Where to Find the Best Coffee on MSC Cruises (and What’s Included)
If you’re a coffee lover, MSC Cruises might be your happy place at sea — even if you don’t know it yet.
MSC is an Italian cruise line, which means coffee isn’t just a beverage, it’s a part of the culture. From that morning cappuccino to the post-dinner espresso shot, coffee is woven into daily life onboard. And the best part? It’s served all day long.
While European coffee traditions might differ (in Italy, cappuccino is considered a morning drink), MSC doesn’t judge. You can order coffee anytime — morning, afternoon, or late-night while watching the waves.
And if you have a drink package, the coffee options on MSC ships are one of the most underrated perks at sea. Let’s dig in.
Start with the Basics: What Coffee Is Free on MSC
Let’s begin with the complimentary stuff.
If you just want something hot and caffeinated, regular brewed coffee is available at the buffet and in the main dining room, included in your cruise fare. You can also get coffee through room service, though depending on your cabin type (or experience level, like Yacht Club), it may come with an extra charge.
This complimentary brew is usually Lavazza on U.S.-based sailings — a well-known Italian brand. It’s bold, dark, and sometimes a little bitter for American tastes. Think of it as a strong European-style coffee, not your typical bottomless diner mug.
For early risers or quick breakfast drinkers, it gets the job done. But if you’re looking for something more flavorful — or you like your coffee with milk, foam, or flavor — you’ll want to move beyond the basics.
MSC’s Secret Weapon: The Bar Espresso Machine
Here’s where MSC quietly outshines the competition.
On most American cruise lines, there’s one specialty coffee stand on the ship, often a Starbucks-branded kiosk. It’s fine, but it’s predictable — and the line is usually long. Plus, there’s nothing especially “cruise-y” about paying $7 for the same drink you get every weekday on land.
MSC takes a completely different approach.
Nearly every bar onboard (especially the larger ones) is equipped with a high-end European espresso machine — and a trained barista behind it. These machines can make the full lineup of coffee drinks you’d expect in a European café:
espresso, cappuccino, latte, macchiato, mocha, flavored coffees, iced drinks, and even spiked options.
The best part? While these drinks do have a price if you’re paying à la carte, they’re all included in the drink packages. So if you have a Premium Extra Package, you can grab a cappuccino in the morning, an iced latte after lunch, and an espresso martini before dinner — all included.
That alone makes the drink package worth considering, even if you’re not a big cocktail drinker.
Specialty Coffee Locations
MSC also features dedicated chocolate and coffee cafés on many of its ships — and these are worth a visit whether you’re a coffee fanatic or just need an afternoon pick-me-up.
You’ll typically find one of two brands depending on the ship:
- Jean-Philippe Café & Chocolat (Meraviglia-class ships)
- Venchi 1878 Chocolate & Coffee Bar (Seaside- and Seashore-class ships)
These spots are where MSC’s Italian roots really shine. Expect over-the-top creations — think cappuccinos piled high with whipped cream, espresso poured over gelato (affogato style), or mochas laced with gourmet chocolate.
These premium drinks are not included in the drink packages and are priced à la carte, but if you’re looking for a treat — or something Instagram-worthy — this is the place to go.
What’s Included in Drink Packages
If you’ve purchased an MSC drink package, coffee suddenly becomes one of your best value items onboard.
Here’s what’s covered:
- Premium Extra Package: Includes espresso, cappuccino, macchiato, latte, mocha, iced coffee, and more. Basically, all coffee drinks served at the bars are included (except for the specialty café creations).
- Yacht Club: All coffee drinks are included anywhere on the ship — no limits, no restrictions.
That means you can grab a cappuccino from the atrium bar, a macchiato with dessert, or a latte by the pool — and it’s all included.
Non-Dairy & Decaf Options
MSC does a solid job catering to different preferences. Most ships stock soy and rice-based milks, and some also offer oat milk depending on region and demand.
Decaf espresso is available on all ships — just ask. It’s not instant, either; it’s proper espresso made from decaffeinated beans, so you still get that strong, rich flavor without the buzz.
Is the Coffee Worth It?
Absolutely — as long as you appreciate espresso-style drinks.
MSC excels in espresso-based coffee, not the large, watered-down American-style brews you might find elsewhere. If you love cappuccinos, macchiatos, or strong European coffee, you’ll be in heaven.
If you’re more of a “bottomless cup of mild coffee” drinker, the complimentary coffee will get you through the day just fine — but you might miss your favorite big-chain latte.
That said, the drink package value in coffee alone is huge. Think about it: a cappuccino or latte runs around $4–5 onboard. Have two per day, and you’re already saving money — before you’ve even touched the cocktail menu.
Final Thoughts
MSC’s coffee experience is a quiet triumph that too many cruisers overlook. Whether it’s your morning ritual or your after-dinner indulgence, the coffee onboard feels more crafted than corporate. You can get an espresso at almost any bar, any time of day — and that’s something few other cruise lines can claim.
If you’ve got the drink package, don’t just use it for cocktails. Use it for coffee — and enjoy some of the best espresso at sea.