MSC Cruises has announced that MSC World Asia will feature the largest Venchi chocolate experience at sea when the ship enters service in December 2026. Covering ~3,200 square feet, the new venue will combine a chocolate boutique, café and artisanal gelateria, further expanding the cruise line's collaboration with the renowned Italian chocolatier.
To mark the partnership, MSC Cruises and Venchi have developed an exclusive gelato flavour named "Crunchy Waves", which will be available in selected Venchi stores throughout August before becoming a permanent offering aboard MSC vessels equipped with Venchi gelaterias, including MSC World Asia. The gelato combines a Bourbon vanilla base with crunchy hazelnut biscuit, salted toffee pieces inspired by the traditional Italian Bacio di Dama biscuit and a blue spirulina topping designed to evoke the colours of the Mediterranean.
The new Venchi venue will accommodate more than 60 guests and will form part of the ship's collection of over 40 bars, lounges, cafés and restaurants. A central feature will be a live chocolate-making station where guests can observe Venchi chocolatiers before taking part in interactive chocolate-making sessions. Visitors will have the opportunity to create personalised chocolate bars using premium ingredients, including Piedmont hazelnuts and Venchi's signature chocolate caviar, with digital tools allowing customised designs.
Designed to combine Italian craftsmanship with contemporary styling, the venue will feature decorative gelato-inspired sculptures and displays of Venchi products. Throughout the day, guests will be able to enjoy Italian espresso, specialty coffees, freshly prepared croissants, crêpes, Gelatoshakes and a selection of artisanal gelato flavours, including extra dark chocolate, gianduja hazelnut and the exclusive Crunchy Waves creation. During the evening, the café will transition to a lounge concept serving chocolate-inspired cocktails paired with premium spirits.
The Venchi experience will make its debut aboard MSC World Asia, the third vessel in MSC Cruises' World Class series, when the ship begins Mediterranean sailings on December 4th, 2026. The new venue represents the first Venchi concept to be introduced on a World Class ship and the largest of its kind across the MSC Cruises fleet.