MSC Cruises Gratuities And Service Charges: What You Actually Need to Know for 2026
Before you finalize a MSC Cruises sailing, it's worth understanding the details behind gratuities and service charges - what's below comes straight from current published terms.
Roughly $16 per person, per day for standard staterooms, rising to around $20 per person, per day for MSC Yacht Club suites. Prepaying can simplify your onboard budget considerably if you'd rather not think about a daily charge while traveling. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
If any of this affects your travel plans, call +1-800-406-8495 and one of our advisors can confirm the current terms for your exact cruise. It's worth checking your specific fare's inclusions before assuming gratuities are or aren't already covered. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are gratuities on MSC?
Roughly $16 per person, per day for standard staterooms, rising to around $20 per person, per day for MSC Yacht Club suites. This is one of the areas where policies can shift between cruise lines even under the same parent company, so don't assume they match. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Can I adjust or remove the automatic gratuity charge?
Guest Services can usually modify the daily charge, though this is meant to be an exception-handling tool, not a standard practice, since it's tied to crew pay. Crew members genuinely rely on this income, which is part of why most lines discourage using the adjustment option as a routine practice. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Are gratuities included if I prepay them before sailing?
Prepaying gratuities bundles the charge into your total cost before sailing, locking in the current rate rather than paying day by day. If you're unsure how the charge breaks down, guest services can usually provide an itemized explanation of what it covers. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Do drink packages and specialty dining include a service charge on top of gratuities?
Expect an added service charge, often 15-20%, on drink packages and specialty dining that's independent of your daily gratuity. Reviewing your onboard account periodically during the cruise helps you keep track of gratuity and other charges before the final bill. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Are gratuities different for children?
Gratuity discounts for children are inconsistent - some lines offer them for very young kids, while most charge full rate once a child ages out of toddlerhood. Prepaying can simplify your onboard budget considerably if you'd rather not think about a daily charge while traveling. Good to know before you finalize anything.
How do gratuities on MSC compare to other lines?
An advisor at +1-800-406-8495 can help you understand exactly how MSC's gratuity structure compares to competitors. If you're unsure how the charge breaks down, guest services can usually provide an itemized explanation of what it covers. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Can I prepay gratuities before my MSC cruise instead of paying onboard?
Yes, most lines including MSC let you prepay the daily gratuity charge at final payment, which some guests prefer for budgeting rather than seeing it added onboard. Setting aside a small amount of cash for exceptional individual service beyond the standard charge is a common practice among frequent cruisers. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Do specialty restaurants have a separate gratuity from the daily charge?
Frequently, specialty restaurants tack on their own service fee independent of your standard daily gratuity - confirm per venue. This is one of the areas where policies can shift between cruise lines even under the same parent company, so don't assume they match. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Are gratuities included in MSC fares booked through a promotion?
It depends on the fare - some MSC promotions include gratuities, while standard pricing typically bills them separately. Reviewing your onboard account periodically during the cruise helps you keep track of gratuity and other charges before the final bill. Worth keeping in mind either way.
What's a reasonable way to budget for gratuities on a weeklong cruise?
The easiest estimate is daily rate times number of nights times guests in the cabin, plus some cushion for service charges on drinks or specialty dining. If you're unsure how the charge breaks down, guest services can usually provide an itemized explanation of what it covers. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.