GENEVA, July 15, 2026: MSC World Asia will feature the largest Venchi chocolate experience at sea when it enters service in December, according to an official press release from MSC Cruises. The 3,200-square-foot venue will combine a chocolate boutique, café and artisanal gelateria, alongside several interactive experiences created for the new ship.
Located in the Galleria district on Deck 6, the Venchi venue will be the first aboard an MSC Cruises World Class ship and the largest in the company’s fleet. It will accommodate more than 60 guests and bring retail, café and gelateria facilities together within a single space.
The collaboration will also introduce “Crunchy Waves”, a limited-edition gelato flavour developed by MSC Cruises and Venchi. It will be offered at selected Venchi stores from August 1 to 31, 2026, before joining the menus aboard MSC Cruises ships that have Venchi gelaterias. The flavour will remain available on those ships indefinitely and will be served aboard MSC World Asia following its launch in December 2026.
New Gelato Flavour Joins the Venchi Menu
“Crunchy Waves” comprises three layers designed around a sand-and-sea theme. It begins with vanilla gelato and is topped with pieces of crunchy hazelnut biscuit and salted toffee, drawing inspiration from the traditional Italian Bacio di Dama biscuit.
A blue spirulina layer completes the flavour, providing a colour intended to recall the Mediterranean Sea.
The new creation will join Venchi gelato varieties such as extra dark chocolate and gianduja hazelnut at the MSC World Asia venue. The menu will also include Italian espresso, speciality coffees, freshly prepared croissants and crêpes, as well as Gelatoshakes and other chocolate-based items.
During the evening, the venue will serve cocktails combining Venchi chocolate flavours with spirits.
Guests Can Create Personalised Chocolate Bars
A live production station will allow passengers to watch Venchi chocolatiers preparing products at the venue. Guests will then be able to visit a dedicated “chocolate lab” and make personalised chocolate bars using a selection of ingredients.
Available ingredients will include Piedmont hazelnuts and Venchi chocolate caviar. Digital personalisation tools will enable participants to add their own designs to the finished bars.
Ready-made Venchi chocolates, handmade gelato and treats produced each day will also be available for purchase. The interior will feature floor-to-ceiling sculptures inspired by gelato, together with displays presenting a selection of the Italian brand’s products.
More Than 40 Dining and Beverage Venues
MSC World Asia will offer more than 40 bars, lounges, cafés and restaurants when it begins operating in the Mediterranean. Several of the food and beverage concepts have been developed with culinary partners.
The Venchi venue represents the latest stage of the partnership between the two companies. Existing MSC Cruises ships equipped with Venchi gelaterias will also participate in the launch of the new “Crunchy Waves” flavour.
Venchi was established in 1878 and produces both chocolate and gelato. Its range currently includes more than 350 chocolate recipes and 90 gelato flavours.
MSC World Asia to Enter Service in December
MSC World Asia is scheduled to begin service on December 4, 2026. The ship will operate Mediterranean sailings with embarkation available from Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, which serves Rome, and Messina.
The new flagship will join MSC Cruises’ World Class series and introduce the expanded Venchi concept as part of its onboard dining and beverage selection.
Source: Official announcement by MSC Cruises on 15 July, 2026, Geneva.
