MSC Cruises Specialty Dining Packages & Prices Guide
MSC Cruises offers specialty dining packages that allow passengers to bundle multiple specialty restaurant meals into one purchase instead of paying separately for every dining experience. Depending on the ship and sailing, passengers can choose packages covering multiple specialty dining meals, while individual experiences such as the Butcher’s Cut Chef’s Table may also be offered separately.
MSC currently confirms that its newer specialty dining program includes two-, three- and four-meal packages on applicable ships. These packages allow passengers to choose among participating specialty restaurants, with a complete multi-course meal included and certain premium dishes available for an additional charge.
The photographed MSC Specialty Dining Packages sign in this guide documents an onboard offer of $99 per adult for two specialty dining meals, $144 per adult for three meals, and $79 per adult for the Butcher’s Cut Chef’s Table. Children’s prices are also shown. MSC confirms that dining package prices and inclusions can vary by ship and itinerary, so these should be treated as documented onboard prices rather than guaranteed fleetwide rates.
For more information before visiting Ocean Cay, CruisePrism readers can also explore our MSC Cruises Dining Menus, MSC Drink Lists and MSC Onboard Guides for more dining, activities, schedules and cruise-planning information.
MSC Cruises Specialty Dining Package Prices
The photographed MSC Cruises offer lists three choices:
- 3 Specialty Dining Meals – $144 per adult / $36 per child
- 2 Specialty Dining Meals – $99 per adult / $24 per child
- Butcher’s Cut Chef’s Table – $79 per adult / $12 per child
The sign specifically states that gratuities are included.
These prices provide a useful example of what MSC has charged onboard, but passengers shouldn’t assume they’ll find exactly the same prices on another ship or sailing.
MSC’s current terms specifically state that prices and inclusions may vary by ship and itinerary.
How Much Is the MSC 3-Meal Specialty Dining Package?
The photographed offer lists:
3 Specialty Dining Meals – $144 per adult
That works out to:
$48 per specialty dining meal
The children’s price shown is:
$36 per child
That works out to $12 per meal.
The three-meal package can make sense for passengers who want specialty dining to be a significant part of their cruise without eating at a specialty restaurant every night.
How Much Is the MSC 2-Meal Specialty Dining Package?
The photographed offer lists:
2 Specialty Dining Meals – $99 per adult
That works out to:
$49.50 per specialty dining meal
The children’s package is:
$24 per child
Again, that’s equivalent to $12 per meal for the child based on the photographed offer.
The two-meal package is a good middle ground for passengers who want to experience a couple of MSC’s premium restaurants while still spending most evenings in the Main Dining Room.
MSC Butcher’s Cut Chef’s Table Price
The photographed specialty dining sign separately advertises:
Butcher’s Cut Chef’s Table – $79 per adult
It also shows a $12 child price on this particular sign.
However, there is an important current-policy change to understand.
MSC’s current specialty dining terms state that the Butcher’s Cut Chef’s Table is available to adult guests only.
That means the $12 child price printed on this photographed offer should be treated as a feature of the specific offer represented by the sign, not as a current fleetwide Chef’s Table policy.
Passengers booking today should follow the current terms displayed for their sailing.
What Is MSC Butcher’s Cut?
Butcher’s Cut is MSC Cruises’ American-style specialty steakhouse.
The restaurant specializes in premium cuts of beef, with current menus featuring selections such as filet mignon, rib-eye, New York sirloin, T-bone and other steakhouse dishes.
It is one of MSC’s most recognizable specialty restaurants and is available on numerous ships, although it isn’t present on every vessel in the fleet.
What Is the Butcher’s Cut Chef’s Table?
The Butcher’s Cut Chef’s Table is a more exclusive dining experience than simply having dinner at Butcher’s Cut.
MSC treats the Chef’s Table as its own premium specialty dining experience, and its current terms specifically identify it separately from regular multi-meal specialty dining packages.
Current MSC policy also limits the Butcher’s Cut Chef’s Table to adult guests.
Passengers interested specifically in the Chef’s Table should therefore look for it separately when reviewing dining experiences available for their ship.
How Do MSC Specialty Dining Packages Work?
MSC’s current dining program makes the packages more flexible than some of its older specialty dining offers.
Passengers can purchase a package containing:
- 2 specialty dining meals
- 3 specialty dining meals
- 4 specialty dining meals
The package is personal and non-transferable.
That means one passenger can’t purchase a four-meal package and split those four meals among four people at a single dinner.
Each package belongs to the individual passenger who purchased it.
What Is Included With an MSC Specialty Dining Package?
MSC’s current dining packages include a complete multi-course meal.
The cruise line describes the meal as including at least:
- One starter
- One main course
- One dessert
This is considerably more flexible than simply receiving one predetermined meal.
However, some premium menu items can carry an additional supplement.
Passengers should therefore look for supplemental pricing when ordering particularly expensive dishes.
Can You Choose Your MSC Specialty Restaurants?
Under MSC’s newer specialty dining program, passengers have greater flexibility to select the restaurants where they want to use their meals.
