Dining is an essential part of the cruise experience. It is not just about eating meals but also about enjoying culinary adventures, exploring different cuisines, and creating memorable moments with family, friends, or even new acquaintances. MSC Cruises, known for its European hospitality and global dining influences, provides a wide range of dining choices, from complimentary main dining rooms to high-end specialty restaurants.

To get the most out of your culinary journey at sea, it is important to understand how to make dining reservations on MSC Cruises. Whether you prefer a fixed dining schedule, flexible times, or specialty restaurants, planning ahead ensures you get the dining experience you want.

This guide explains everything you need to know about MSC dining reservations, including booking methods, timing, available packages, and expert tips.

1. Understanding Dining Options on MSC Cruises

Before diving into reservations, it is important to know what dining experiences are available:

• Main Dining Rooms (MDRs) – Included in the cruise fare, these offer elegant multi-course meals with fixed or flexible dining times.

• Buffet Restaurants – Open most of the day with international cuisine, no reservations needed.

• Specialty Restaurants – High-end venues offering Italian, Asian, steakhouse, or international flavors. Reservations are highly recommended.

• Casual Venues and Bars – Quick snacks, gelato counters, cafes, and pizzerias, often open late.

Reservations are generally required for specialty dining and sometimes for flexible dining in main restaurants, depending on your cruise package.

2. Dining Reservation Systems on MSC Cruises

MSC provides a structured yet flexible system for dining:

• Fixed Seating (Traditional Dining): Guests are assigned to either an early or late dinner seating in the main dining room. This option is ideal for travelers who prefer consistency.

• Flexi Dining: Some MSC ships offer flexible dining times, allowing guests to choose when to dine. Reservations may be required daily through the cruise app or kiosks.

• Specialty Dining Reservations: Specialty restaurants require advance booking to secure a table. Popular venues fill up quickly, especially on sea days.

3. How to Make Dining Reservations Before Your Cruise

Planning ahead gives you the best chance to secure your preferred times. Here’s how you can make reservations before boarding:

a. Using the MSC Website

• Log into your booking on the official MSC Cruises website.

• Go to the Manage My Booking section.

• Choose the Dining and Drink Packages menu.

• Select and pre-book specialty dining packages or reserve specific restaurants.

b. Using the MSC for Me App (Pre-Cruise Mode)

• Download the MSC for Me app from your app store.

• Log in with your booking number.

• Navigate to the dining section and pre-book specialty restaurants or packages.

c. Through a Travel Agent

If you booked your cruise through a travel agent, they can help secure dining reservations for you before departure.

Pre-booking ensures you get your desired times and sometimes offers discounted specialty dining packages compared to onboard prices.

4. Making Dining Reservations Once Onboard

If you didn’t book in advance, you can still make reservations on the ship:

a. MSC for Me App (Onboard Mode)

The app allows you to:

• Browse restaurant menus.

• Check availability and book reservations instantly.

• Modify or cancel reservations.

b. Onboard Kiosks

Self-service kiosks located throughout the ship let you check restaurant availability and make reservations quickly.

c. Guest Services or Reception

You can visit Guest Services in the atrium for assistance with reservations.

d. Specialty Restaurant Hosts

Each specialty restaurant has a dedicated host or hostess who can help book tables directly.

5. Dining Reservation Tips for Main Dining Rooms

• Fixed Dining: If you want early or late seating, request it at the time of booking your cruise. Availability depends on cabin category and timing.

• Table Preferences: You can request small tables for privacy or larger tables for social dining, though requests are not guaranteed.

• Changes Onboard: If you are unhappy with your assigned dining time, visit Guest Services early in the cruise to request a change.

6. Specialty Dining Reservation Strategies

MSC specialty restaurants are some of the highlights of the cruise. They include:

• Butcher’s Cut – An American-style steakhouse.

• Kaito Sushi Bar and Teppanyaki – Authentic Japanese flavors.

• Hola! Tacos and Cantina – Casual Mexican dining.

• L’Atelier Bistrot – French-inspired cuisine.

• Ocean Cay – Elegant seafood dining.

• Asian Market Kitchen by Roy Yamaguchi – Fusion of Asian flavors.

Tips for Booking Specialty Dining:

1. Book Early: Sea days and formal nights are the busiest, so secure your spot early.

2. Look for Packages: Dining packages allow you to enjoy multiple specialty restaurants at a reduced cost.

3. Choose Port Days: Specialty venues are often less crowded when most guests go ashore.

4. Celebrate Special Occasions: If you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary, mention it when booking to receive personalized touches.

7. Using Dining Packages

MSC offers specialty dining packages that can be booked in advance or onboard. These packages allow you to:

• Dine at multiple restaurants for a reduced rate.

• Enjoy a mix of cuisines during your cruise.

• Avoid paying full à la carte prices at each venue.

Packages typically come in sets of 2, 3, or 4 specialty restaurant meals. Booking them early is often cheaper.

8. Dietary Requirements and Special Requests

When making reservations, MSC allows you to specify dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly meals. Communicate these requirements at the time of booking and again once onboard to ensure proper arrangements.

Guests with strict dietary requirements should speak to the maître d’ at the beginning of the cruise for personalized assistance.

9. Making Reservations for Large Groups

If you are traveling with a large group or family, it is recommended to:

• Book as early as possible.

• Specify the number of people when making reservations.

• Consider private dining spaces in specialty restaurants for celebrations.

10. How Dining Reservations Work with MSC Yacht Club

Guests staying in the exclusive MSC Yacht Club receive special dining privileges:

• Access to a private restaurant with flexible dining times.

• Priority reservations at specialty restaurants.

• Dedicated butler and concierge services to handle dining arrangements.

Yacht Club guests rarely face issues securing reservations due to personalized service.

11. Changing or Canceling Reservations

MSC makes it easy to modify or cancel reservations:

• Use the app or kiosk to change times.

• Inform the restaurant host if you cannot attend.

• Cancellation policies vary for prepaid packages, so check before boarding.

12. Dining Reservation FAQs

Q1. Do I need to make reservations for the buffet?No, buffets operate on an open-seating basis and do not require reservations.

Q2. Can I change my main dining time after boarding?Yes, but availability is limited. Visit Guest Services early for changes.

Q3. Are specialty restaurants included in the cruise fare?No, they carry an extra charge unless you purchase a dining package.

Q4. Can I use my drink package in specialty restaurants?Yes, most drink packages cover beverages in specialty restaurants.

Q5. Do I need to make reservations for lunch at specialty restaurants?Lunch is sometimes walk-in, but reservations are still recommended.

13. Expert Tips for Dining Reservations on MSC Cruises

• Reserve Early: Book specialty restaurants before boarding for the best times.

• Use Technology: The MSC for Me app is the fastest way to make changes.

• Try Different Times: Dining earlier or later than peak hours increases availability.

• Plan Around Shows: Consider showtimes when reserving dinner to avoid schedule conflicts.

• Mix It Up: Balance main dining, buffets, and specialty restaurants for variety.

14. Final Thoughts

Dining on MSC Cruises is more than just a necessity—it is an essential part of the overall cruise experience. From elegant main dining rooms to casual buffets and gourmet specialty venues, there are options for every taste and occasion.

Understanding how to make dining reservations on MSC Cruises ensures you enjoy your preferred dining times, experience world-class cuisine, and avoid last-minute stress. Whether booking through the website, app, travel agent, or directly onboard, planning ahead gives you the best chance of securing your ideal meals.

So, whether you dream of a steakhouse dinner, sushi with ocean views, or a romantic Italian evening, MSC Cruises makes it easy to create unforgettable dining memories at sea.