MSC Virtuosa Buffet: Full Guide to Food and Dining for 2025

If you’re planning a cruise aboard the MSC Virtuosa, one of the most important things to know about is the Marketplace Buffet. This dining venue offers an impressive variety of dishes, ensuring that every meal is delicious and convenient.

From hearty breakfasts to indulgent dinners and even late-night snacks, the buffet is a popular option for guests of all ages.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the MSC Virtuosa buffet, including the full range of food options, tips for making the most of your experience, and what to expect in 2025.

Key Takeaways

• All-Day Dining to Suit Everyone: The MSC Virtuosa buffet has you covered all day with a huge range of food, from breakfast through to late-night snacks. Whether you’re after a quick bite or a full meal, there’s always something delicious ready for you.
• Themed Nights Add Excitement: Every night brings something new with themed dining options at the Marketplace Buffet. From Mediterranean favourites to Asian fusion and American BBQ, you’ll get to enjoy different cuisines throughout your cruise.
• Something for Every Diet: Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have specific dietary needs, the MSC Virtuosa buffet makes sure you don’t miss out. There’s always plenty of options to suit your preferences, with clear labelling and helpful staff to guide you.

What to Expect at the MSC Virtuosa Buffet

The Marketplace Buffet on the MSC Virtuosa is located on Deck 15 and is designed to accommodate over 1,300 passengers at a time. Open almost 20 hours a day, it’s the perfect place to grab a meal whenever you’re hungry. You can expect a wide variety of international and Mediterranean dishes, with live cooking stations, pizza counters, fresh pasta, salads, and a selection of sweets and desserts to finish off your meal.

The buffet is included in your cruise fare, meaning you don’t need to worry about extra charges for your meals. There are multiple food stations, ensuring that queues are kept to a minimum even during busy times. Whether you’re craving pizza, pasta, grilled meats, or something lighter like a salad, the Marketplace Buffet has something for everyone.

Breakfast at the Buffet

The Marketplace Buffet offers a wide range of breakfast options, so you can start your day with whatever meal suits your style. Whether you want something light or prefer a full English breakfast, there’s something for you.

Full List of Breakfast Options

Category	Food Options
Pastries & Breads	Croissants, pain au chocolat, doughnuts, muffins, toast, bagels, gluten-free bread, baguettes.
Cereals & Grains	Cornflakes, muesli, porridge, bran flakes, oats, gluten-free cereals.
Egg Dishes	Scrambled eggs, fried eggs, poached eggs, boiled eggs, made-to-order omelettes.
Breakfast Meats	Bacon, pork sausages, chicken sausages, black pudding.
Hot Breakfast Favourites	Hash browns, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms.
Dairy & Spreads	Butter, jams, cream cheese, honey, marmalades, low-fat and regular yoghurts.
Fruit & Healthy Options	Fresh fruit platters, fruit salad, smoothies, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
Beverages	Coffee, cappuccino, espresso, tea, fruit juices (orange, apple, pineapple), hot chocolate.

Whether you prefer a sweet pastry with your coffee or a full plate of scrambled eggs and sausages, the breakfast selection caters to all tastes. There are also plenty of healthier options like fresh fruit, smoothies, and yoghurt.

Lunch at the Buffet

For lunch, the Marketplace Buffet offers a vast range of dishes from various cuisines around the world. There are plenty of fresh salads, hot dishes, and made-to-order options to keep you satisfied until dinner.

Full List of Lunch Options

Category	Food Options
Salads & Cold Dishes	Caesar salad, Mediterranean salad, potato salad, coleslaw, antipasti platters, tuna salad.
Soups	Chicken noodle soup, minestrone, tomato soup, miso soup.
Grilled & Roasted Meats	Rotisserie chicken, roast beef, grilled pork belly, lamb chops.
Pasta Dishes	Spaghetti Bolognese, penne with tomato sauce, lasagne, macaroni cheese, gluten-free pasta.
Pizza & Bread	Freshly made pizza with toppings like margherita, pepperoni, prosciutto, and vegetarian.
Sandwiches	Turkey, ham and cheese, grilled vegetable sandwiches, baguettes.
International Cuisine	Tacos, burritos, stir-fried noodles, paella, sushi rolls, chicken curry.
Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes	Quinoa salad, chickpea curry, vegetable stir-fry, tofu dishes, grilled vegetables.
Sides	French fries, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, couscous, steamed rice, grilled vegetables.
Desserts	Fruit salad, cheesecake, tiramisu, brownies, chocolate mousse, ice cream.
Beverages	Iced tea, soda, water, juices, beer, wine (available with drinks package), coffee, tea.

