MSC Cruises has announced that this year’s Christmas and New Year onboard menus will again be created by world-acclaimed star chef, Carlo Cracco.

The agreement was formally toasted last night at a special Cuban-themed gala dinner, in Milan, where the Italy-based chef created an exquisite Cuba inspired banquet for special guests, dignitaries, and members of the media, with the Cuban Ambassador to Italy, Alba Beatriz Soto Pimentel, as guest of honour.

Chef Cracco has crafted onboard Christmas and New Year menus for the past two years.

As well as being a celebration of Cuban culture and the evolving collaboration between MSC Cruises and the Caribbean island, last night’s dinner was also an opportunity for Chef Cracco to demonstrate the mastery that has earned him many awards, including two Michelin stars, as well as some of the creations from his festive menus.

In addition, he paid homage to Cuba with an entrée of Crispy egg yolk, avocado, manioc and nuts and a one-off dessert of Chocolate cigar with caramel, passion fruit and basil set off by a first-class rum.