MSC Cruises · What it costs
How much are gratuities?
The answer
Checked 2026-09-21A daily Hotel Service Charge per person, set by the region you are sailing
- Caribbean, Alaska and USA sailings are charged at one rate; Mediterranean, Northern Europe and other regions at another.
- Children under 2 are not charged.
- Can be added to the cruise price at booking instead of your onboard account.
- Removable through the Guest Relations Manager if service was unsatisfactory.
- Voyagers Club members are not exempt.
In one sentence — MSC Cruises: A daily Hotel Service Charge per person, set by the region you are sailing. Caribbean, Alaska and USA sailings are charged at one rate; Mediterranean, Northern Europe and other regions at another. Children under 2 are not charged. Can be added to the cruise price at booking instead of your onboard account. Removable through the Guest Relations Manager if service was unsatisfactory. Voyagers Club members are not exempt. Read from MSC Cruises's own published policy on 2026-09-21. Cruise lines change policies without notice — confirm with MSC Cruises before relying on this.
Why this one catches people out
Nearly every line adds a daily service charge per person. It is not optional in practice, and it is the charge people are most often surprised by.
Where this came from
https://www.msccruisesusa.com/manage-booking/before-you-go/service-chargesWe read these policies from each cruise line's own pages and record the date we read them. Lines change their rules without notice. Always confirm with the cruise line before you rely on anything here.