When you set sail with MSC Cruises, understanding gratuities is an essential part of planning your budget. In this article, you'll learn the daily rates per person based on age, stateroom type, and itinerary.
On MSC Cruises, gratuities vary by destination and are automatically added to guests' onboard accounts. For the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and UAE cruises, the daily amount is $14 per adult and $7 per child.
When booking a cruise with MSC, it's important to understand the gratuity rates that will be added to your bill. These rates are per person, per day, and vary by region and cabin type.
| Region/Cabin Type | Adults (12 and over) | Children (2-12) | Infants (Under 2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caribbean, Bahamas, South America | $14.50 per night | $7.25 per night | No charge |
| Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Antilles, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Qatar | Euro 10 per night | Euro 5 per night | No charge |
| Standard cabins/Balcony rooms | Follow standard rates | Follow standard rates | No charge |
| Suites | Higher than standard rates | Higher than standard rates | No charge |
MSC charges a daily gratuity rate to ensure that the service staff who make your cruise enjoyable are properly compensated. The gratuities are charged per person for each night of your cruise.
Gratuity rates can vary depending on the destination of your cruise. Here's a simplified breakdown:
Note that these rates are subject to change, so it's best to check with MSC Gratuities for the most current information.
Your cabin type can also affect the amount of gratuity you will pay.
To learn about how service charges are managed, visit MSC's Service Charge Information. Remember, these gratuities ensure that the service team aboard your cruise is well taken care of, allowing you to enjoy a worry-free vacation.
When cruising with MSC, you'll encounter both mandatory and discretionary gratuities, which are different in terms of their application and your ability to control them.
MSC Cruises implements an automatic gratuity policy to ensure that all crew members who contribute to your experience are fairly compensated. These gratuities are added to your onboard account on a daily basis.
These charges are considered mandatory, as they're automatically added for the convenience of guests. The amounts vary based on the region of your cruise.
While the gratuities are automatic, you do have the discretion to remove or adjust these charges if the service does not meet your expectations. You would need to:
Be aware that this action is taken at your discretion, and it's essential to consider the impact on the crew members who are dedicated to providing you with excellent service throughout your cruise.
In navigating the waters of MSC gratuities, it's essential to understand how your tips are allocated. Your contributions directly impact the hard-working crew members who ensure a pleasant journey.
Gratuities on MSC cruises are distributed among the service staff. This includes not only those you may see frequently, such as your cabin stewards and dining staff, but also behind-the-scenes personnel. The distribution process is designed to ensure that both visible and occult crew members are fairly rewarded for their service.
If you receive exemplary service from a specific crew member, MSC allows you to reward them directly. This is in addition to the overall gratuities that are automatically added to your bill. You can provide an extra tip to recognize individual efforts, ensuring those who go above and beyond are personally acknowledged.
The gratuities you provide contribute to the livelihoods of multiple staff members, making your cruise experience enjoyable and memorable.
Choosing between prepaying gratuities and settling them onboard is an important part of your cruise planning process. This choice can affect your cruise budget and the convenience of managing your expenses.
While MSC Cruises includes a mandatory service charge for all guests, you may find moments when you want to tip above the set rates to show appreciation for exceptional service.
Above and Beyond: If a crew member or guest relations manager goes beyond their duties to enhance your cruising experience, additional tipping is an impactful way to reward their dedication.
Specialty Restaurants: Exquisite dining experiences that exceed the highest quality standards might prompt you to consider extra gratuities for the attentive staff.
Gratuities on MSC cruises vary by region and itinerary, influencing how much you'll set aside for tips during your cruise. These service charges are a way to reward the crew for their excellent service.
For a well-rounded understanding of gratuities on cruises, it's advisable to familiarize yourself with the destination-specific tipping procedures which can greatly enhance your experience and show appreciation toward the ship's diligent crew.
MSC Cruises has specific gratuity charges that contribute to the overall cruise experience. These service charges are standardized across their fleet and directly support the crew for the services provided.
The hotel service charge is a daily fee added to your account, covering the hospitality services you receive on board. This gratuity ensures that all staff, from stewards to dining room personnel, are recognized for their work.
When purchasing drinks or opting for drink packages, you'll incur a bar service charge. This is an automatic addition to the price of your drink package or individual beverage, ensuring that bar staff are fairly compensated for their service.
MSC Gratuities (Tips/Service Charge): Full Guide to Cost & How They ...
Managing gratuities on an MSC Cruise is straightforward and can be tailored to your individual needs. Here are key methods to handle service charges, particularly for families, through various promotions, and within MSC's unique programs.
For families cruising with MSC, gratuities are simplified. Children under 2 years old are not subject to service charges.
These rates may vary slightly based on the cruise region. It's a cost-saving aspect for families but remember to confirm the specific amounts during or after your booking process.
MSC Cruises occasionally offers promotions where gratuities can be prepaid or included in the fare. This can be particularly convenient for you when budgeting:
Check for current promotions when you manage your booking to take advantage of any available offers.
Gratuities on MSC Cruises can also depend on the specific program you choose. The MSC Grand Voyage, for example, may have different gratuity policies compared to standard cruises.
Your cruise fare may include service charges if you opt for certain fare types. Always review the MSC specific programs to understand the gratuity policies that will apply to your trip.
