Monza, Italy – 8 September, 2025 – From the high seas to high speeds, MSC Cruises brought a taste of its world-class gastronomy trackside at the 2025 Italian Grand Prix.
The cruise line, a Premium Partner of BWT Alpine Formula One Team, is the first to deliver its culinary experience to a racetrack.
Three of its award-winning chefs brought flavours from the line’s acclaimed specialty restaurants — including Eataly, Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki, Chef’s Garden Kitchen, Hola! Tacos & Cantina— directly to drivers, mechanics, engineers, and VIP guests.
“This was a new and unique opportunity to showcase the creativity and skill of our chefs, bringing the same authentic gastronomic experience that our guests enjoy onboard, to the racetrack for BWT Alpine Formula One Team and their guests to savour,” said Stéphane Franchini, Senior Director of Food and Beverage at MSC Cruises.
“Our fleet of 23 ships has over 72 specialty restaurants, across 16 different concepts, offering authentic gastronomic experiences inspired by cultures around the globe. We cater to every taste and temptation and invite guests to explore the world through their taste buds with a mix of traditional favourites and sumptuous new flavours. Bringing our experience to Monza allowed us to showcase our passion, precision and excellence in gastronomy to our partners.”
The bespoke menu was curated by some of MSC Cruises’ top culinary masters: award-winning Italian chef Luca Cesarini, celebrated Asian cuisine specialist Chef Xiao Wang and Michelin-experienced chef Pasquale Puziello. Together they hold decades of international experience at world-renowned restaurants and luxury hotels, reflecting the global nature of MSC Cruises’ culinary offering.
Drivers, crew and VIP guests of BWT Alpine Formula One Team enjoyed a spectacular menu featuring dishes from across MSC Cruises renowned restaurant concepts, including:
MSC Cruises corporate chef, Luca Cesarini said, “Having grown up watching Formula 1, it was a privilege to be in the middle of the action and serve a menu that helped fuel the BWT Alpine Formula One drivers ahead of their thrilling race.”
BWT Alpine Formula Team Global Marketing Director, Guy Martin, added: “Bringing the soul of the sea to the speed of the of the racetrack, the talented chefs at MSC Cruises crafted an unforgettable culinary journey where passion and flavour came together at the Italian Grand Prix.”
The collaboration was part of the global partnership announced earlier this year between MSC Cruises and BWT Alpine Formula One Team, with both brands sharing a commitment to innovation, precision, and delivering unforgettable experiences — whether at sea or on the track.
MSC Cruises has been announced as a Premium Partner of BWT Alpine Formula One Team in February 2025, and a Global Sponsor of Formula 1® since 2022.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
For more information about some of MSC Cruises specialty restaurants, see below:
Eataly at Sea:
Eataly restaurant at sea, offering an authentic Italian experience with a menu offering some of the brand’s most-loved dishes to items exclusively available on board.
Kaito Sushi Bar & Teppanyaki:
Serving up flavours of the Far East and featuring teppanyaki grills to delight and entertain and in partnership with Wagyu Master, serving Ozaki beef.
Butcher’s Cut:
A traditional American-style steakhouse, offering beef from Meat by Linz.
Hola Tacos & Cantina:
Offers Latin American and Mexican-inspired street food dining, where guests can enjoy a number of street food specialties and choose from an extensive list of tequilas, all combined in a fun, interactive setting.
Chefs Garden Kitchen:
Michelin-starred chef, TV personality and author Niklas Ekstedt has collaborated with MSC Cruises to design the menu for the specialty restaurant Chef’s Garden Kitchen on MSC World Europa, focusing on the natural ingredients and a farm-to-ocean ethos. This restaurant features a hydroponic garden and guests will be treated to a uniquely immersive experience with the master chef preparing Ekstedt’s extraordinary creations in an open kitchen against a backdrop of panoramic sea views.
Ocean Cay Seafood Restaurant:
A signature seafood restaurant serving a mouthwatering menu of fine fish dishes and other recipes, made with the freshest ingredients and complemented by a wonderful wine list.
Pan Asian Restaurant: A venue where the vibrant flavors of Pan-Asian cuisine take center stage. Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Asia, the menu brings together bold spices, fresh ingredients, and expert craftsmanship to create an unforgettable dining experience.