MSC says the packages are valid across participating specialty restaurants.
This is an important distinction from some older MSC dining packages, which could be tied to designated restaurants or specific dining experiences.
MSC began introducing its new specialty dining packages in 2025 and planned expansion across the applicable fleet through April 2026.
Some ships with a limited number of specialty restaurants continue to operate under older package arrangements.
Which MSC Ships Have the New Specialty Dining Packages?
MSC currently lists its Specialty Dining Meals Package on ships including:
- MSC Bellissima
- MSC Divina
- MSC Euribia
- MSC Grandiosa
- MSC Meraviglia
- MSC Preziosa
- MSC Seaside
- MSC Seashore
- MSC Seaview
- MSC Seascape
- MSC Splendida
- MSC Virtuosa
- MSC World America
- MSC World Europa
Availability can change as MSC updates its dining program.
More importantly, the number and type of specialty restaurants vary substantially from one MSC ship to another.
Are MSC Specialty Dining Packages Fleetwide?
Not completely.
This is why a broad MSC Cruises specialty dining packages article makes sense, but it would be inaccurate to claim that every MSC ship has exactly the same package.
MSC specifically notes exceptions for ships with two or fewer specialty dining restaurant options.
Those ships may continue using older dining-package arrangements instead of the newer flexible specialty dining program.
Passengers should therefore check the dining packages displayed in their My MSC account for the exact options available on their ship.
Which Restaurants Can You Use With an MSC Dining Package?
The selection depends on the ship.
MSC’s specialty restaurant portfolio includes concepts such as:
- Butcher’s Cut
- Kaito Sushi
- Kaito Teppanyaki
- Hola! Tacos & Cantina
- Ocean Cay
- Eataly
- Le Grill
- Asian and other ship-specific specialty restaurants
Not every restaurant is available on every vessel.
For example, one MSC ship may offer Butcher’s Cut, Kaito Sushi and Kaito Teppanyaki, while another vessel can have an entirely different specialty dining lineup.
That makes the ship itself an important consideration when deciding whether a two-, three- or four-meal package provides the best value.
Can You Eat at the Same Specialty Restaurant More Than Once?
MSC’s current rules allow passengers with two-, three- and four-meal packages to make reservations at the same specialty restaurant multiple times, with an important exception.
Butcher’s Cut can only be used once per package.
That means a passenger with a three-meal package could potentially return to another eligible specialty restaurant, but couldn’t use all three meals for three dinners at Butcher’s Cut.
The exact rules should still be checked for the sailing because MSC notes that package inclusions can vary.
Are Gratuities Included in MSC Specialty Dining Packages?
Yes.
The photographed sign specifically states:
Gratuities included.
MSC’s current specialty dining terms also confirm that gratuities are included in prepaid dining packages.
This makes it easier to compare the package price with paying separately for specialty dining.
Are Drinks Included With MSC Specialty Dining Packages?
No.
MSC’s current terms specify that its single- and multi-meal specialty dining packages include food only.
Drinks are separate unless covered through an eligible beverage package or another applicable benefit.
Passengers with a beverage package should also check its terms because not every MSC drink package receives identical treatment inside specialty restaurants.
Can You Use an MSC Drink Package in Specialty Restaurants?
Under MSC’s current beverage rules, Premium Extra can be used in specialty restaurants.
MSC’s other beverage packages have more restrictive specialty-restaurant rules.
This matters when calculating the real cost of specialty dining. A passenger with eligible beverage coverage may have a different total dining cost from someone purchasing wine, cocktails or other beverages separately.
How Much Do Children Pay for MSC Specialty Dining?
MSC’s current dining program provides a dedicated children’s option.
Children ages 3 through 12 can order from a special Kids Menu for a fixed price.
Current MSC information lists the children’s specialty dining price at $12.
Children younger than three dine complimentary.
The photographed package aligns with that structure:
- 2 meals – $24 per child
- 3 meals – $36 per child
Both work out to $12 per specialty meal.
However, the photographed $12 child price beside Butcher’s Cut Chef’s Table should not be interpreted as current policy because MSC now states that the Chef’s Table is for adults only.
Can Children Order From the Adult Specialty Menu?
MSC’s current terms allow children ages 3–12 to upgrade from the dedicated Kids Menu to the full adult menu by paying the difference between the children’s package price and the prepaid adult price.
There are exceptions, including Hola! Tacos & Cantina.
Families should therefore decide whether the children’s menu is sufficient or whether paying the upgrade makes sense for a child who wants the full specialty restaurant experience.
Are Children Under 3 Free at MSC Specialty Restaurants?
Yes.
MSC currently states that children under three enjoy complimentary specialty dining.
That can make specialty restaurants considerably more practical for families traveling with toddlers.
Can You Buy an MSC Dining Package Onboard?
Yes.
MSC currently allows passengers to purchase specialty dining packages after boarding, subject to availability.
However, MSC promotes pre-cruise purchases as the better-priced option.
The cruise line specifically advertises online savings compared with purchasing dining packages onboard.
