MSC Fantasia Complete Restaurant Guide & PDF Menus
MSC Fantasia provides a variety of dining options to accommodate different tastes and schedules. Guests can choose from included main dining rooms and buffet venues, specialty restaurants with additional charges, and exclusive MSC Yacht Club dining. This guide outlines each restaurant, hours of operation, and practical tips for planning meals onboard MSC Fantasia.
About MSC Fantasia
Launched in 2008 as the lead ship of the Fantasia class, MSC Fantasia is a 138,000-gross-ton vessel carrying approximately 3,300 passengers at double occupancy. The ship combines European design with modern Italian luxury. Key features include four swimming pools, a 4D cinema, Formula 1 simulator, bowling alley, and the MSC Aurea Spa offering saunas, thermal cave, and wellness treatments.
The MSC Yacht Club provides a private, "ship within a ship" experience with 24-hour butler service, exclusive Top Sail Lounge, private pool deck, and a dedicated restaurant. Unique design elements include Swarovski crystal staircases and the Real Stone Piazza with an espresso bar, gelato, and pastry shop. MSC Fantasia primarily operates Mediterranean cruises in the summer and South American itineraries in winter.
Dining Hours Onboard MSC Fantasia
Dining on MSC Fantasia is available throughout the day at buffet, main dining, specialty, and Yacht Club restaurants. Hours vary by sea day, port day, or itinerary. Guests should consult the daily program or MSC for Me app for the most up-to-date times.
Breakfast
Buffet: 6:00 am - 11:00 am
Main Dining Room (port days): 7:30 am - 9:00 am
Brunch
Main Dining Room (sea days): 8:30 am - 1:30 pm
Lunch
Buffet: 11:30 am - 4:00 pm
Specialty Restaurants (on select days): 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Dinner
Buffet: 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Main Dining Rooms: Staggered seatings between 5:00 pm and 9:15 pm
Specialty Restaurants: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Late Night
Buffet: 10:00 pm - 2:00 am
All MSC Fantasia dining hours listed above are subject to change based on itinerary, port days, and onboard scheduling. Guests should check the daily program or the MSC for Me app for the most accurate and up to date restaurant hours during their cruise.
MSC Fantasia Complimentary Restaurants
Main Dining Rooms
MSC Fantasia has two main dining rooms included in the cruise fare: Red Velvet Restaurant and Il Cerchio d'Oro Panoramic Restaurant. Both serve Mediterranean and international dishes with vegetarian and healthy options.
Red Velvet Restaurant
The Red Velvet Restaurant is the main dining room onboard the MSC Splendida. Open for breakfast, brunch, and dinner. Breakfast and brunch are offered on port and sea days, with dinner served in staggered seatings. Aurea Experience guests enjoy anytime dining in a reserved section. Dinner seatings are staggered and assigned for Bella and Fantastica guests.
Breakfast: The Red Velvet Restaurant offers daily breakfast from 7:30 to 9:00 AM on port days.
Breakfast Menu
Brunch: Brunch is available from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM on sea days only.
Seaday Brunch Menu
Dinner: Assigned dining (Early Seating and Late Seating) is standard for Bella and Fantastica guests. The Red Velvet Restaurant hosts three staggered seatings for dinner.
Dinner 1 | Dinner 2 | Dinner 3 | Dinner 4 | Dinner 5 | Dinner 6 | Dinner 7
Casual Dining: L’Africana & Zanzibar Buffet
These buffet venues provide casual, self-service dining throughout the day. Options include pizza, pasta, salads, hot entrees, and desserts.
L’Africana & Zanzibar Buffet Buffet
Breakfast: 6:30 to 11:00 AM, and includes eggs, omelets, pancakes, waffles, pastries, cereal, and fruit.
Lunch: 12:00 to 4:00 PM, and includes pizza, pasta, salads, hamburgers, hot dogs, and hot entrees.
Dinner: 6:00 to 9:30 PM, featuring rotating international dishes and late-night snacks from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
MSC Yacht Club Exclusive Dining
MSC Yacht Club guests have access to private dining venues L’Etoile Yacht Club Restaurant and The One Bar & Grill, offering Mediterranean and international cuisine.
L’Etoile Yacht Club Restaurant
Breakfast: 7:00 to 9:30 AM
Sample Breakfast Menu
Lunch: 12:00 to 1:30 PM
Sample Lunch Menu
Dinner: 5:30 to 9:00 PM
Sample Dinner Menu
Highlights: L’Etoile is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with no assigned seating. Menus include Mediterranean and international dishes with daily specials.
The One Bar & Grill
Located on the Yacht Club sundeck, offering casual meals, made-to-order items, and buffet selections.
Hours:
Breakfast 7:00 - 10:30 AM
Lunch 12:00 - 3:00 PM
Afternoon snacks 3:30 - 4:30 PM.
MSC Fantasia Specialty Restaurants
Specialty dining is available for an additional fee, and reservations are recommended. Guests can also book specialty dining packages through the MSC for Me app or cruise planner.
Butcher’s Cut
An American-style steakhouse serving Linz Heritage Angus beef, seafood, sides, and desserts. The menu features select cuts paired with New World wines and cocktails.
Sea Pavilion
A specialty Asian fusion restaurant offering hot pot, dim sum, sashimi, and noodle dishes in a contemporary setting.
Sports Bar
Casual venue serving burgers, wings, and snacks with live sports broadcasts.
Ice Cream Bar
Casual venue offering ice cream, frozen desserts, and beverages.
Dining Tips for MSC Fantasia
Reservations for specialty restaurants should be made early to secure preferred dining times.
Dining schedules may vary between sea days and port days, especially for breakfast and lunch service.
Guests seeking flexible dining should consider booking the Aurea Experience, which includes My Choice Dining.
MSC Yacht Club guests benefit from private dining rooms and exclusive menus.
Buffet and grab-and-go options are ideal for families or guests looking for quick meals.
MSC Cruises has a limited number of tables for two in the main dining rooms. Couples are often seated at shared tables with four or more guests. Travelers who prefer private dining should visit the dining desk immediately after boarding to request a table change, as availability is limited and handled on a first come basis.
Final Thoughts on MSC Fantasia Dining
MSC Fantasia offers a mix of complimentary and specialty dining options, including main dining rooms, buffets, specialty restaurants, and private Yacht Club experiences. Guests can plan meals around their schedule and taste preferences, enjoying Mediterranean, Italian, and international cuisine across multiple decks. Reviewing dining hours and venues in advance ensures a smooth experience onboard this Fantasia-class cruise ship.
All photos © Freestyle Travelers and © MSC Cruises.
