Photo: MSC Cruises MSC Cruises is rolling out a fresh look for one of its most exclusive dining spaces. The cruise line has begun upgrading the MSC Yacht Club Restaurant across its Fantasia Class ships, starting with MSC Splendida, where the redesigned venue is already welcoming guests.
The update is part of a broader refurbishment program that MSC Cruises has been carrying out across its fleet. The goal is simple: keep ships feeling modern while improving the experience for passengers, particularly those staying in the line’s premium “ship-within-a-ship” concept, the MSC Yacht Club.
Passengers dining in the newly redesigned restaurant will notice the change right away. The updated space leans into a more contemporary style, with darker tones, softer textures, and carefully placed lighting that creates a more intimate setting. The layout has also been adjusted to give diners more privacy while still keeping the space open and comfortable. Large windows remain a key feature, making sure the sea views are still part of the experience.
The first ship to showcase the new look is MSC Splendida. The vessel recently completed refurbishment work at the Palumbo Malta Shipyard before returning to service for its winter Mediterranean sailings.
The redesign will gradually appear on the rest of the Fantasia Class ships over the next few years. MSC Fantasia is expected to receive the upgrade by December 2026, followed by MSC Divina in April 2027 and MSC Preziosa in February 2028.
Inside the refreshed restaurant, the focus remains on what MSC calls a more personalized dining experience. Yacht Club guests can choose from a rotating selection of refined menus and enjoy service from a dedicated culinary team available around the clock. A sommelier is also available to help guests pair wines with their meals.
Guests staying in Yacht Club suites also have access to private areas using keycard entry and benefit from 24-hour butler and concierge service.
The space includes its own lounge, a private sundeck with whirlpools, and a grill restaurant and bar. Suites are larger and designed with a more upscale feel, adding another layer of comfort for guests who prefer a quieter and more personalized cruise experience.
Travelers interested in trying the upgraded restaurant can already book several itineraries aboard MSC Splendida.
During winter 2025–2026, the ship will operate seven-night Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona between February and May 2026, stopping in Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Palermo, and Tunis.
In summer 2026, the ship will continue sailing from Barcelona through November with stops in Marseille, Livorno, Cagliari, Palermo, and Valletta.
Later itineraries will take MSC Splendida further afield. From November 2026 through March 2027, the ship will operate eight- and nine-night cruises from Buenos Aires visiting destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabela, Ilha Grande, Balneario Camboriu, and Punta del Este.
In summer 2027, the vessel will shift to nine-night cruises from Trieste, calling at destinations including Split, Piraeus, Kusadasi, Istanbul, Corfu, and Bari.
MSC has also introduced another onboard upgrade across the Fantasia Class ships: a redesigned Future Cruise office. The updated space is larger and features modern furniture, more seating, and large windows overlooking the sea.
The new Future Cruise office is already available on MSC Divina, MSC Preziosa, and MSC Splendida. MSC Fantasia is expected to complete the same upgrade later this year.