MSC Cruises 2026 Main Dining Room Menus - Daily PDF Menus & Dining Guide
MSC Seaside Ipanema Main Dining Room © MSC Cruises
Dining in the main dining room on MSC Cruises is included in your cruise fare and covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In 2026, menus continue to rotate daily, giving guests variety across international cuisine, Italian specialties, and classic favorites. Whether you want a sit-down breakfast, a lighter mid-day meal, or a full dinner with themed nights, the main dining room is the centerpiece of MSC dining.
MSC Cruises Main Dining Room Menus in 2026
Night 1 MSC Main Dining Room Dinner Menu
Night 2 MSC Main Dining Room Dinner Menu - Gala Night
Night 3 MSC Main Dining Room Dinner Menu
Night 4 MSC Main Dining Room Dinner Menu - Italian Night
Night 5 MSC Main Dining Room Dinner Menu - Caribbean Night
Night 6 MSC Main Dining Room Dinner Menu
Night 7 MSC Main Dining Room Dinner Menu
MSC Main Dining Room Sea Day Brunch Menu
MSC Main Dining Room Port Day Breakfast Menu
MSC Main Dining Room Kids Dinner Menu 1
MSC Main Dining Room Kids Dinner Menu 2
MSC Cruises Breakfast Menu 2026
On port days, the main dining room serves a full-service breakfast designed to be efficient yet relaxed for guests preparing to go ashore. The menu combines lighter continental options with classic hot breakfast favorites, allowing guests to dine quickly or enjoy a more leisurely start depending on excursion plans. Typical offerings include:
Seasonal fruit, yogurt selections, and breakfast cereals
Fresh-baked pastries, croissants, muffins, and assorted breads
Egg dishes prepared to order, including omelets and classic styles
Traditional breakfast sides such as bacon, ham, sausage, and potatoes
Griddle items like pancakes, waffles, and French toast
European-influenced cold cuts and cheese selections
Beverages such as juice, coffee, and tea are served directly at the table. Port day breakfast in the main dining room uses open seating and offers a quieter, seated alternative to the buffet—ideal for fueling up before a day ashore without the crowds.
MSC Main Dining Room Port Day Breakfast Menu
MSC Cruises Brunch Menu 2026 (Sea Days Only)
The main dining room operates for brunch on sea days, offering a more relaxed, sit-down alternative to the buffet while guests enjoy a slower morning onboard. Sea day brunch follows a multi-course format with an expanded menu that blends breakfast favorites with lunch-style dishes, designed to ease into the day rather than rush it. Example offerings typically include:
Starters such as minestrone soup, Caesar salad, shrimp cocktail, and antipasti-style plates
Main dishes including spaghetti pomodoro, grilled chicken, fish fillets, roast beef, and vegetarian risotto
Accompaniments like fresh bread, seasonal vegetables, and pasta-based sides
Desserts ranging from fresh fruit and ice cream to chocolate cake and tiramisu
Sea day brunch in the main dining room uses open seating, allowing guests to dine at their convenience during service hours. It’s a popular option for those who prefer a calm, full-service meal and a more leisurely start to the day without leaving the ship.
MSC Main Dining Room Sea Day Brunch Menu
MSC Cruises Dinner Menu 2026
Dinner in the main dining room is the highlight of the day. The menu rotates nightly and always includes a chef’s suggestion, classic favorites, vegetarian choices, and desserts. Sample dishes include:
Appetizers: Chilled jumbo shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, bruschetta, vegetable soup
Main Courses: Grilled Atlantic salmon, New York strip steak, lasagna al forno, vegetarian curry
Theme Night Options: Milanese-style osso buco, Caribbean lamb curry, gala night lobster tail (extra charge)
Desserts: Chocolate duo cake, New York cheesecake, cherry clafoutis, European cheese plate, assorted sorbets
Dinner is also where you’ll find MSC’s themed evenings — such as Italian Night, Caribbean Night, and Gala Night — which feature regional dishes and special menus.
How Does Dining Work on MSC?
Your assigned dining time and restaurant are given when you board. Guests sailing with Bella or Fantastica experiences usually have a fixed seating (around 5:30 pm or 9:00 pm, with some sailings offering a 7:30 pm option). Aurea and Yacht Club guests receive MyChoice dining, meaning they can dine at flexible times.
Seating is generally assigned, and some tables are shared with other guests. If you’d like a private table, you can request one, subject to availability.
Do You Sit With Other People on MSCin 2026?
Seating arrangements in the main dining rooms can vary. Guests may find themselves at a table with other cruisers, offering a chance to meet new people and share experiences. While some may enjoy this social aspect of dining, others looking for a more private experience have the option to request changes to their dining situation, subject to availability.
Are There Dining Theme Nights on MSC?
Yes, MSC Cruises spices up the dining experience with special theme nights on 7-day sailings, including Caribbean Night, Gala Night, and Italian Night. Each evening offers a chef's special suggestion alongside a selection of classic favorites, with starters, entrees, and desserts that rotate nightly. Additionally, some entrees feature selections that incur an extra fee, adding an exclusive touch to the dining experience.
MSC Main Dining Room Menu Highlights
The MSC Main Dining Room menus cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring guests enjoy a memorable dining experience each night. The offerings include a blend of classic favorites and rotating culinary delights, from Chilled Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail and Caesar Salad to diverse main courses such as Grilled Atlantic Salmon and New York Strip Steak. Highlighting its European heritage, the menu features freshly made pasta on certain evenings. For those with dietary restrictions, vegetarian, vegan, allergy-friendly, and kosher meals are readily available. Theme nights, such as Caribbean and Italian Nights, introduce guests to global flavors, with dishes like Caribbean Lamb Curry and Milanese-Style Osso Buco. MSC provides an opportunity for indulgence, with options for upscale dishes available at an additional charge, including grilled beef tenderloin and broiled cold water lobster tail. Desserts aboard MSC Cruises are a treat for the senses, offering a range of options to suit every palate. Guests can indulge in the rich Chocolate Duo Cake, the classic New York Cheesecake with a selection of toppings, European Cheese Plate, the traditional Cherry Clafoutis Cream, and a variety of ice cream and sorbets, among others.
What is the Main Dining Room Dress Code on MSC?
MSC Cruises maintains two primary dress codes for its evenings: formal (gala or elegant) and casual. Formal nights, which include gala and elegant evenings, suggest a more upscale attire. Men might wear a tuxedo, dinner jacket, or dark suit with a tie, while women may opt for a dressy outfit, evening gown, or cocktail dress. These formal occasions are an opportunity for special menus and photos with the captain on gala nights. The rest of the time, a casual attire prevails, allowing for a more relaxed attire suitable for the cruising atmosphere. Casual nights simply require clean and presentable clothing, with allowances for a wide range of attire as long as it adheres to the informal guidelines set by the cruise line.
Can You Wear Shorts in the Main Dining Room on MSC?
During casual nights, the dress code is quite relaxed, and while technically shorts are not recommended in the main dining room, the enforcement of this rule seems to vary. Jeans are considered acceptable on these less formal evenings as long as they're not torn or ripped.
Conclusion
In 2026, MSC Cruises main dining rooms provide full-service breakfast, sea day lunches, and nightly dinners across all sailings. From continental breakfasts to multi-course dinners with Italian and international flair, the dining room is a core part of the cruise experience. Guests can expect rotating menus, special theme nights, and a balance of flexibility and tradition that makes dining an important highlight of any MSC cruise.
