MSC Cruises recently announced that they will be introducing a flat rate for the 3-course menus in their specialty restaurants on their ships. Quality food and drink is an important part of the formula of MSC cruise ships. Part of the food service is included in the price. How does MSC entice its passengers to pay a surcharge for a specialty menu? And why is an all-inclusive price chosen?
One menu, one price
Food and drinks are normally included in the price of MSC cruises. Restaurants and bars are open all day, which makes for a particularly hospitable experience. For example; the MSC World Europa cruise ship sailing in the Mediterranean has a capacity of 6.774 passengers. There are 13 dining options on board, including 6 specialty restaurants
The specialty restaurants are outside the all-inclusive formula and are charged based on the prices in the menu. This is now changing. Guests can now choose from a rich variety of dishes from the full restaurant menu for one fixed price. This not only offers more choice, but also more value and transparency, making the specialty restaurants more accessible to everyone. The menus allow guests to choose at least one starter, one main course and one dessert for a fixed price. In addition, exclusive dishes, such as Ozaki Wagyu beef, will be available for a small additional charge.
Wim Willems, from MSC Cruises Benelux, explains that the choice for a unit price was partly inspired by efficiency: “One standard price for all menus has to do with efficiency indeed and user comfort, transparency. This makes it easier for the travellers.”
Passengers will have the opportunity to pre-book one to four specialty dining packages. These packages are completely flexible and can be used to revisit favorite restaurants, giving guests the freedom to create their ideal culinary itinerary on board. Guests who purchase their specialty dining package in advance of their cruise can enjoy up to 20% off the price.
Upsell on a cruise vacation
Anyone who expects Dutch visitors to always look for a bargain is mistaken. Willems: “We see that Dutch (and Belgians) very often book extras such as Speciality Restaurants and Excursions. These are the two most chosen extras when booking.”
The new MSC World Europe now features six signature dining options, which are proving particularly popular with cruise passengers. Reservations are therefore recommended. Future concept changes are easy to implement. The new prototype ship offers a blank canvas with the opportunity to introduce brand new concepts and exciting experiences.
Food service on board the MSC World Europe
The 6 specialty restaurants on board MSC World Europa:
- Chef's Garden Kitchen – A collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Niklas Ekstedt, with a focus on natural ingredients and a farm-to-ocean ethos.
- La Pescaderia – Fish Market – A traditional Mediterranean fish restaurant with fresh seafood and outdoor seating.
- Butcher's Cut – An American style steakhouse, known from other MSC ships.
- Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar – Asian-inspired dishes with live cooking shows on the teppanyaki plate and a selection of sushi.
- HELLO! Tacos & Cantina – A restaurant inspired by Latin American street food, with a lively and colorful atmosphere.
- Les Dunes Restaurant – An elegant restaurant exclusively for Aurea guests, with a refined menu and a peaceful atmosphere.
In addition to these specialty restaurants, there are also three buffet restaurants on board, each with its own atmosphere and offerings and available to everyone. One of these buffets is open 24/7, which offers flexibility for guests who want to dine at any time of the day.
More information: www.msccruises.nl/aan-boord/eten-en-drinken