MSC Cruises’ New Ship, the MSC World America, Has the Only Eataly at Sea

MSC Cruises‘ newest flagship, MSC World America, will be one seriously distinct ship thanks to its one-of-a-kind food offering.

On Wednesday, the cruise company announced its new ship will be home to the only Eataly restaurant at sea when she enters service next year. 

“We are in the constant pursuit of providing our guests with unique and authentic experiences to take them on gastronomic journeys of discovery. With every new ship, we select a range of new venues and concepts, including partnerships with world-class brands to elevate our culinary offerings for our guests,” Stéphane Franchini, the senior director of food and beverage products at MSC Cruises, shared with Food & Wine. “We wanted to offer venues that are unlike anything at sea, providing memorable experiences, and this partnership with Eataly, the global ambassador of high-quality Italian food and wine, was a perfect fit.”

As for what guests can expect on the menu, it includes some of the brand’s “most beloved dishes to items exclusively available on board,” all sourced from Italian suppliers and pasta crafted on-site. 

“If you could describe the menu in one word, it would be ‘fresh,'” Franchini added. “We took a close look at what our guests want from dining experiences onboard, and that boils down to fresh experiences and fresh ingredients.” 

Though the company wouldn’t divulge specific dishes, Franchini did share they are developing exclusive “basil-forward dishes and cocktails for the ship,” adding that guests won’t want to miss “the Mandilli al Pesto’s mix of delicate pasta sheets with all that fresh basil flavor. We’re also including many of Eataly’s most iconic existing dishes, including their fantastic Tiramisu.”

All of it will also be prepared in an open kitchen, with select dishes prepared tableside,  ensuring an intimate dining experience. “As a company with a strong European heritage, our gastronomy has always played an important role in our guest experience, which is why we have partnered with Eataly, an emblem of Made in Italy and Italian culinary artistry,” Franchini added. “Both MSC Cruises and Eataly share a passion for high-quality, authentic food made with fresh ingredients, and together, we are creating a unique experience exclusively on board.” 

Of course, this isn’t the only place guests will be able to dine onboard. Eataly is joined by five other restaurants, including Kaito Sushi Bar and Teppanyaki, Hola! Tacos & Cantina, and Paxos Restaurant, which Franchini noted, offers “a fresh, seafood-forward menu, complete with a fresh fish counter display for guests to choose from,” allowing guests to dine around the globe as they sail around it too.