What if I don't have a drink package?
Guests without a drink package can buy a 1L bottle for €2 to consume in our main restaurants, or €1 to refill a 50CL bottle at the self-serve refill stations, or €0.50 for a 20 cl glass in bars and buffets.
Can MSC change what was included in my package?
We completely understand your concern about any changes to your drink package. When you made your purchase, we committed to specific inclusions, and we honor those commitments.
If circumstances require us to adjust package contents after your purchase, we recognise this impacts our original agreement with you. In these situations, we provide you with options: you may either cancel your drink package with a full refund or accept the updated terms.
To ensure your complete satisfaction and as a gesture of goodwill, we're pleased to offer you a complimentary reusable flask that you can refill with our premium water throughout your cruise. This way, you'll still have convenient access to quality water wherever you go on the ship.
We're committed to doing our best to find the best solution for you and ensuring your cruise experience exceeds your expectations.
Is AQUA by MSC safe and clean to drink?
Yes! AQUA by MSC is very safe to drink. It's made, stored, and served using strict health and safety rules approved by official health authorities.
The water is tested often, and the refill stations are designed to avoid contact and keep everything hygienic.
Is the drinking water safe?
Yes, absolutely. The water onboard is tested regularly to ensure it's high quality and safe for everyone.
• Our onboard teams thoroughly test the water every month from multiple locations in our water system.
• In addition, independent certified laboratories complete twice yearly testing in the same manner to ensure our water meets the highest safety standards.
How do you keep the AQUA refill stations clean and safe to use?
Our refill stations are cleaned and maintained using the same strict food safety rules we follow in our kitchens and bars.
Everything is regularly sanitized to make sure it's safe, clean, and ready for use by our guests.
Where does the drinking water on board come from? How is it made?
The water you drink onboard MSC Cruises comes from two sources: it’s either brought onboard from ports (through bunkering process) or made fresh from seawater right here on the ship.
We make our own water using a process called desalination, which turns seawater into clean, safe freshwater. This is done in two main ways:
• Reverse Osmosis – Seawater is pushed through special filters that remove salt and other impurities.
• Evaporation – Seawater is boiled into steam, which is then cooled back into pure water, leaving the salt behind.
Over 80% of the water used on board (for drinking, cooking, showers, laundry, and more) is made this way. It’s checked and monitored 24/7 to make sure it’s always clean and safe.
Is it true that water is only served by the glass now?
AQUA by MSC is served by the glass in bars and buffets, and in 1L glass bottles served by the glass in restaurants. Guests can also use refill stations with their own bottles or MSC flasks. This ensures flexibility while reducing plastic waste.
What if I want to bring my own bottled water on board?
Local authorities restrict the movement of food and drinks by cruise guests, meaning it is not possible to bring bottled water aboard with you.
Is sparkling water available at the refill stations?
Yes. Sparkling AQUA by MSC is available at refill stations, by the glass in bars and buffets, and in glass bottles by the glass in main restaurants.
What about mineral branded bottled water?
Traditional mineral water bottles are included in Premium Extra drink packages, as well as unlimited AQUA by MSC, but are no longer included in standard drink packages, which only include AQUA by MSC.
However, guests may still purchase them à la carte or via an upgrade where available.
Has AQUA by MSC completely replaced bottled water on board?
On MSC World Europa, plastic bottled water has been phased out in favour of AQUA by MSC.
In main restaurants, water is served in glass bottles; in bars and buffets, it’s served by the glass; and refill stations are located at buffet areas on decks 18 & 19, Luna Park Arena on deck 6, and any bar onboard to refill personal bottles or flasks.
What about water at night or in my cabin?
AQUA by MSC is available in restaurants, bars and at refill stations. You can fill your flask before bed or you can buy a can of water from one of the bars to take to your cabin.
In MSC Yacht Club suites, glass bottles of mineral water are still provided.
Will I need to carry a bottle everywhere?
You only need a bottle if you want to take water with you around the ship or on excursions.
You're welcome to bring your own refillable bottle or purchase an MSC-branded aluminum flask onboard for €8.63 (gratuity included).
Flasks are available at all bars, main restaurants, and the buffet.
Refill stations are conveniently located at buffet areas on decks 18 & 19, Luna Park Arena on deck 6, and any bar onboard.
For excursions, we recommend filling your bottle before disembarking.
I only drink water—should I still keep my drink package?
If your primary interest is water, you may find value in the pay-as-you-go refillable AQUA by MSC system, or the alcohol free drink package which also includes drinks such as soft drinks, juices and mocktails.
Is this change about saving money rather than helping the environment?
This initiative is part of our commitment to sustainability and reducing plastic waste. It also aligns with modern hospitality trends, where refillable solutions are increasingly preferred for both environmental and practical reasons.
I bought the Easy Drink Package expecting bottled water. Has the value changed?
The Easy Drink Package still includes unlimited AQUA by MSC, our new mineral-enriched water.
