How Much Are Gratuities on MSC Ships?

No doubt, an MSC cruise is a unique way to tour the world, but there are some crucial MSC cruise gratuities that you should be familiar with before embarking on your cruise. Gratuities, which are also termed as service fees or hotel service charges, are standard on cruise ships, MSC included. Understanding how they function aids in steering clear of any surprises during the conclusion of your vacation.

We are going to delve deep into MSC cruise gratuities in this article. We want to make sure you’re fully prepared, including ‘who covers’, the ‘cost and payment method’, and the ‘options for making additions or modifications to the gratuities,’ MSC cruise.

MSC Cruise Service Charges: Know Before You Go

Photo by MSC Cruises

For MSC Cruises, a 'hotel service fee' is added on a per-day basis, either to your onboard account or is included in your overall cruise payment at the time of booking. This is MSC's approach to dealing with gratuities. These fees are cashed in by the cruise operators and reapportioned equitably, as opposed to being disbursed from individual employees.

With this approach, tipping is no longer guesswork. You simply pay the predetermined amount, and MSC takes care of the rest. There is no need to tote cash or calculate small change to give to each employee.

What Are Service Charges (Gratuities)?

Gratuity is an additional fee that a guest may add to express thanks to those who served them on an MSC cruise. Numerous personnel attend to your every need on an MSC vessel: the cabin steward who maintains your quarters, the waiters, the dining room hosts, and many more.

On MSC cruises, guests are not required to personally tip any of the staff as daily MSC gratuity is automatically billed to and charged from their credit card. This practice not only allows guests to truly unwind and enjoy their cruise but also ensures that the employees are fairly paid for their dedicated efforts.

Do MSC Cruises Include Gratuities?

Depending on your place of booking, gratuities can differ quite substantially.

• Booking within UK and European Countries: Most cruises will include tipping in the cruise price.
• Bookings from the US and Canada: Tipping will generally not be included. It will be charged daily and collected at the end alongside the stateroom account.
• Special Offers: MSC often includes prepaid gratuities in their special promotions.

Verify the booking information to determine if MSC cruise gratuities have been covered in advance or are set to be billed later.

To Which Staff Members Does MSC Service Fee Relate?

The MSC gratuities extend to the following personnel on board:

• Cabin stewards, who maintain the staterooms.
• Dining room waiters, and buffet staff who dispense food.
• The set-up crews, housekeeping, and safety teams that look after the ship.

Employees in specialized shops, spas, bars, and excursions generally do not fall under MSC service fees, as these areas have their separate service fees or tipping customs.

Is there a mandatory MSC gratuity for children?

Of course, yet at a slower pace.

• Children aged 2 to 11: Nearly 50% of the adult daily fee.
• Younger than two years: No gratuities.

Unlike some companies that require full adult gratuity for children, MSC's low-key gratuity policy helps families with children.

Ways to Pay Gratuity aboard the MSC

As mentioned before, if you book a cruise from the UK, the gratuity is naturally added to the bill, and this is oftentimes non-removable (though you can always consult with the representatives of MSC), while booking from Europe entails that these rates are usually included within promotional charges on your bills. These are mainly removable, and you can simply go to the receptionist area on the cruise and consult them on how you can get them removed or changed.

Another option through which you can pay gratuity is through the pre-pay option. There are discounts available through MSC Cruise deals, offering significant savings for your voyage.

Another option to pay a gratuity is to add the amount directly to the bill at the end of your trip. You can opt to add your desired gratuity amount when it is time to finalize your bill. This way, you can have more control over how to pay the gratuity amount and how much.

Can The Charged Amount Be Modified?

Yes, gratuities can be adjusted for MSC passengers. If payment is still pending, you may approach the Guest Services desk for assistance.

Note: There should be a justified cause to either lower or completely remove the gratuities. Since these charges are a token of appreciation to the cruise staff, they should be preserved in case you like the cruise in every way.

Is It Possible to Increase Tips? Is It Possible to Give a Tip to an Individual?

Definitely! The daily gratuity covers most of the services, but certain passengers wish to express their gratitude in a more generous manner. MSC offers the following options: 

• Adding gratuities to your onboard account.
• Offering cash gratuity to any crew member who goes beyond the call of duty.

Even though MSC’s policies guarantee the crew a fair share, the personnel are always grateful when the recognition is personal.

Is The Service Fee Inclusive of All Tips?

No, it is not. Your cabin and dining teams are remunerated with MSC’s daily gratuity, but all other services require separate payments:

• Bars and lounges: Drinks incur a 15-18% service charge, which is generally auto-added.
• Specialty restaurants: The service charge may be included with the bill.
• Spa and beauty treatments: A service charge is usually applied.
• Casinos and excursions: Tips for dealers and guides are typically given separately.

Having this information beforehand allows you to budget for fees in addition to the standard gratuity.

Gratuity Fees for Designated Destinations

Such fees should be expected as MSC adjusts gratuity fees based on the geographic region:

Conclusion

In the context of MSC cruise gratuities, there are certain aspects that you would want to understand before drawing up the rest of your travel budget. For most cruises, children and teenagers pay lower rates than adults, so keep in mind to budget an amount within the range of $12 to 18 euros per adult, per night.

MSC Cruise Deals

Check out all the MSC cruise deals so you can compare and book the best deal!

MSC Cruise Deals

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MSC staff go the extra mile to make sure that the rest of your cruise remains safe, enjoyable, and hassle-free, so your cruise gratuity ensures that they are rewarded adequately. While you are permitted to change or increase gratuity, gratuity as is’ seems to be the preference of most travelers, perhaps because the gratuity system is effective and easy.

This allows you to relax and enjoy the cruise, as MSC gratuities are straightforward, whether settled ahead of time or at the end of your cruise.

FAQs About How Much Are Gratuities on MSC Ships

1. Are MSC Cruises Gratuities Required?

Yes, gratuities are required in almost every region. Let Guest Services know if you'd like to make an adjustment. Otherwise, MSC will add them to the final billing.

2. What is MSC Cruises Line's Daily Gratuity and How is it Charged?

For adults, the fee ranges from €12 to $18 USD depending on the region. Children under two years of age may travel for free, and the charges for children are generally reduced by half.

3. Is the Gratuity Modified for MSC Yacht Club Guests?

Yacht Club service standards and amenities justify the additional service fees, which range approximately from $20 to $21 per adult, per day.

4. Are Gratuities Included in Drink Packages?

In addition to the daily gratuity, a 15 to 18 percent service charge applies to most bars as well as to drink and cocktail purchases.

5. Can the gratuity be settled prior to the journey?

Certainly. In the United Kingdom, gratuities are pre-set and included in the fare. Passengers from the United States have the option to pay gratuities either prior to the journey or after its completion.

6. Is there an additional tipping requirement beyond the daily service charge?

Additional tipping in cash or through your account for exemplary service is not required, but it is appreciated.

7. Do I qualify for a refund if I choose not to use a particular service?

Generally, no. Regardless of dining or housekeeping expenditures, gratuity is assessed on all guests because it is pooled and distributed to the staff.