MSC's Daily Gratuity Charges

MSC Cruises adds gratuities to your bill automatically each day of your cruise. The amount depends on your cabin type and ranges from roughly $13 to $15 per person per day for standard cabins, and $15 to $18 per person per day for suites. These charges appear on your onboard account and are settled when you leave the ship, though you can adjust or remove them before departure.

The exact daily rate varies slightly by ship and sailing date, so check your cruise documents or ask at guest services when you board. MSC publishes these rates in advance, and they're listed in the terms and conditions when you book.

Unlike some cruise lines that bundle gratuities into the ticket price, MSC presents them as a separate line item. This means the advertised cruise fare does not include gratuities — you'll see them added during your stay.

Key Takeaways

  • MSC charges between $13 and $18 per person per day in gratuities, depending on cabin category, and adds this automatically to your onboard account.
  • You can reduce, remove, or adjust gratuity amounts at the guest services desk before you disembark, with no penalty.
  • Gratuities cover housekeeping, dining staff, and other crew members who provide direct service during your cruise.
  • The daily rate is set by MSC and does not change based on service quality, though you may add extra tips for exceptional service.

How Gratuities Are Charged and Paid

MSC adds the daily gratuity charge to your shipboard account on the first full day of your cruise and continues each day through your final day. The total is calculated by multiplying the daily per-person rate by the number of people in your cabin and the number of days you're aboard. For a family of four on a seven-day cruise in a standard cabin at $14 per person per day, that would be $392 total.

On your final evening, MSC provides an itemized bill showing all charges, including gratuities. You can visit guest services to review the amount, request changes, or remove gratuities entirely. Some guests reduce the amount if they felt service was poor; others add extra cash or credit for crew members who went above and beyond.

Payment happens automatically when you settle your account at checkout. If you've prepaid gratuities through your cruise line booking, they won't be charged again onboard.

What Gratuities Cover

The daily gratuity is distributed among crew members who provide direct service: your cabin steward or stewardess, dining room servers, busboys, and bartenders. MSC pools these charges and divides them according to a set formula, so your payment supports the entire service staff rather than going to one person.

Gratuities do not cover specialty dining venues, spa services, or entertainment staff. If you dine in a specialty restaurant or book a spa treatment, those services may have separate gratuity expectations, though they are often included in the service charge for that venue.

Comparing MSC Gratuities to Other Cruise Lines

MSC's gratuity rates fall in the middle range for the cruise industry. Royal Caribbean and Carnival charge similar amounts — roughly $14 to $16 per person per day for standard cabins. Disney Cruise Line charges higher daily rates, around $15 to $17 for standard cabins. Norwegian Cruise Line includes gratuities in the ticket price, so you won't see a separate charge.

The key difference is transparency: MSC shows gratuities as a separate line item, while some lines bundle them into the fare. The total cost to you is similar regardless of how it's presented.

Adjusting or Removing Gratuities

You have the right to modify gratuity amounts at any time before you leave the ship. Visit the guest services desk, usually located near the main atrium, and ask to review your onboard charges. A staff member will show you the gratuity total and explain how to adjust it.

You can reduce the amount, remove it entirely, or increase it if you wish to reward exceptional service. There is no penalty for making changes, and MSC does not require you to provide a reason. If you prepaid gratuities before your cruise, you can still request a refund or adjustment at guest services.

Some guests choose to remove the automatic gratuity and hand cash directly to crew members instead. This is permitted, though MSC's system is designed to may support fair distribution across all service staff.

Tipping Beyond the Automatic Gratuity

The daily gratuity covers standard service, but many guests add extra tips for crew members who provided exceptional care. You can hand cash directly to your cabin steward, servers, or bartenders, or add charges to your onboard account and request they be given to specific staff members.

Common amounts for extra tips range from $5 to $20 per person, depending on the length of your cruise and the quality of service. Some guests tip their cabin steward at the end of the cruise, their server on the final dinner, and bartenders throughout their stay if they visit the same bar regularly.

Specialty services like spa treatments, salon services, or shore excursions organized through the ship may have their own tipping customs. Ask the service provider or check your receipt to see whether a gratuity is already included.

Planning Your Budget for Gratuities

When calculating the total cost of your cruise, add the daily gratuity amount to your ticket price. For a family of four on a seven-day cruise, budget an additional $350 to $500 in gratuities alone, depending on cabin type. This is a fixed cost that you should expect to pay unless you choose to remove it.

If you plan to dine in specialty restaurants, book spa services, or take organized excursions, budget extra for those gratuities as well. Some specialty dining venues add 18 percent automatically; others leave it to your discretion. Ask about gratuity policies when you book these services.

Remember that gratuities are separate from your cruise fare, drink packages, and any onboard purchases. They are one of the few charges that are automatic and non-negotiable unless you actively change them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay gratuities before I board the ship?

Yes. When you book your cruise or manage your reservation online, you can prepay gratuities. This locks in the rate and removes the charge from your onboard account. If you prepay and later want to adjust the amount, contact MSC customer service before your sailing date.

What happens if I don't pay the gratuity?

You cannot leave the ship without settling your onboard account, which includes gratuities. You must either pay the automatic charge, adjust it at guest services, or remove it entirely before checkout. MSC will not allow you to disembark until your account is settled.

Do gratuities explore to children in my cabin?

Yes. MSC charges gratuities for each person in your cabin, including children. The daily rate is the same regardless of age. If you have concerns about the total, you can request an adjustment at guest services.

Are gratuities included if I book a cruise package deal?

Not automatically. Most package deals advertise a base price that excludes gratuities. Check the fine print of your package to confirm whether gratuities are included. If they are not listed, assume you'll be charged the standard daily rate onboard.

Can I tip crew members in cash instead of using the onboard system?

Yes. You can remove the automatic gratuity and hand cash directly to crew members if you prefer. However, MSC's pooled system ensures all service staff receive a share, whereas cash tips go only to the person you hand them to. Many guests do both — keep the automatic gratuity and add cash tips for exceptional service.