That means passengers already planning multiple specialty meals should compare the pre-cruise price in My MSC before waiting until they board.
When Can You Reserve MSC Specialty Restaurants?
MSC currently allows passengers purchasing eligible two-, three- and four-meal specialty dining packages to make restaurant and dining-time reservations before departure.
Reservations remain subject to availability.
Popular restaurants and desirable dinner times can fill, so passengers with strong preferences may benefit from booking their dining times before the cruise rather than waiting until they’re onboard.
Are MSC Dining Package Meals Refundable?
Unused meals are generally non-refundable.
If you purchase a three-meal package and only use two meals, you shouldn’t expect MSC to refund the unused third dinner.
That makes it worth considering how many specialty restaurants you realistically intend to visit before choosing the largest available package.
Are Premium Dishes Included?
The specialty dining package provides a full meal, but MSC reserves some premium dishes for an additional charge.
That means buying the package doesn’t necessarily unlock every single item on every participating restaurant menu at no additional cost.
Premium steaks, seafood or other high-cost selections may carry a supplement.
The restaurant menu should clearly identify applicable charges.
Is the MSC Specialty Dining Package Worth It?
The value depends heavily on how many specialty restaurants you actually plan to visit.
Using the photographed onboard prices:
Two meals for $99 works out to $49.50 per meal.
Three meals for $144 works out to $48 per meal.
The three-meal package therefore offers a slightly lower average price per dinner.
Pre-cruise offers can improve that value further because MSC currently advertises online discounts compared with onboard package pricing.
The package becomes less attractive if you aren’t certain you’ll use every meal because unused meals aren’t refundable.
2-Meal vs. 3-Meal MSC Dining Package
For passengers who simply want to try specialty dining, the two-meal package may be enough.
It lets you select two premium dinners without committing too much of the cruise to paid dining.
The three-meal package makes more sense on ships with several specialty restaurants you genuinely want to experience.
On a seven-night cruise, three specialty dinners still leave four evenings for the Main Dining Room or other included venues.
On ships with particularly large specialty dining collections, passengers may also find MSC’s current four-meal option worth considering.
Should You Buy MSC Specialty Dining Before the Cruise?
If you already know you’re going to use it, buying before the cruise can have a clear advantage.
MSC currently promotes its pre-cruise dining packages at discounted rates compared with onboard purchasing.
Buying ahead can also give passengers earlier access to planning their preferred restaurants and dining times.
If you’re uncertain whether you’ll actually want multiple specialty dinners, waiting provides more flexibility—but potentially at a higher price.
MSC Specialty Dining Packages FAQ
How much is the MSC 2-meal dining package?
The photographed onboard offer lists two specialty dining meals for $99 per adult and $24 per child. Prices can vary by ship and itinerary.
How much is the MSC 3-meal dining package?
The photographed offer lists three specialty dining meals for $144 per adult and $36 per child.
Does MSC offer a 4-meal specialty dining package?
Yes. MSC’s current specialty dining program includes two-, three- and four-meal options on applicable ships.
Are gratuities included?
Yes. MSC confirms that gratuities are included in its prepaid specialty dining packages, and the photographed onboard offer also states that gratuities are included.
Are drinks included?
No. MSC’s current specialty dining packages include food only.
Can I choose my restaurants?
MSC’s newer dining packages allow passengers to choose among eligible specialty restaurants, subject to availability and package rules.
Can I eat at Butcher’s Cut more than once?
MSC’s current terms state that a multi-meal package may only be used once at Butcher’s Cut.
Are premium menu items included?
Some premium dishes carry an additional charge even when using a specialty dining package.
How much do children pay?
MSC currently offers a dedicated Kids Menu for children ages 3–12 at a fixed $12 charge. Children under three dine complimentary.
Is Butcher’s Cut Chef’s Table available for children?
MSC’s current terms state that Butcher’s Cut Chef’s Table is available to adult guests only, even though the photographed older/different offer displays a child price.
Are unused specialty dining meals refundable?
No. MSC’s current terms state that unused meals from multi-meal packages are non-refundable.
Can I buy the package after boarding?
Yes, subject to availability, but MSC currently advertises savings for purchasing specialty dining packages before the cruise.
MSC Cruises Specialty Dining Packages: What to Know
MSC’s specialty dining packages can be one of the better ways to explore the cruise line’s premium restaurants without purchasing every dinner individually.
The photographed onboard offer provides a useful real-world pricing example: $99 for two specialty meals and $144 for three meals per adult, with children’s packages priced at $24 and $36 respectively. It also advertises a $79 Butcher’s Cut Chef’s Table experience.
MSC’s current dining program has since become broader and more flexible, with two-, three- and four-meal packages available on applicable ships, restaurant choice built into the newer program and complete multi-course meals included. Gratuities are included, while beverages and certain premium dishes can cost extra.
Because restaurant availability, package structures and prices vary between MSC ships and itineraries, the best approach is to use these prices as a real onboard example and then compare them with the specialty dining offers available for your specific sailing before you cruise.
