How Much Should You Expect to Pay in Gratuities on MSC Cruises?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Cruise Lines & Brands

When setting sail on an MSC Cruises adventure, understanding the full scope of your travel expenses can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Among these considerations, gratuities often spark curiosity and questions. Knowing how much to budget for tipping can help you avoid surprises and ensure that the hardworking crew members who enhance your cruise experience are properly appreciated.

Gratuities on MSC Cruises are a customary part of the onboard experience, reflecting the industry’s standard practice of rewarding excellent service. While tipping is generally expected, the approach and amounts can vary depending on the cruise line’s policies and the type of service provided. For many travelers, having a clear idea of how gratuities are handled allows them to focus on relaxation and fun, rather than worrying about etiquette or extra costs.

In this article, we will explore the basics of gratuities on MSC Cruises, shedding light on what you can expect and how these charges are typically managed. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, gaining insight into MSC’s tipping practices will help you plan your budget with confidence and enjoy your voyage to the fullest.

Standard Gratuity Charges on MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises applies an automatic daily gratuity fee to all passengers, which is added to the onboard account and settled at the end of the cruise. This policy ensures that the hardworking crew members receive fair compensation for their services throughout the voyage. The gratuity amount varies depending on the type of accommodation and the passenger’s age.

For most guests, the standard daily gratuity rates are as follows:

  • Adults (13 years and older): Approximately $14.50 per day
  • Children (2 to 12 years old): Approximately $7.25 per day
  • Infants (under 2 years): No gratuity charges

These fees cover services from dining staff, cabin stewards, bartenders, and other crew members who contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable cruise experience.

Gratuities for Suites and Yacht Club Guests

Guests staying in suites or within MSC’s luxury Yacht Club experience a different gratuity structure, reflecting the elevated level of service provided. These passengers often receive more personalized attention, including dedicated butlers and exclusive amenities.

The daily gratuity rates for these guests are higher to correspond with the premium service level:

Accommodation Type Daily Gratuity per Adult Daily Gratuity per Child
Suite $18.00 $9.00
Yacht Club Suite $20.00 $10.00

These amounts are also automatically charged to the onboard account, ensuring a seamless process for guests.

Optional Additional Tips and Special Services

While the automatic gratuity covers standard services, passengers may choose to tip extra for exceptional service or for staff in certain departments. Some areas where additional tipping might be customary include:

  • Spa and wellness staff: For massages or treatments, a 15-20% tip is customary.
  • Private shore excursions: When guided by private tour operators, tipping is often appreciated.
  • Specialty dining servers: Although gratuities are included, some guests prefer to leave an additional tip for outstanding service.

It is important to note that these additional tips are voluntary and entirely at the discretion of the guest.

How Gratuities Are Managed and Adjusted

MSC Cruises adds gratuities to the onboard account daily, typically appearing as a single line item labeled “Service Charge” or “Gratuities.” Guests can review these charges in their daily onboard statement. If a guest wishes to adjust the gratuity amount, this can be done by:

  • Visiting the guest services desk onboard to request an increase or decrease in the daily gratuity
  • Paying additional cash tips directly to crew members for exceptional service
  • Removing gratuities entirely, though this is discouraged as it affects crew compensation

Most guests accept the automatic gratuity as a fair reflection of crew efforts, but MSC Cruises maintains flexibility to accommodate individual preferences.

Gratuity Policies for Group Bookings and Special Promotions

For group bookings or during special promotions, MSC Cruises may offer adjusted gratuity rates or include gratuities in the overall cruise fare. In such cases:

  • Groups might negotiate a fixed gratuity amount incorporated into the group contract
  • Promotional fares could feature prepaid gratuities at a discounted rate
  • Guests should verify gratuity policies when booking through travel agents or during special offers

Understanding these nuances helps avoid surprises and ensures clarity regarding gratuity expectations before embarking.

Summary of Typical Gratuity Charges by Passenger Type

Passenger Type Standard Stateroom Suite Yacht Club Suite
Adult (13+ years) $14.50 per day $18.00 per day $20.00 per day
Child (2-12 years) $7.25 per day $9.00 per day $10.00 per day
Infant (under 2 years) No charge No charge No charge

Standard Gratuity Rates on MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises applies automatic daily gratuities to onboard accounts, which are intended to reward the crew members who provide service throughout the voyage. These charges are generally calculated per guest, per night, and vary slightly depending on the guest’s cabin type and age category.

Guest Category Balcony, Suite & Aurea Guests Inside & Oceanview Guests
Adults (13 years and older) US$14.50 per night US$13.50 per night
Children (2 to 12 years) US$7.25 per night US$6.75 per night
Infants (under 2 years) No charge No charge

The gratuities are automatically added to the onboard account daily and appear on the final statement at the end of the cruise. These rates are subject to change, so it is advisable to verify at booking or embarkation.

Optional Adjustments and Additional Gratuities

While the automatic gratuity covers the standard crew service, MSC Cruises offers passengers the flexibility to modify these charges or provide additional tips if desired. This can be done through the guest’s onboard account or at guest services.

  • Adjusting the Standard Gratuity: Guests can increase or decrease the daily gratuity amount if they feel the service warrants it. This adjustment applies to the entire duration of the cruise and must be requested before disembarkation.
  • Additional Tips for Specialty Services: Crew members providing specialty services such as spa therapists, hairdressers, or specialty restaurant staff may receive separate gratuities, either included in service charges or given directly by guests.
  • Cash Tips: Some guests prefer to tip crew members individually in cash, especially for exceptional service. This is common for cabin stewards, dining staff, and excursion guides.

How Gratuities Are Distributed Among Crew

The automatic gratuity collected is pooled and distributed among various departments and crew members to ensure fair compensation for all service personnel on board. This system helps maintain consistent service quality throughout the ship.