Lunch at the Marketplace Buffet provides a range of both indulgent and healthy options, with everything from pizza and pasta to lighter salads and roasted meats. The international food section is particularly popular, offering guests a taste of flavours from around the world.

Dinner at the Buffet

Dinner at the Marketplace Buffet brings even more variety, with an expanded selection of dishes and the introduction of themed nights, where each evening celebrates a different cuisine. This adds a unique twist to the dinner experience and ensures there’s something fresh to try every day.

Full List of Dinner Options

Category	Food Options
Appetizers & Starters	Bruschetta, hummus, baba ghanoush, caprese salad, stuffed mushrooms, antipasti platters.
Main Courses	Roast lamb, grilled chicken, pork belly, meatballs, steak (on select nights), grilled salmon.
Pasta & Italian Dishes	Spaghetti carbonara, ravioli, tortellini, lasagne, risotto.
Pizza	Margherita, quattro formaggi, prosciutto, vegetarian pizza, pepperoni pizza.
Seafood Dishes	Grilled fish (salmon, cod), shrimp stir-fry, seafood paella, mussels, calamari.
Asian & Fusion Dishes	Stir-fried noodles, sushi rolls, sweet and sour chicken, spring rolls, beef stir-fry.
Mexican Cuisine	Beef and chicken tacos, nachos, enchiladas, guacamole, salsa, tortillas, churros.
Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes	Vegetable curry, roasted eggplant, chickpea stew, tofu stir-fry, quinoa salad.
Side Dishes	Roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, steamed rice, couscous, grilled vegetables, garlic bread.
Desserts	New York cheesecake, tiramisu, crème brûlée, fruit salad, profiteroles, ice cream.
Beverages	Soft drinks, coffee, tea, beer, wine (included with drinks package), water, juices.

Dinner also includes themed nights, where the buffet showcases dishes from different regions of the world. Each night focuses on a specific cuisine, providing a fun and diverse dining experience.

Themed Nights at the Buffet

Themed Night	Sample Dishes
Mediterranean Night	Greek salad, falafel, hummus, moussaka, grilled lamb, baklava.
Asian Fusion Night	Sushi, stir-fried noodles, spring rolls, chicken teriyaki, fried rice.
American BBQ Night	Barbecue ribs, pulled pork, corn on the cob, burgers, apple pie.
Italian Night	Fresh pasta, homemade pizza, risotto, tiramisu, panna cotta.
Mexican Night	Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, guacamole, salsa, churros.
Seafood Night	Grilled shrimp, seafood paella, crab cakes, calamari, clam chowder.

Each themed night offers authentic dishes from the featured cuisine, adding excitement and variety to your dinner experience.

Desserts and Sweet Treats

The Marketplace Buffet has a fantastic selection of desserts, from rich and decadent cakes to light and refreshing fruit. No matter how full you are after your main course, there’s always room for dessert.

Full List of Dessert Options

Category	Dessert Options
Cakes & Pies	Chocolate cake, New York cheesecake, apple pie, lemon tart, fruit tarts.
Puddings & Custards	Crème brûlée, bread pudding, rice pudding, chocolate mousse, custard.
Frozen Treats	Ice cream (various flavours), gelato, frozen yoghurt, sorbet.
Pastries & Baked Goods	Croissants, brownies, profiteroles, éclairs, cinnamon rolls, Danish pastries.
Fruit & Healthier Options	Fresh fruit platters, fruit salad, low-fat yoghurt, sugar-free desserts.

From cheesecake to tiramisu, the dessert section has something for every sweet tooth. For those preferring a lighter finish, there’s always a selection of fresh fruit and low-sugar options.

Dietary Options

The MSC Virtuosa ensures that all guests, regardless of their dietary needs, can enjoy their meals at the Marketplace Buffet. There are plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free diets, and those with food allergies.

