The buffet on MSC Cruises plays a much bigger role than many first-time cruisers expect. It is the most flexible dining option onboard, one of the busiest spaces on embarkation day, and a reliable fallback throughout the cruise. It is also an area where MSC’s European influence shows up clearly, sometimes in good ways and sometimes in ways that surprise American cruisers.
This guide walks through everything you need to know about the MSC buffet, including where it is located, how it is named, when it is open, what food is served at each meal, and how to use it strategically during your cruise. For more info on other venues on MSC Ships, check out our MSC Dining Guide.
What the MSC Buffet Is and How It Fits Into Dining Onboard
The MSC buffet is included for all guests and is designed to be casual, flexible, and accessible throughout the day. It complements the Main Dining Room rather than replacing it, and most experienced MSC cruisers use a mix of buffet meals and MDR meals depending on the day.
The buffet works especially well for breakfast, lunch, and late-night snacks. Dinner is convenient, but many guests prefer the Main Dining Room or specialty dining in the evening for a calmer experience.
Buffet Naming and Location on MSC Ships
Buffet Names
MSC buffets are typically named rather than simply labeled as “the buffet.” The most common names you will see include Marketplace Buffet and Il Mercato. The name varies by ship, but the function and layout are very similar across the fleet.
Even when there are multiple buffet names or sections, they operate as one dining venue with shared food stations.
Where the Buffet Is Located
On most MSC ships, the buffet is located on an upper deck that also includes the pool areas and outdoor seating. This makes it easy to grab food and eat either indoors or outside near the pool deck.
There are some ship-class-specific differences worth noting.
World class ships feature a two-level buffet layout, with food stations spread across both levels and seating above and below. This design helps distribute crowds, especially during peak meal times.
Seaside class ships, though not the Seaside EVO ships, include buffet areas on both deck 8 and deck 16. While these areas may feel separate, they function together as part of the same buffet operation.
Buffet Hours and Daily Flow
Continuous Breakfast to Lunch Service
One MSC-specific detail that surprises many guests is that there is typically no gap between breakfast and lunch service at the buffet. Instead of closing and reopening, the buffet transitions directly from breakfast to lunch with a rolling switchover.
This is especially helpful for late sleepers, guests returning early from ports, or anyone who misses traditional breakfast hours.
Typical Daily Schedule
While exact hours vary by ship and itinerary, the general flow looks like this:
- Breakfast runs from early morning through late morning
- Lunch begins immediately after breakfast ends
- Dinner service starts in the early evening
- Late night service offers a reduced selection
The buffet is usually open longer than the Main Dining Room, making it the most flexible dining option onboard.
Embarkation Day
On embarkation day, the buffet is typically the primary dining option. It opens early and stays busy as guests board and begin exploring the ship. For many cruisers, this is their first onboard meal.
European Influence at the MSC Buffet
One of the defining characteristics of the MSC buffet is its European influence. This shows up most clearly in three areas: pizza, bread, and cheese.
Pizza is a constant presence and one of the strongest buffet offerings across the fleet. Bread selections are extensive and often include focaccia and European-style rolls. Cheese selections are broader than what many American cruisers expect, especially at breakfast and lunch.
Understanding this influence helps set expectations and explains why the buffet feels different from those on US-based cruise lines.
Breakfast at the MSC Buffet
Breakfast is one of the buffet’s strongest meals and offers a wide range of options.
Typical breakfast offerings include:
- Eggs prepared in several forms
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Hash browns
- A fresh-made omelet station
- Cheese and deli meats
- Bread, rolls, and bagels
- Fresh fruit, including whole items like apples and bananas and cut fruit such as cantaloupe and pineapple
- Yogurts and parfaits
- Cereal
- Boxed milk and milk alternatives
- Oatmeal
- Pastries
Breakfast is busy during peak hours but offers the most variety and flexibility for guests with different preferences.
Lunch and Dinner at the MSC Buffet
Lunch and dinner share a similar structure, though dishes rotate and themes change throughout the week.
Core offerings usually include:
- A carving station with chef-carved meats
- Pizza station
- Bread and cheese selections
- Salad bar
- Desserts
- Ice cream
- Fresh fruit
Comfort food options commonly include:
- Hot dogs
- Hamburgers
- French fries
Additional hot food options typically include:
- Fish dishes
- An ethnic section featuring rotating international cuisines
- A wide selection of side dishes
Weekly Lunch Themes
Throughout the cruise, lunch often features rotating themes such as Mexican, Asian, Caribbean, and other international cuisines. These themed days help keep the buffet from feeling repetitive, especially on longer itineraries.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
MSC buffets include a dedicated vegetarian and vegan section. This area is clearly labeled and separate from the main hot stations. Options rotate daily and provide a reliable choice for guests with dietary preferences or restrictions.
Kids’ Buffet Area
Most MSC ships include a dedicated buffet area designed specifically for kids. This section features familiar, kid-friendly foods and often uses lower counters to make it easier for children to serve themselves.
For families, this is one of the biggest advantages of the buffet compared to other dining venues onboard.
Late Night Buffet and Snacks
Late night buffet service is more limited and focuses on comfort foods rather than variety.
Typical late night offerings include:
- Pizza
- Sandwiches
- A small selection of side dishes
This is not a full buffet experience, but it is a reliable option for guests who want something casual later in the evening.
Beverage Availability at the Buffet
Included beverages at the buffet typically include:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Some juice at breakfast
Not included:
- Soda
- Alcohol
- Specialty coffee
This ties directly into MSC drink packages, which apply at the buffet just like they do elsewhere onboard.
Dress Code and Atmosphere
There is no formal dress code at the MSC buffet. Casual attire is expected.
Swimwear without a cover-up is not permitted. Guests coming directly from the pool should wear a cover-up, shirt, or similar clothing before entering the buffet.
Seating, Layout, and Crowd Flow
Buffet seating is casual and can feel busy during peak meal times. Tables are generally closer together than what many American cruisers are used to, reflecting European dining norms.
Outdoor seating near the pool deck is often available and underused, especially during breakfast and lunch. Choosing outdoor seating can make the buffet feel much calmer.
Who the MSC Buffet Is Best For
The buffet works especially well for:
- Families with kids
- Guests who prefer flexible dining times
- Casual breakfasts and lunches
- Quick meals between activities
Who May Prefer Other Dining Options
The buffet may be less appealing for:
- Guests seeking a quiet dining environment
- Those who prefer plated service
- Guests who treat dinner as a social or formal event
In those cases, the Main Dining Room or specialty dining may be a better fit.
How the Buffet Fits Into a Smart MSC Dining Strategy
The MSC buffet is best used as part of a broader dining strategy. Many experienced cruisers rely on the buffet for breakfast, lunch, and late night snacks, while using the Main Dining Room or specialty dining for dinner.
Used strategically, the buffet adds flexibility and convenience without replacing the more structured dining experiences onboard.
Final Thoughts
The MSC buffet is reliable, flexible, and strongly influenced by European dining traditions. It excels at breakfast, lunch, pizza, bread, and casual meals, and provides a wide range of options for families and guests with varied schedules.
When expectations are aligned, the buffet becomes a valuable part of the overall cruise experience rather than a backup option.
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