Looking to avoid the buffet crowds in favor of a relaxed lunch on embarkation day? One of my favorite MSC cruise tips is to eat lunch in the main dining room instead of the buffet after boarding. Often the food is higher quality, you get to relax while being served after a hectic day of travel, and you can avoid the buffet, which is always a zoo.
Lunch is usually served from noon-1:30pm, but double check once onboard. I usually ask as I’m boarding which dining room is open for lunch and verify the hours.
Here’s the menu:
I always buy travel insurance to cover my cruises, but I never purchase it through MSC. It costs more and usually covers less than policies you purchase on your own. I go through sites like travelinsurance.com* to compare plans and prices and get the best deal for the coverage I want. It’s a simple process – just enter your travel dates, total travel costs (airfare, cruise fare, hotel, etc), and a few bits of information about yourself and see quotes and read reviews. Spend less on insurance and spend more on excursions, special onboard cruise experiences and…future cruises!
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Carnival's Express Dinner Menus (new 2026 menus).
Carnivals new updated gluten free dinner menus for 2026.
Carnival's new dinner menus for 6 night cruises. Updated in 2026.
Updated menus for 8 night cruises on Carnival.