MSC dining packages can be a great value, or a complete waste of money, depending on how you cruise. Most frustration around MSC specialty dining comes from misunderstanding what a dining package actually includes, how pricing works, and how specialty restaurants fit into the overall dining experience.
This guide explains MSC dining packages in plain terms. What counts as specialty dining, what packages cost, how they compare to booking meals individually, and how to avoid common mistakes that cause disappointment onboard. For more information about specialty restaurants, be sure to check out our Guide on MSC Specialty Dining.
What MSC Means by “Specialty Dining”
Specialty dining on MSC refers to restaurants that carry an additional charge beyond the Main Dining Room and buffet. These venues offer a different atmosphere, a dedicated menu, and a more focused dining experience.
Common specialty restaurants across the MSC fleet include:
- Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse
- Ocean Cay Seafood Restaurant
- Kaito Teppanyaki and Sushi Bar
- Hola! Tacos and Cantina
- Eataly Italian Restaurant
- Paxos Greek Restaurant
Not every ship has every venue. This matters because the value of a dining package increases as the number of specialty restaurants onboard increases.
World class ships, including MSC World America, have more specialty dining venues than any other MSC ship class. On these ships, dining packages are easier to use strategically because there is more variety to choose from.
What an MSC Dining Package Actually Is
An MSC dining package bundles a set number of specialty dining meals at a reduced price compared to booking each restaurant individually.
Important things to understand upfront:
- A dining package does not provide unlimited specialty dining, but is limited to a certain number of trips to specialty restaurants.
- Each “meal” equals one visit to one specialty restaurant.
- The Main Dining Room and buffet are not part of the package as they are included in the cost of a voyage.
- Reservations are still required and must be made onboard, whether in person or the MSC for Me app.
Dining packages are about predictable pricing and convenience.
MSC Dining Package Prices Onboard
When purchased onboard, MSC dining packages are typically priced as follows:
- 2-meal package: $99 per person
- 3-meal package: $139 per person
- 4-meal package: $179 per person
These prices are per guest and apply regardless of which specialty restaurants you choose. Beverages are not included unless you also have a drink package, and even then, the standard drink package rules do apply.
Booking Specialty Dining Without a Package
Instead of buying a package, guests can book specialty restaurants individually. Typical onboard prices per person are:
- Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse: $55
- Kaito Teppanyaki: $55
- Paxos Greek Restaurant: $49
- Eataly Italian Restaurant: $55
- Ocean Cay Seafood Restaurant: $49
- Kaito Sushi Bar: $49
- Hola! Tacos and Cantina: $25
These prices are key to deciding whether a package makes sense. In many cases, booking two higher-priced restaurants individually can cost nearly the same as a multi-meal package.
Booking Before the Cruise and Expected Discounts
MSC almost always incentivizes guests to book dining in advance.
What to expect:
- Around a 20% discount when booking specialty dining or dining packages online before sailing
For example:
- A $55 restaurant booked onboard often costs about $44 when booked online
This applies to both individual restaurant reservations and dining packages, making pre-cruise booking the best value in most cases.
First Night Dining Discounts
Some MSC ships offer additional savings for dining on the first evening of the cruise. These nights tend to be less crowded since many guests stick with the complementary venues.
What this looks like in practice: A restaurant that normally costs $55 onboard may be offered for about $39 on the first evening
If you enjoy specialty dining, the first night can be one of the best value opportunities of the entire cruise.
What a Dining Package Meal Includes
A dining package meal generally includes:
- A set number of courses per person
- Access to a dedicated package menu or highlighted selections
- Dessert included
Not everything on the menu is always included. Premium items such as higher-end steaks or specialty seafood platters may be excluded from the base package price. The important part is that excluded items are usually upgradeable. If you want a premium cut or specialty dish, you can pay the difference rather than paying full price.
Dining Packages and MSC Experience Levels
Dining packages are not automatically included with most MSC fares.
Key points by experience level:
- Bella and Fantastica fares do not include specialty dining
- Aurea does not automatically include specialty dining. On some sailings, Aurea guests may have a dedicated Main Dining Room venue with My Time dining, but this is not a specialty restaurant.
- Otherwise, Aurea dining access is similar to other experience levels
- Yacht Club guests may receive specialty dining perks depending on the sailing, but specialty dining is still not unlimited
Always verify what is included in your specific booking, as promotions and inclusions can vary.
Dining Packages and Drink Packages
Dining packages do not include beverages.
If you want drinks with your meal:
- You must have a beverage package
- Or you will pay per drink plus gratuity
This applies even in specialty restaurants. Dining packages reduce food costs, not drink costs.
When a Dining Package Makes Sense
Dining packages are usually a good value for:
- Guests planning two or more specialty dining nights
- Couples celebrating anniversaries or special occasions
- Food-focused cruisers who want predictable pricing
- Guests sailing on World class ships with many specialty venues
If you already know you want to dine at Butcher’s Cut and Ocean Cay, a package often makes financial sense.
When You Should Skip the Dining Package
A dining package may not be a good choice if:
- You are happy with the Main Dining Room, buffet and complementary spots
- You are sailing a short itinerary and want to get a variety of venues
- You prefer flexible dining without reservations
Packages are optional enhancements, not must-have purchases.
Important Dining Package Tips and Gotchas
- For Diamond and Blue Diamond Voyagers Club members, use your free specialty dining meal separately. Do not count it as part of your dining package. The loyalty meal is booked onboard and is handled independently.
- We highly recommend to not use a dining package meal at Hola! Tacos and Cantina. MSC allows it, but the value is poor given the lower per-person price of that venue.
- Dining packages do not guarantee preferred reservation times. Popular restaurants and peak dining times still book up quickly. Book your preferred times on embarkation day to get your preferred spots.
- Dining packages reduce the cost of specialty dining, but they do not eliminate all upcharges. Read the package menu carefully so there are no surprises.
Final Thoughts
MSC dining packages can be a smart purchase when used intentionally. They offer real savings for guests who plan ahead, understand pricing differences between venues, and choose restaurants strategically.
They are not automatic upgrades and not right for every cruiser. The best approach is to look at your ship, your itinerary, and how often you realistically plan to dine at specialty restaurants.
When expectations are aligned, MSC dining packages enhance the cruise experience rather than complicating it.