Full List of Dietary Options

Dietary Requirement	Food Options
Vegetarian	Grilled vegetables, vegetarian pasta, quinoa salad, falafel, vegetable stir-fry, fruit.
Vegan	Tofu stir-fry, vegan pasta, chickpea curry, roasted vegetables, quinoa, fresh fruit, sorbet.
Gluten-Free	Gluten-free bread, pizza, pasta, gluten-free desserts, fresh fruit, grilled meat and vegetables.

Guests with specific allergies or dietary concerns are advised to inform the staff, who can help direct them to safe and suitable options. There are also dedicated preparation areas for gluten-free dishes, ensuring there’s no cross-contamination.

Drinks at the Buffet

The Marketplace Buffet offers a wide selection of drinks, both complimentary and as part of the drinks package. You’ll find self-service stations for tea, coffee, and water, along with a variety of juices during breakfast.

Full List of Drink Options

Category	Drink Options
Complimentary Drinks	Water, tea, coffee, iced tea, fruit juices, soft drinks.
Alcoholic Drinks (with package)	Beer, wine (red, white, rosé), cocktails, sparkling wine, spirits (gin, rum, whisky, etc.).
Speciality Drinks (with Package)	Espresso, cappuccino, lattes, smoothies, available at beverage stations.

For those who purchase a drinks package, alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and cocktails are available throughout the buffet.

Tips for Enjoying the MSC Virtuosa Buffet

Here are some tips to make the most of your Marketplace Buffet experience:

• Arrive Early: To avoid long queues during peak times, especially dinner, it’s best to arrive a bit earlier.
• Try New Dishes: With so much variety, don’t hesitate to sample new dishes, particularly during themed nights.
• Pace Yourself: With food available all day, there’s no rush to fill your plate. Take your time and enjoy each course.
• Ask for Help: If you have specific dietary needs, the staff are more than happy to assist you in finding suitable options.

Overall

The MSC Virtuosa buffet offers an extensive range of food options, catering to all tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full meal, the Marketplace Buffet is the ideal spot for a casual, flexible dining experience.

With a rotating menu, international flavours, and themed nights, there’s always something new to try. This guide should prepare you for the dining experience on MSC Virtuosa, ensuring you enjoy every meal to the fullest.

FAQs

What is the Marketplace Buffet on MSC Virtuosa?

The Marketplace Buffet is the main buffet dining area on the MSC Virtuosa, offering a variety of international and Mediterranean dishes throughout the day, from breakfast to late-night snacks.

Is the Marketplace Buffet included in the cruise fare?

Yes, the Marketplace Buffet is included in the standard cruise fare, meaning you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks without any additional charges.

What kind of food is served at the MSC Virtuosa buffet?

The Marketplace Buffet serves a wide range of dishes, including pizza, pasta, salads, grilled meats, seafood, and international cuisine. There are also themed nights featuring different regional foods, such as Mediterranean, Asian, and Mexican dishes.

Does the MSC Virtuosa buffet cater to special diets?

Yes, the buffet offers a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, along with specific dishes for those with food allergies or other dietary restrictions.

What are the operating hours of the Marketplace Buffet?

The Marketplace Buffet is open for nearly 20 hours a day, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Exact hours may vary, so it’s best to check the daily schedule on board.

Can you get drinks at the MSC Virtuosa buffet?

Yes, there are complimentary drinks such as water, tea, coffee, and juices. If you have a drinks package, you can also enjoy beer, wine, and cocktails with your meal.

What are the themed nights at the MSC Virtuosa buffet?

The Marketplace Buffet offers themed nights, where the buffet features a specific cuisine, such as Mediterranean, Asian, American BBQ, Italian, or Mexican. These nights offer a chance to try unique dishes from around the world.

How busy is the Marketplace Buffet on MSC Virtuosa?

The buffet can get busy, especially during peak meal times like dinner. Arriving early can help you avoid crowds and ensure you get the best seating.

Are there gluten-free options at the MSC Virtuosa buffet?

Yes, the buffet offers gluten-free options, including bread, pasta, and desserts. There are also dedicated preparation areas to avoid cross-contamination.

Is the food at the MSC Virtuosa buffet fresh?

Yes, the buffet features live cooking stations where chefs prepare fresh dishes throughout the day, ensuring that the food is always fresh and of high quality.