Does MSC Have a Gluten-Free Menu? An Expert Guide for Cruisers

October 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to MSC Cruises, meals prepared with gluten-free ingredients are offered in the main restaurants on most of their ships, with dedicated kitchens and staff trained to prepare them safely. This means that for passengers asking, "Does MSC have a gluten-free menu?", the answer is a resounding yes, although the experience varies by ship and dining location. Knowing the specific procedures, options, and limitations is key to a smooth and worry-free cruise.

Quick Summary

MSC Cruises provides gluten-free menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main dining rooms on most ships by utilizing dedicated preparation kitchens. Guests must notify MSC of their dietary needs in advance via a Special Needs form and confirm with the maître d'hôtel upon boarding. Buffet options are limited due to cross-contamination risks, and availability varies across the fleet, especially on older ships.

Key Points

Pre-Booking is Key: Inform MSC of your gluten intolerance at least 30 days in advance using their official Accessibility and Medical Requests Form.
Main Dining Room is Safest: Gluten-free meals are prepared in dedicated kitchens and served in the main dining rooms on most ships, minimizing cross-contamination risks.
Buffet Offers Limited Safe Options: Avoid relying on the buffet, as MSC explicitly states they cannot guarantee a gluten-free environment there due to cross-contamination.
Ship Class Matters: On older Lirica-class ships, expect only limited pre-packaged snacks, while newer ships have broader menu options.
Confirm Onboard: Reconfirm your dietary needs with the Maître d'hôtel upon boarding and work with your assigned dining staff.
Specialty Dining Varies: Some specialty restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests, but safety is not guaranteed and requires advance confirmation with staff.
Shore Excursions Require Planning: Request packed lunches in advance if you plan to eat ashore, as gluten-free options may not be available on private islands.
Communication is Crucial: Clear and persistent communication with the dining staff is the most reliable way to ensure a safe and varied gluten-free experience.

MSC's Commitment to Gluten-Free Dining

MSC Cruises caters to passengers with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity by offering gluten-free meal options in the main dining rooms on most ships. These meals are prepared in dedicated kitchens with trained staff to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. However, it is essential for guests to follow specific procedures to ensure their dietary needs are met throughout their cruise.

The Booking Process: Notifying MSC in Advance

To ensure a smooth gluten-free dining experience, passengers must inform MSC of their dietary requirements when booking or at least 30 days before sailing by submitting the Accessibility and Medical Requests Form. While late requests might be accommodated, they are not guaranteed, making advance notification crucial.

Onboard Dining: Main Restaurants vs. Buffet

Upon boarding, it is recommended to confirm your gluten-free needs with the Maître d'hôtel in your assigned main dining room. The main dining rooms on most ships offer dedicated gluten-free menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In contrast, the buffet is not recommended for gluten-free guests due to the high risk of cross-contamination, and options are generally limited to pre-packaged items.

Comparison of MSC Dining Experiences


Feature	Main Dining Room (MDR)	Buffet	Specialty Restaurants	Yacht Club
Gluten-Free Safety	High, uses dedicated GF kitchen	Low, high risk of cross-contamination	Mixed, depends on the restaurant and staffing	High, GF options and dedicated service
Food Variety	Extensive, special menu and daily options	Very limited, mostly pre-packaged snacks	Possible, but requires advanced confirmation	High, extensive GF options and pre-ordering
Pre-Order Required?	Often, especially for dinner	No, but options are few	Yes, and confirmation needed	Often, for broader selection
Dessert Options	Some, including GF cakes, ice cream, sorbet	Extremely limited, may include fruit or pre-packaged items	Limited, advanced notice recommended	Good, including cakes and gelato

The Importance of Communication and Ship Class

Effective communication with the dining staff, especially upon embarkation, is vital. Confirming your needs with the maître d'hôtel or a dedicated waiter ensures the kitchen is properly informed. It's also important to note that the availability and quality of gluten-free options can vary by ship. Newer and larger vessels generally offer certified gluten-free menus in the main dining rooms, while older Lirica-class ships provide a limited selection of pre-packaged snacks.

Navigating Shore Excursions and Other Challenges

Planning is necessary for shore excursions. Some guests have been able to request packed lunches, but availability depends on the ship's policy and advance notice. MSC does not guarantee allergen control on private islands, so it is safer to dine on the ship. While MSC has improved its gluten-free offerings, some items, like gluten-free pizza, may not be consistently available on all ships.

Conclusion

In conclusion, MSC Cruises does offer a gluten-free menu, with good options available, particularly in the main dining rooms on newer ships. A successful gluten-free cruise with MSC depends on proactive steps: booking on a suitable ship, submitting the special needs form in advance, communicating with dining staff upon boarding, and managing expectations regarding buffet and specialty dining. By taking these steps, guests can enjoy a safe and satisfying culinary experience.

MSC Accessibility & Medical information

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while most ships offer dedicated gluten-free menus in the main dining rooms, older Lirica-class ships (Armonia, Sinfonia, Opera, Lirica) only provide a limited selection of pre-packaged gluten-free snacks. It is best to verify the specific ship's capabilities at the time of booking.

You must inform MSC of your needs by filling out the Accessibility and Medical Requests Form during or after booking, preferably at least 30 days before sailing. Upon boarding, you must also confirm your requirements with the Maître d'hôtel.

No, MSC advises against relying on the buffet for gluten-free meals due to the high risk of cross-contamination. The safest option is to eat in the main dining room, where food is prepared in a separate, dedicated gluten-free kitchen.

On many of the newer MSC ships, it is common to be assigned a dedicated waiter who handles all gluten-free orders, minimizing confusion and ensuring accurate service.

Some specialty restaurants may accommodate gluten-free requests, but they do not have the same dedicated kitchens as the main dining rooms. It is essential to communicate with the restaurant staff well in advance and manage expectations.

In the main dining room, you can typically expect a rotating menu with a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including items like breads, pasta, and desserts. The specific items vary by ship and itinerary.

Yes, some passengers have reported successfully requesting gluten-free packed lunches for days ashore, but this requires advance notice and depends on the ship's specific policy. Onboard dining is the most reliable option.