That’s Amore! Eataly is coming to the high seas

MSC Cruises’ new megaship MSC World America – debuting in April 2025 – is set to bring a series of pretty major firsts for the cruise industry. Not only will the ship feature the world’s first-ever over-water swing ride at sea (yes, it looks as terrifying as it sounds) but it will also be home to the first Eataly on water. 

Tapping into the cruise line’s Italian heritage – MSC Cruises was founded in Naples in 1988 and is still headed up by the Italian Aponte family – the new partnership with Eataly promises authentic (not to mention highly tasty) Italian experiences, including a number of exclusive dishes that will only be available on MSC World America. 

The restaurant’s menu is said to “cover the icons of Italian gastronomy”, and it’s because of these ‘icons’ that you might have had to elbow your way through the door to get into Eataly in London’s Liverpool Street or New York’s Faltiron district at lunchtime. Yep, you’ve guessed it, we’re talking creamy burrata, rich, unguent pastas, and a variety of tangy pizzas: all the good stuff. 

Stéphane Franchini, senior director of food and beverage at MSC Cruises said: “If you could describe the menu in one word, it would be fresh. We took a close look at what our guests want from dining experiences onboard, and that boils down to fresh experiences and fresh ingredients.”

None of that unhealthy store-cupboard fast-food rumoured from cruise ships gone by here, then. 

Ingredients will all be carefully sourced from Italian suppliers, with freshly made pasta crafted on-site each day, plus an open kitchen in the centre of the restaurant where you’ll be able to watch the fascinating production process of each mouth-watering dish. Some dishes will even be whipped up tableside for maximum effect. Bellissimo!

As for the restaurant’s design? Warm materials, natural tones and soft lighting will create an understated, chic Italian atmosphere.

Speaking on the new Eataly experience, Bernhard Stacher, Vice President of Global Hotel Operations at MSC Cruises commented: “As an international cruise line with a strong European heritage, we are committed to taking our guests on a gastronomic journey of discovery with the onboard dining experience, as we believe that the best memories are made when sharing good food together. MSC World America stays true to this philosophy, which is why we have partnered with Eataly – an emblem of Made in Italy and Italian culinary artistry. We share a passion for high-quality, authentic food made with fresh ingredients and together we are creating a unique experience that can only be enjoyed on board MSC World America.”

– READ MORE: 15 best cruise destinations for food –

While it may be hard to tear yourself away from Eataly each night, a whole host of other dining venues are set to tempt tastebuds – 19 to be exact.  

Included in these are five speciality-dining restaurants, as recently revealed by the cruise line. Eataly is joined by favourites Kaito Sushi Bar and Kaito Teppanyaki, Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse, and Hola! Tacos & Cantina — all of which will be located in the ship’s Terraces district. 

There’ll also be the brand-new Paxos Greek Restaurant, where a seafood-forward menu will take centre stage in an al-fresco rooftop setting. 

On top of this, (feeling hungry yet?) MSC World America will offer five speedy, casual concepts, making it easy to grab a bite on the go while exploring all that the vast ship has to offer or before dashing off to your next shore excursion. Among these will be Paxos on the Go – serving Greek favourites such as souvlaki and fritto misto, and Promenade Bites where street corn, corn on the cob and chili dogs all make great on-the-move snacks.

– READ MORE: MSC World America’s terrifying cliff-hanger experience –

MSC World America will launch in April 2025, with a naming ceremony on April 9th, and the maiden voyage setting sail on April 12th. The megaship will spend her inaugural season sailing from PortMiami in and around the Caribbean. All itineraries will include a stop at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the cruise line’s private island in The Bahamas.

For more MSC Cruises, see here .