style of cruising. Each ship will offer accommodation choices from the least expensive, bare-bones interior rooms to the priciest suites, which come with butler and concierge services.

When you sail with MSC Cruises, you can expect function, style and comfort, regardless of the cabin type you book.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
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• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

MSC CRUISES TO HOST NAMING AND CELEBRATORY SAILING FOR MSC WORLD AMERICA IN MIAMI AT NEW CRUISE TERMINAL

• guests attending the naming ceremony and celebratory inaugural sailing will be among the first to experience a new world of cruising aboard msc world america – miami’s newest flagship – on april 9, 2025 • the ceremony will be held at msc cruises’ new state-of-the-art cruise terminal, highlighting the company’s commitment to the north american market • celebratory sailing to follow with extended call at ocean cay msc marine reserve.

Geneva, Switzerland – 18 March 2024 – MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise line, announced today that it will host the naming ceremony for its newest flagship – MSC World America – on the evening of April 9, 2025 at the company’s new PortMiami terminal. The ceremony will honour MSC Cruises’ investment in Miami and its commitment to the North American market, with the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle and a slate of immersive onboard events highlighting everything Miami’s newest ultramodern ship has to offer.

Guests attending the naming ceremony will be among the first to discover a new world of cruising when they set sail on a celebratory sailing that will see MSC World America call at the cruise line’s private island - Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve . The celebratory sailing’s itinerary calls for an overnight stay at Ocean Cay featuring the island’s signature evening lighthouse show and beach party. Guests will continue to enjoy Ocean Cay the next morning, followed by spending the afternoon at sea to experience the ship’s long list of unique and exciting on board activities and amenities.

The remarkable MSC World America will be MSC Cruises’ first ship in the U.S. market to be powered by LNG. MSC World America is the second of the line’s groundbreaking World Class ships and is specially designed with the North American guest in mind, featuring unique restaurants, bars and experiences that seamlessly blend European design with American comfort. Spanning 22 decks, measuring more than 47 metres wide and featuring 2,614 cabins, MSC World America will be the centerpiece of the Miami skyline when she is named in 2025.

Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA , said: “There is no better place to welcome MSC World America than the cruise capital of the world. We look forward to seeing her sail out of our state-of-the-art cruise terminal built in partnership with Miami-Dade County and PortMiami. As we build upon our offering in the North American market and help attract more international guests to the Caribbean, we are excited to bring our newest and most remarkable ship yet to Miami. We eagerly await April 2025, when we can welcome guests onboard to experience the world of choice that our new flagship has to offer.”

The launch of MSC World America at MSC Cruises’ new PortMiami terminal, coupled with MSC Cruises’ upcoming $100 million U.S. headquarters in downtown Miami, underscores the Company’s unwavering dedication to South Florida. The PortMiami facility is poised to revolutionise the cruising experience for up to 36,000 guests each day. The terminal will support MSC Cruises’ continued growth at PortMiami.

Following the naming ceremony, MSC World America will set sail for her inaugural season on 12 April 2025. She will sail alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries with stops in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Isla de Roatan, Honduras; and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas.

MSC World America is carefully designed to help reduce her impact on the environment. The ship runs on LNG, a lower-emissions fuel, and is ready for renewable energy sources. Shore power connectivity, where available, reduces emissions by allowing the ship’s engines to be switched off in port. Smart technology is used throughout the ship to ensure guests can travel in comfort while keeping energy and water use low. A robust onboard recycling program minimizes waste, and even the propellors are designed to reduce noise and avoid disturbing marine life.

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