Is the MSC Dining Package Worth It?

If you are cruising with MSC for the first time, or even if you are a seasoned cruiser, the specialty dining package can feel like one of those decisions you are supposed to make early and then never question again.

But should you?

The short answer is this: the MSC Dining Package can be worth it, but only if you use it the right way. It offers a moderate discount compared to paying for specialty dining meals individually, especially when purchased before your cruise during a sale. For some cruisers, that added value is real. For others, it is easy to overpay.

Let’s walk through how the package works, what it costs, and when it actually makes sense.

What Is the MSC Dining Package?

The MSC Dining Package bundles multiple meals at the ship’s specialty restaurants into one prepaid package.

Instead of paying for each specialty restaurant visit individually onboard, you purchase a package that includes 2, 3, or 4 specialty dining meals per person.

A few important basics to know up front:

Dining packages are per person and non-transferable
Available for guests ages 3 and up
Children under 3 dine free
Gratuities are included
Packages include food only
Alcohol is not included, but drink packages do apply
Meals and reservations are subject to availability

MSC positions these packages as a way to lock in value and plan ahead, which is reflected in the pricing.

How Much Does the MSC Dining Package Cost?

Pricing for the MSC Dining Package varies depending on whether you buy it online before your cruise or onboard the ship.

Buying ahead of time is almost always cheaper, and MSC runs sales frequently to encourage advance purchases.

Here are typical price ranges you will see:

2 meals: $79–$100 per person
3 meals: $111–$144 per person
4 meals: $135–$170 per person

A few key things to understand about pricing:

Onboard pricing usually lands at the higher end of these ranges
Online sales of 20% or more are common
The package provides a moderate savings, not a massive one

This is not a situation where the package cuts your dining costs in half. The value comes from small per-meal savings that add up if you plan to dine at multiple higher-cost venues.

We highly recommend booking online or via the app prior to sailing as this offers a better savings than booking onboard, especially when there is a sale.

What Restaurants Can You Use the Package At?

MSC dining packages are valid across all specialty restaurants onboard, with a few limitations.

General rules include:

Each restaurant visit counts as one meal
Packages may only be used once at Butcher’s Cut
Chef’s Table experiences at Butcher’s Cut and Le Grill:
- Are adults-only
- Require an additional charge on top of the dining package

One important thing to keep in mind is that not all specialty restaurants are priced the same, which matters a lot when deciding whether the package is worth it.

When the MSC Dining Package Is Worth It

The dining package makes the most sense for cruisers who plan to use it strategically.

You are more likely to get value if:

You plan to dine at higher-cost specialty restaurants, such as Butcher’s Cut
You expect to enjoy full, multi-course meals
You like locking in costs before you sail
You purchase the package online during a sale
You are confident you will use every meal in the package

Because gratuities are included and pricing is predictable, some cruisers also appreciate the simplicity of knowing specialty dining is already covered.

When the MSC Dining Package Is Not Worth It

This is where many cruisers overestimate the value.

The dining package may not make sense if:

You plan to dine mostly in the Main Dining Room or buffet
You prefer casual, quicker meals
You do not want to commit to reservations
You may skip meals due to port days or late returns
You are drawn to lower-cost specialty venues.
One common example is Hola! Tacos & Cantina. This venue is often cheaper to purchase directly onboard using its all-you-can-eat pricing than using a dining package meal, which effectively costs more per visit. Also, with Hola!, you can purchase items a-la-carte and generally spend even less than the all-you-can-eat pricing.

In situations like that, paying as you go is simply the better deal.

An Important Detail Many Cruisers Overlook

Unused dining package meals are non-refundable.

That means:

Skipping a reservation costs you real money
Port-heavy itineraries can reduce dining opportunities
Late port returns can conflict with specialty dining hours

The dining package only delivers value if you actually use it. If your cruise style is flexible or spontaneous, paying à la carte often provides better overall value.

Dining Package vs Paying À La Carte

When you compare the two options side by side, the decision becomes clearer.

Dining Package Pros

Predictable pricing
Gratuities included
Small savings when used fully
Easier budgeting before the cruise

À La Carte Pros

Maximum flexibility
Often cheaper for 1–2 specialty meals
Better value at lower-cost venues
No risk of unused meals

The MSC Dining Package offers a moderate benefit, not a dramatic one. The choice comes down to planning style and dining preferences.

Final Verdict: Is the MSC Dining Package Worth It?

The MSC Dining Package is not a must-buy, but it can be a smart purchase when used intentionally.

If you plan multiple specialty meals at premium venues and can grab the package during a pre-cruise sale, the savings are real and the convenience is nice. If your dining plans are lighter, more flexible, or focused on casual venues, paying for specialty dining individually often makes more sense.

Either way, MSC’s Main Dining Room and buffet provide solid food quality, so specialty dining should be viewed as an enhancement, not a requirement, for a great cruise.