MSC World Asia to Debut Venchi’s Largest Shipboard Venue

MSC Cruises said it will put Venchi’s largest shipboard venue aboard the LNG-powered MSC World Asia, opening a 300-square-meter chocolate boutique, cafe and gelateria when the newbuild enters Mediterranean service Dec. 4, 2026. The venue will sit in the ship’s Deck 6 Galleria district, seat more than 60 guests and become the first Venchi store on an MSC World Class ship.

MSC already has Venchi gelaterias on selected Seaside Class vessels, but the World Asia installation adds a larger combined retail, production and service format. The ship is scheduled with more than 40 bars, lounges, cafes and restaurants, including 19 dining venues and six specialty restaurants.

Chocolate retail, cafe service and gelato in one venue

Inside the Venchi space, guests will be able to buy packaged chocolates and pralines, order espresso and specialty beverages paired with chocolates, and choose gelato flavors including extra dark chocolate and gianduja hazelnut. Service will extend through the day with croissants and crepes earlier and chocolate-based cocktails in the evening.

The production element includes live chocolate-making and a “chocolate lab” where guests can make custom bars or slabs using ingredients such as Piedmont hazelnut and Venchi chocolate caviar. Digital tools will be used for personalized designs.

No financial terms for the Venchi agreement were disclosed. MSC’s Venchi announcement also did not include an executive statement from either company.

Limited gelato rollout starts in August

Alongside the onboard venue, MSC Cruises and Venchi are introducing Crunchy Waves, a limited-edition gelato flavor, in selected Venchi stores from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31. The flavor will also be served in August aboard Seaside Class ships with Venchi gelaterias and will be added on MSC World Asia from December.

The recipe combines Bourbon vanilla gelato, hazelnut biscuit and salted toffee pieces inspired by Bacio di Dama, and a blue spirulina layer. Venchi, founded in Turin in 1878 and now operating more than 175 directly operated stores across 70 countries, will offer the flavor in selected outlets including locations in the United States, United Kingdom, France and Italy.

MSC World Asia dining program continues to take shape

MSC earlier disclosed a three-part Pan-Asian venue for MSC World Asia combining a specialty restaurant, bar and complimentary on-the-go counter. Stéphane Franchini, senior director, food and beverage product at MSC Cruises, said the concept invites guests to explore the cuisine “in a way that is vibrant, welcoming and full of flavor.”

The Pan-Asian menu details released so far include Singapore-style shrimp, shiitake mushroom fried rice, wok-fired dishes, seafood balls and bao buns. The bar side is planned with Asian bottled beers, bubble teas, smoothies, fruit juices and cocktails such as jasmine mojitos, rose and strawberry daiquiris and matcha coladas.

The ship’s announced specialty lineup also includes Butcher’s Cut, Kaito Sushi Bar, Kaito Teppanyaki and Hola! Tacos & Cantina, along with six main dining concepts and an MSC Yacht Club exclusive restaurant. MSC World Asia’s first season is planned around seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries calling at Marseille, Barcelona, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina and Valletta, with embarkation available from Barcelona, Marseille and Genoa.

One food-and-beverage item remains unannounced: MSC has said a new Mediterranean restaurant is planned for the ship, with details to be released later.

See current MSC World Asia fares and itineraries on Cruise Lookup.