AI-generated artist's impression of the planned chocolate experience aboard MSC World Asia.


Chocolate lovers booking a Mediterranean cruise for winter 2026 have something extra to look forward to. MSC Cruises has confirmed that its newest ship, MSC World Asia, will feature the largest Venchi chocolate experience ever created at sea when the vessel debuts in the Mediterranean in December 2026, according to trade outlet Cruise Industry News.

For UK cruisers who already associate a Mediterranean sailing with long lunches, gelato on deck and Italian coffee culture, this venue looks set to become one of the ship's most talked-about spaces.

Inside the New Venchi Chocolate Experience at Sea

Located in the ship's Galleria district on deck 6, the venue spans 300 square metres and seats more than 60 guests, blending retail, café and gelateria into a single multi-sensory space. Highlights include:

• A live "chocolate lab" where guests can watch Venchi's chocolatiers at work and create their own custom chocolate bars
• A café and lounge area serving Italian espresso and specialty drinks paired with Venchi chocolate
• Freshly made croissants and crêpes available from breakfast right through to the afternoon
• Chocolate-infused cocktails, Gelatoshakes and artisanal gelato flavours in the evening

It's a concept that goes well beyond the usual cruise ship sweet shop, positioning chocolate and gelato as a genuine onboard dining destination rather than an afterthought.

A New Limited-Edition Gelato Flavour — Also Landing in the UK

To celebrate the partnership, Venchi and MSC Cruises have created an exclusive gelato flavour called "Crunchy Waves." Designed to capture a "sand and sea" effect, it's built in three layers:

1. A creamy vanilla gelato base
2. A crunchy hazelnut biscuit and salted toffee layer
3. A finishing layer of blue spirulina

The flavour won't be exclusive to the ship. It will be available in selected Venchi stores worldwide — including in the United Kingdom, United States, France and Italy — from 1 to 31 August, alongside MSC's Seaside Class ships that already feature Venchi gelaterias. It will then join MSC World Asia's menu from December 2026.

So UK-based chocolate and gelato fans won't need to book a cruise to try it — but they may well be tempted to after tasting it.

Part of a Bigger Culinary Push on MSC World Asia

The chocolate and gelato venue isn't the only new dining concept revealed for MSC World Asia. Earlier this month, MSC Cruises also unveiled details of a new Pan-Asian street food dining concept coming to the ship, reflecting a broader focus on destination-inspired dining across the vessel ahead of its Mediterranean debut.

Why This Matters for UK Cruisers Planning 2026 Mediterranean Holidays

With MSC World Asia set to sail Mediterranean itineraries from December 2026, it's likely to appeal strongly to UK travellers looking for:

• Family-friendly Mediterranean cruises with standout dining and dessert options
• New ship launches worth booking early, before itineraries sell out
• Cruise lines offering authentic Italian food and drink experiences at sea

As MSC continues to roll out new dining concepts across its newest ships, MSC World Asia is shaping up to be one of the more distinctive Mediterranean cruise launches for 2026.

Fancy a Mediterranean Cruise on MSC World Asia?

If you'd like to be among the first to sail MSC's newest ship — or simply fancy a Mediterranean cruise built around great food, gelato and coffee — get in touch with our team to explore itineraries and early booking offers.

When are you booking your largest Chocolate experience?