Speech bubble with question mark, indicating help or support
White phone icon with downward arrow indicating incoming call REQUEST A CALL BELOW

Buffet & Restaurants

Our main restaurants give you a wide selection of high-quality cuisine with a different menu every day, from local bites to the best Mediterranean food. At our extensive buffet, you can explore our cuisine with the freedom to walk in and treat yourself at any time. The buffet is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks.

Discover our wide variety of dining programs, selected at the time of booking or requested on board. If you prefer a fixed dining schedule, choose from up to three assigned dining slots, and we'll reserve a table for the entire duration of your cruise. Or enjoy global flavors at your own pace with our flexible Dine on Your Time program—available exclusively on MSC Seashore and MSC Seaside. Simply check in at your main restaurant and get seated on a first come, first served basis, or make a reservation at a time that works for you. Aurea guests can enjoy even more flexibility with the exclusive My Choice dining style, which allows them to dine anytime without a reservation.

 

FAQs

Is there an additional cost for a second entrée in main dining restaurants?

For cruises departing from a U.S. homeport:

Meals at the main restaurants are complimentary per each guest. For guests who wish to order a second dish or more on specific dinner menu sections, an additional surcharge of $5 will be applied.

What is included in the dining options for cruises departing from a U.S. homeport?

On cruises departing from a U.S. homeport, meals at the main restaurants are complimentary per each guest. However, if a guest chooses to order a second dish or more on specific dinner menu sections, an additional surcharge of $5 will be applied.

What are the dining time options?

MSC Cruises offers three dinner seating models, depending on the ship and guest experience level:

 

  • Assigned Seating
    Guests can choose from up to three fixed dining times for the entire cruise. They will keep the same table and dining schedule each evening. Exact times vary by ship and itinerary.

 

  • Dine on Your Time
    Dine on Your Time is a flexible dining option available to Bella and Fantastica guests that allows you to choose the dining time that works best for you. This new dining option will be available to book beginning March 11, 2026. It will launch on MSC Seashore on April 19, 2026, and on MSC Seaside on May 1, 2026. You can find more information about Dine on Your Time below.

 

  • My Choice Dining (Aurea Experience)
    Aurea guests enjoy guaranteed anytime dining within the main restaurant’s opening hours. Unlike Dine on Your Time, this option is guaranteed and not capacity dependent.

Dine On Your Time

Available exclusively on MSC Seashore and MSC Seaside.

What is Dine on Your Time?

Dine on Your Time is a flexible dining option available to Bella and Fantastica guests that allows you to choose the dining time that works best for you.* This new dining option will be available to book beginning March 11, 2026. It will launch on MSC Seashore on April 19, 2026, and on MSC Seaside on May 1, 2026.

*Open dining hours available with the Dine on Your Time program may vary by ship and itinerary.

How is Dine on Your Time different from Aurea’s My Choice Dining?

My Choice Dining is guaranteed for all Aurea guests. Dine on Your Time may be selected by Bella and Fantastica guests at the time of your cruise booking or requested at any point during the cruise, based on availability.

Do I need to pre-book my dining time?

No reservation is required if you select Dine on Your Time. Simply check in at the restaurant when you’re ready to dine. If you prefer, you may also make a reservation on board for a specific dining time.

Is Dine on Your Time replacing assigned dining?

No. Dine on Your Time is offered as an additional dining option that can be selected at the time of your cruise booking.

What appears on my cruise card?

If you pre-select Dine on Your Time, it will be indicated on your cruise card.

Is Dine on Your Time applicable to any main dining restaurant or only the one assigned on the cruise card?

Dine on Your Time applies only to the main dining restaurant assigned on your cruise card.

What are the hours for Dine on Your Time?

Dining hours vary depending on the ship and itinerary.

How are larger parties accommodated?

Larger parties may experience longer wait times, as seating is based on availability. The restaurant host will do their best to accommodate your group. For larger families or groups who prefer guaranteed seating together, we recommend selecting assigned dining at the time of your cruise booking.

Are specialty restaurants included in Dine on Your Time?

No. Dine on Your Time applies only to the main dining restaurant assigned on your cruise card. Specialty restaurants are not included.

When do I choose Dine on Your Time?

You can select Dine on Your Time at the time of your cruise booking. If the option does not appear, it means the available capacity has already been filled.

I'm traveling with guests in another stateroom who selected assigned dining. Can they join me with Dine on Your Time?

If availability allows, our team will be happy to welcome your travel companions to dine with you. Please note, if your companions join you, they will be automatically switched to Dine on Your Time for the remainder of the cruise.

Can I request the same table or waiter each evening with Dine on Your Time?

You are welcome to share your preferences with the restaurant team. While Dine on Your Time does not guarantee the same table or waiter each evening, our staff will do their best to accommodate your request whenever possible.

Can I switch between Dine on Your Time and assigned dining during my cruise?

Guests may only select one dining option per sailing. Requests to switch may be considered once on board and can be approved one time only, depending on availability.