by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 2:35 PM ET, Wed July 15, 2026
When it debuts later this year, MSC World Asia will introduce the largest Venchi experience at sea—a 3,200-square-foot venue featuring a chocolate boutique, café and artisanal gelateria.
To celebrate the cruise line’s partnership with the premium Italian chocolate brand, Venchi and MSC Cruises have developed an exclusive gelato flavor, “Crunchy Waves,” which will be available in select Venchi stores throughout the month of August.
The flavor will also be available indefinitely on board existing MSC Cruises' ships with Venchi gelaterias, along with MSC World Asia when the ship enters service in December 2026.
“Crunchy Waves” features a creamy vanilla gelato base topped with crunchy hazelnut biscuit and salted toffee pieces inspired by the traditional Italian Bacio di Dama biscuit, finished with a vibrant blue spirulina layer that evokes the shimmering tones of the Mediterranean.
The new "Crunchy Waves" gelato flavor (Photo Credit: MSC Cruises)
The 60-seat Venchi location will be one of more than 40 bars, lounges, cafés and restaurants onboard MSC World Asia when it begins sailing the Mediterranean in December. At the heart of the experience is a live chocolate-making station, where guests can watch Venchi's skilled chocolatiers at work before stepping into the "chocolate lab" to craft their own custom chocolate bars using premium ingredients, including Piedmont hazelnuts and Venchi's iconic chocolate caviar.
Digital personalization tools will allow guests to create custom designs, adding a fun and interactive element to the experience.
Blending Italian craftsmanship with contemporary design, the venue features striking floor-to-ceiling gelato-inspired sculptures and curated displays of Venchi's signature creations. Guests can enjoy authentic Italian espresso, specialty coffee drinks, freshly made croissants and crêpes, indulgent Gelatoshakes, and a selection of artisanal gelato, including classics like extra dark chocolate and gianduja hazelnut, as well as “Crunchy Waves.”
In the evening, the experience shifts with chocolate-infused cocktails that pair Venchi's signature flavors with premium spirits.
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