MSC World Asia will bring an expansive taste of Italy to the Mediterranean when the new ship enters service on December 4, 2026. Its culinary lineup will include the largest Venchi chocolate experience ever introduced at sea, complete with a boutique, café, artisanal gelateria and interactive chocolate lab.
Occupying approximately 3,200 square feet, the venue will be the first Venchi store aboard an MSC Cruises World Class ship and the largest in the cruise line’s fleet. It will be located in the Galleria district on Deck 6 and offer seating for more than 60 guests.
The collaboration will also introduce Crunchy Waves, an exclusive gelato flavor inspired by the colors and textures of the Mediterranean.
A Chocolate Boutique, Café and Gelateria in One Venue
The new Venchi space is being designed as a multisensory destination rather than a conventional onboard shop. Retail displays, café seating and a working gelateria will be brought together in an Italian-inspired setting featuring floor-to-ceiling gelato sculptures.
Guests will be able to browse Venchi chocolates, enjoy espresso and specialty coffee drinks, or stop for freshly made croissants, crêpes and Gelatoshakes. The gelato counter will serve familiar flavors such as extra-dark chocolate and gianduja hazelnut alongside the new Crunchy Waves creation.
In the evening, the venue will introduce chocolate-infused cocktails pairing Venchi flavors with spirits, allowing the experience to transition from daytime café to after-dinner destination.
Guests Can Create Personalized Chocolate Bars
At the center of the venue will be a live chocolate-making station where passengers can watch Venchi’s chocolate experts at work.
An adjoining chocolate lab will allow guests to create personalized chocolate bars using ingredients such as Piedmont hazelnuts and Venchi’s signature chocolate caviar. Digital customization tools will provide opportunities to select designs and add a more personal element to the finished creations.
Fresh chocolates and other treats will also be prepared daily, adding a working culinary component to the boutique.
Crunchy Waves Brings Mediterranean Flavors to Gelato
MSC Cruises and Venchi developed Crunchy Waves to celebrate their expanded partnership. The gelato combines three contrasting layers to produce what the brands describe as a “sand and sea” effect.
A Bourbon vanilla gelato base is topped with crunchy hazelnut biscuit and pieces of salted toffee inspired by the traditional Italian Bacio di Dama. A vivid blue spirulina layer completes the flavor, representing the colors of the Mediterranean.
Crunchy Waves will be offered in selected Venchi stores in the United States, United Kingdom, France and Italy from August 1 through August 31, 2026. Beginning in August, it will also be available aboard MSC Cruises’ Seaside Class ships equipped with Venchi gelaterias.
The flavor will join the menu aboard MSC World Asia when the ship launches in December and is expected to remain available aboard participating MSC Cruises ships with Venchi gelaterias.
More Than 40 Dining and Drinking Venues
The Venchi experience will be one part of MSC World Asia’s extensive culinary program. The ship will offer more than 40 restaurants, cafés, bars and lounges, including concepts created in partnership with award-winning culinary specialists.
By combining an interactive chocolate lab with classic Italian café culture and evening cocktails, Venchi is designed to be a venue guests can visit at different times of the day—whether for a morning espresso, an afternoon gelato or a drink after dinner.
Venchi was founded in 1878 and has since developed more than 350 chocolate recipes and 90 gelato flavors. Its presence aboard MSC World Asia continues the cruise line’s focus on working with established culinary brands to develop distinctive onboard experiences.
MSC World Asia Begins Mediterranean Sailings in December 2026
MSC World Asia is scheduled to enter service on December 4, 2026, sailing Mediterranean itineraries with embarkation available from Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia—which serves Rome—and Messina.
The ship will become the latest addition to MSC Cruises’ World Class series. Its combination of international dining, entertainment and destination-inspired design will be complemented by venues celebrating the cruise line’s European heritage.
For chocolate lovers, the new Venchi destination promises to be much more than a place to purchase a box of chocolates. With freshly prepared gelato, custom creations, Italian coffee and interactive experiences, it will offer passengers a closer look at the craft behind one of Italy’s best-known chocolate brands.