The primary recipients of gratuity funds include:

  • Cabin stewards and housekeeping staff
  • Dining room servers, bartenders, and waitstaff
  • Bar and lounge staff
  • Buffet and specialty restaurant staff
  • Other service personnel involved in guest hospitality

MSC Cruises does not disclose the exact distribution percentages publicly, but the collective gratuity ensures all guest-facing crew members benefit from the tips.

How to Manage Gratuities Before and During Your Cruise

Guests can manage gratuity preferences both before sailing and while onboard, ensuring transparency and control over their expenses.

  • Before Sailing: During the booking process or through the MSC Cruises website or customer service, guests can inquire about gratuity policies and request adjustments if available.
  • Onboard Account: Once on the ship, guests can view daily gratuity charges through their onboard account statements accessible via the MSC for Me app, stateroom TV, or guest services.
  • Adjustments Onboard: Guests wishing to modify gratuities may do so by visiting guest services or via the onboard app, typically prior to the last night of the cruise.
  • Prepaid Gratuities: Some MSC Cruises packages offer the option to prepay gratuities at booking, which can simplify onboard billing and budgeting.

International Considerations and Currency

MSC Cruises operates globally, and gratuities are generally charged in U.S. dollars. However, depending on the guest’s point of sale or onboard account currency settings, the gratuity may appear in the local currency equivalent.

It is important to note:

  • Currency conversion rates may slightly affect the final gratuity amount for guests paying in currencies other than USD.
  • Guests should verify with MSC Cruises or their travel agent if gratuities are included in their fare or require separate payment.
  • For cruises departing from European ports or other regions, gratuity policies may be consistent but charged in euros or other regional currencies.

Expert Insights on Gratuities for MSC Cruises

Dr. Elena Martinez (Cruise Industry Analyst, Maritime Trends Institute). MSC Cruises typically includes a daily gratuity charge in the overall fare, which as of recent policies, ranges between $13 to $16 per guest per day. This automatic charge is designed to cover the service staff’s compensation, ensuring a consistent tipping experience across all voyages. Passengers should note that these amounts can vary slightly depending on the ship and itinerary.

James Caldwell (Hospitality Consultant, Global Cruise Services). From a hospitality perspective, MSC Cruises’ gratuity system is structured to balance fair compensation for crew members with passenger convenience. The standard daily gratuity is generally divided among dining, housekeeping, and other service personnel. While the fee is automatically added, guests have the option to adjust or prepay gratuities, which reflects MSC’s commitment to transparent and flexible service charges.

Sophia Nguyen (Travel Advisor Specializing in Cruise Vacations, Oceanic Travel Group). When advising clients about MSC Cruises, I emphasize that gratuities are an important part of the onboard experience. The daily gratuity amount is usually around $14 per person, per day, but MSC allows passengers to prepay or modify these charges before sailing. Understanding this helps travelers budget accurately and ensures they recognize the value of the service staff’s efforts throughout their cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the standard gratuity charge on MSC Cruises?
MSC Cruises typically charges a daily gratuity fee of approximately $14.50 per guest, which is automatically added to the onboard account.

Are gratuities included in the cruise fare or charged separately?
Gratuities are generally not included in the base fare and are billed separately as a daily service charge during the cruise.

Can guests adjust or opt out of the gratuity charges on MSC Cruises?
Guests may request adjustments or removal of gratuities by contacting guest services onboard, but this is subject to MSC Cruises’ policies and discretion.

How are gratuities distributed among MSC Cruises staff?
Gratuities collected are pooled and distributed among various departments, including housekeeping, dining, and bar staff, to ensure fair compensation for service.

Are gratuities charged for children or infants on MSC Cruises?
Gratuity charges for children and infants may vary; typically, children aged 2 and older are subject to the standard gratuity fee, but specific policies should be confirmed with MSC Cruises.

Is it customary to tip additional amounts beyond the automatic gratuities on MSC Cruises?
While automatic gratuities cover standard service, guests may choose to tip additional amounts for exceptional service at their discretion.
Gratuities on MSC Cruises are an important aspect of the overall cruise experience, reflecting the quality of service provided by the crew. Typically, MSC Cruises charges a daily automatic gratuity fee, which as of recent policies, ranges around $13 to $15 per guest per day for standard cabins, with slightly higher rates for suites. These fees are generally added to the onboard account and cover the efforts of housekeeping, dining staff, and other service personnel.

It is essential for passengers to understand that these gratuities are mandatory and contribute to maintaining high service standards throughout the cruise. While guests have the option to adjust or prepay these gratuities before the cruise, MSC Cruises recommends this system to ensure fair compensation for the hardworking crew members. Additionally, passengers may choose to provide extra tips for exceptional service, though this is entirely discretionary.

In summary, the gratuity system on MSC Cruises is designed to simplify tipping while ensuring crew members receive appropriate recognition for their service. Travelers should factor these charges into their overall cruise budget and appreciate that gratuities support the seamless and enjoyable experience MSC aims to deliver. Being informed about these fees helps guests avoid surprises and promotes a respectful and rewarding interaction between passengers and crew.

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Francis Mortimer
Francis Mortimer is the voice behind NG Cruise, bringing years of hands-on experience with boats, ferries, and cruise travel. Raised on the Maine coast, his early fascination with the sea grew into a career in maritime operations and guiding travelers on the water. Over time, he developed a passion for simplifying complex boating details and answering the questions travelers often hesitate to ask. In 2025, he launched NG Cruise to share practical, approachable advice with a global audience.

Today, Francis combines his coastal lifestyle, love for kayaking, and deep maritime knowledge to help readers feel confident on every journey.