MSC Cruises has just announced a new re-edition of its successful collaboration with renowned Catalan chef Ramón Freixa, awarded two Michelin stars.
MSC Cruises continues its commitment to signature cuisine with the opening of two more HOLA! Tapas Bars, a gastronomic space already present on MSC Bellissima, which from this May will also be available on MSC Meraviglia and at the end of the year on MSC Grandiosa, once this new ship is inaugurated.
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, stated: “We follow a set of criteria to find the best chefs to partner with. First, we look for chefs who bring experience and leadership in their respective specialties to achieve culinary excellence and enhance the dining experience on board our ships; and second, we aim to work with chefs who share our values. Ramón not only embodies excellence in Spanish gastronomy with an innovative and modern style, but he also shares our passion for Mediterranean cuisine. We are delighted to continue developing this successful collaboration with him so that more passengers can experience his vision.”
Ramón Freixa is part of MSC Cruises' exclusive list of top international chefs, which includes other culinary giants such as renowned German chef Harald Wohlfahrt, who has held his three Michelin stars for 25 consecutive years; two-Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc; innovative Pan-Asian chef Roy Yamaguchi; award-winning pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury ; and acclaimed Chinese-born chef Jereme Leung. With their own unique style and vision, each of these talents represents some of the world's most popular cuisines, creating a memorable culinary experience for passengers across the fleet.
Regarding this new collaboration, Ramón Freixa noted: “I am delighted to be bringing the HOLA! Tapas Bar concept to two more ships in the MSC Cruises fleet, allowing cruise passengers from all over the world to enjoy authentic Spanish flavors through delicious tapas served in the relaxed and fun atmosphere of a bar. It’s a wonderful way to pay tribute to the Mediterranean lifestyle.”
During the past year, MSC Cruises passengers have already had the opportunity to experience Ramón Freixa's innovative gastronomy in various ways:
- An exquisite Gala dinner dish available in the main restaurants of the MSC Cruises fleet.
- Exclusive tapas and signature dishes.
- Its first onboard restaurant, Ocean Cay by Ramón Freixa, opened aboard MSC Seaview in 2018. This restaurant specializes in seafood, fish and shellfish.
- Special menus for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve celebrations on selected ships.
- Earlier this year, it inaugurated its exclusive HOLA! Tapas Bar, a unique concept on board the new MSC Bellissima that will now also be available on MSC Meraviglia and MSC Grandiosa.
HELLO! TAPAS BAR
Located on the lively Mediterranean-style promenade at the heart of the Meraviglia class ships, HOLA! Tapas Bar is a concept designed to offer a warm and welcoming gastronomic experience where you can enjoy a wide variety of sharing dishes, both traditional and modern, as well as tapas and portions inspired by some of the most popular recipes in Spanish cuisine.
In an open-plan space that blends individual and group tables for sharing with other diners, cruise passengers can enjoy a quick tapa, a glass of wine, or a full menu. The menu highlights include Spanish omelet, olives, gildas (anchovy and pepper pintxos), and, for those with a sweet tooth, the quintessential Catalan dessert: crema catalana.
THE MOST AWARDED INTERNATIONAL CHEFS, COLLABORATORS OF MSC CRUISES
In addition to Ramón Freixa, Roy Yamaguchi, Jean Philippe-Maury, and Jéréme Leung, MSC Cruises has recently partnered with two other prestigious chefs: • Renowned German chef Harald Wohlfahrt, named one of the world's top 10 chefs and the only German chef to have held three Michelin stars for 25 consecutive years. Wohlfahrt represents the best of German cuisine and embodies MSC Cruises' commitment to offering exciting new dining options to its passengers. He has created a series of dishes for ships sailing Northern Europe itineraries. • Two-Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc: This French chef, one of the world's best, has had a profound influence on the British culinary scene and is currently developing a special dish for the fleet's Gala Dinner menus.