While plastic bottled water is no longer included, guests can still enjoy glass-bottled AQUA by the glass in restaurants, by the glass in bars, or refill it using personal or MSC flasks. Traditional bottled mineral water is available for a small upgrade fee.
Why weren’t we informed about this change earlier?
AQUA by MSC is a new initiative piloted on MSC World Europa.
While we aimed to communicate this on board, we acknowledge that some guests may not have received advance notice. We are working to improve how and when we share updates in the future.
How do you ensure that this is safe and hygienic?
AQUA by MSC is produced and dispensed under strict sanitation protocols approved by health authorities. All potable water on board is regularly tested, and refill stations are designed to minimise contact and ensure hygiene.
How does AQUA by MSC work for crew?
Crew members are also using AQUA by MSC on board.
What if the machines break? Are you still stocking bottled water in the case of an emergency?
Yes, we have robust plans in place in case of the unlikely event of machine malfunctions or other emergency situations.
I have MSC Voyagers Club status, does this affect my access to AQUA by MSC?
Voyagers Club status does not affect access to AQUA by MSC. Guests with a Drink package have unlimited access to AQUA by MSC, or guests can pay a la carte.
Do you plan to roll this out fleetwide?
We’re considering a range of possibilities and exploring various rollout options however nothing has been finalised at this point.
What’s the difference between AQUA by MSC and the free purified water available at the buffet?
AQUA by MSC is mineral-enriched with magnesium and potassium for a crisp, refreshing taste. The buffet water is purified but not mineralized.
Is there anywhere I can access free water on board?
A non-mineralized version of purified water is always available free of charge at buffets and Luna Park Arena.
Do I get glass bottles in my MSC Yacht Club suite?
Yes, traditional mineral water in glass bottles.
What is available at the specialty restaurants onboard?
Traditional mineral water in 75 cl glass bottles is available in all speciality restaurants.
What water is now in cabin minibars?
Traditional mineral water in 75 cl glass bottles is available in all minibars.
I’m booked in the MSC Yacht Club, what does this mean for me?
You will have unlimited access to AQUA by MSC in all locations.
In the Top Sail Lounge and Restaurant we serve traditional mineral water from glass bottles.
How does this work on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve?
AQUA by MSC is not yet available on MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. We will communicate any updated information once available.
Where will refill stations be located?
You can refill your flask at several convenient locations throughout the ship.
Self-serve refill stations:
- Buffet areas on decks 18 & 19
- Luna Park Arena on deck 6
- Bar service: Any bar onboard during opening hours - simply ask your bartender for a flask refill
What if I want traditional mineral water, not AQUA by MSC, what are my options?
While your drink package includes our premium AQUA by MSC water, we offer bottled and canned mineral water options for a small upgrade fee. Please note that water will no longer be sold in plastic bottles onboard – instead, we offer alternatives for a small upgrade fee:
• Bars and Buffet: €3.50 for 75cl glass bottles, €1.50 for 33cl cans
• Main Restaurant: €2.00 for 75cl glass bottles
Simply ask your server, and they'll be able to assist you with your preferred option. Water will no longer be sold in plastic bottles.
Guests with a Premium Extra drink package have unlimited access to AQUA by MSC and traditional mineral water in glass bottles.
Do I get to keep the aluminum flask at the end of my cruise?
Yes. This also makes for a nice souvenir.
How much does an aluminum AQUA by MSC flask cost?
8,63€ - on board gratuity included – available for purchase at our bars, main restaurants and buffet.
If I have a drink package do I get given an aluminum AQUA by MSC flask or do I have to bring my own refillable bottle?
We encourage guests to bring their own refillable bottle, but you can purchase an MSC-branded aluminum flask for €8.63 (gratuity included) at any bar, main restaurants, or buffet.
All flasks can be refilled at our dedicated refill stations throughout the ship or at any bar, main restaurants, or buffet.
How much does AQUA by MSC cost?
Guests with a drink package have unlimited (free) access to AQUA across the ship
Guests without a drink package can buy a 1L bottle for €2 to consume in our main restaurants, or €1 to refill a 50CL bottle at the self-serve refill stations, or €0.50 for a 20 cl glass in bars and buffets.
Why has MSC done this?
This initiative is part of MSC Cruises’ ongoing commitment to sustainability, we are working to reduce the use of plastic on board by replacing many single-use items with sustainable alternatives.
What formats does AQUA by MSC come in?
AQUA by MSC comes as either still or sparkling, and comes in the following formats:
• In main restaurants – from 1L glass bottles, served by the glass by your server
• In bars and buffets – by the glass, served by your bartender. Flask refills are available at the bars upon request.
• From refill stations – at the buffet on deck 18 & 19, and at Luna park Arena on deck 6, self-serve by glass or into AQUA by MSC aluminium flasks or your own refillable drinks bottle.
What is AQUA by MSC?
AQUA is MSC Cruises’ new mineral-enriched water, created on board using state-of-the-art purification technology. By drinking AQUA by MSC, you help eliminate an average of over 244,000 single-use plastic bottles monthly on MSC World Europa.