msc cruise line gratuities

MSC Gratuities: The Amounts and All the Details (2024)

March 22, 2024

Like every other cruise line, MSC requires the payment of gratuities .

On the official documents, the company refers to these fees as a daily hotel service charge that is automatically added to the shipboard account.

In this article, we’re going to see the cost of gratuities on MSC , how you can pay for them , if they’re compulsory , and any other questions related to this topic .

I hope you find all the information you need, if you still have doubts remember that you can leave a comment at the bottom of the page . I will get back to you as soon as I can!

Table of Contents

Are gratuities included on MSC cruises?

No, gratuities are not included in the booking price .

You usually pay for them at the end of your cruise. In fact, you will find them added to your shipboard account and you will have to settle them before you leave the ship.

The price of gratuities on MSC

The amount of gratuities on MSC can change based on your chosen itinerary and the number of days of your cruise .

Below, I’ve created a list of the gratuities amount for the most common itineraries .

For cruises to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada, and New England:

Adults (from 12 years old) $16 per night

Children (2 to 12 years old) $8 per night

Children (under 2 years old) no charge

For cruises to South America:

Adults (from 12 years old) $14.50 per night

Children (2 to 12 years old) $7.25 per night

For cruises to Asia:

Children (2 to 12 years old) $14.50 per night

For cruises to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Antilles, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, MSC World Cruise, Egypt, Red Sea, and Saudi Arabia:

Adults (from 12 years old) 12€ per night

Children (2 to 12 years old) 6€ per night

Can you prepay gratuities on MSC?

Yes, I asked MSC directly and they confirmed that it is possible to prepay gratuities for cruises departing from the US .

To do this you can contact your travel agent or you can contact the company directly. The total amount will be added to the cruise price which must be paid in full before departure.

Opt out of MSC gratuities

I want to clarify that gratuities are compulsory on MSC Cruises because they’re considered hotel service charges (as I said at the beginning of the article).

However, there’s a way to remove them . If you do not receive satisfactory service you can go to the guest services desk and ask to modify the amount or completely remove them .

As I already said in the article on how to remove gratuities on Royal Caribbean , they will probably ask you what the problem was to investigate what happened .

You are free not to answer if you don’t want to, but it would be better to use this possibility ethically .

If the service provided was good, consider leaving and paying gratuities, they will be equally distributed among all the crew members .

Do I still have to tip while onboard?

No, you don’t have to ! MSC does not recommend tipping individual members of staff.

This is because the tips you leave individually are not equally shared . Keep in mind that there are many workers that you don’t see but who do a lot of work. For example those in kitchens, laundries, engine rooms…

Only with automatic gratuities, these people can have access to a small extra amount at the end of the month .

However, if you really want to, it’s not forbidden to tip individual people if you particularly liked their service.

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Service Charges / Gratuities

IMPORTANT NOTE :  please be informed that as of December 12th, 2022, our updated and automatic Hotel Service Charge per person per day will be outlined as in the table below.

Guests with existing bookings made before December 12th 2022, will not be impacted by this change .

For any additional information, please consult the below grids.

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HOTEL SERVICE CHARGE

During your cruise you will meet staff throughout the ship who provide you with excellent service. They are supported by just as many staff and crew who work hard behind the scenes to ensure you enjoy every moment onboard.

For your convenience, MSC Cruises will automatically add a daily Hotel Service Charge to your shipboard account, based on your chosen itinerary and the number of days for which the services are actually provided. The Hotel Service charge serves to ensure we maintain the highest quality standards of service to our guests. The daily amounts below have been calculated with this in mind and cannot be modified. However, should you wish to remove any of the daily Hotel Service Charge in the unlikely event that you do not receive satisfactory service, you may do so by contacting the Guest Relations Manager onboard. If you wish, the daily Hotel Service Charge for your cruise can be added to the price of your cruise at the time of booking, rather than added to your onboard account during the cruise. Please let your booking agent know if you would like to add the Hotel Service Charge to your cruise price. TIPS: MSC does not recommend tipping individual members of staff. Please find below the new automatic Hotel Service Charge rates valid: - From October 2nd, 2023, for cruises sailing to Caribbean and North America ; guests with existing bookings confirmed before October 2nd, 2023, will not be impacted by this change . - From October 19th, 2023 for cruises sailing to China, Japan and Republic of Korea from 12th of March 2024 onwards; guests with existing bookings confirmed before October 19th , 2023, will not be impacted by this change.

Hotel Service Charge valid for all new bookings from October 19th October 2023 for cruises sailing to China, Japan and Korea from 12th of March 2024 onwards.

Hotel service charge valid for all new bookings from october 2nd 2023 onwards, onwards for cruises sailing to caribbean and north america, hotel service charge valid for all bookings confirmed from december 12th 2022 up to october 1st 2023, hotel service charge valid for all bookings confirmed before december 12th 2022, are msc voyagers club members exempt from the hotel service charge, what happens to the hotel service charge when guests change their booking, is the hotel service charge detailed in the booking confirmation, how is the hotel service charge shared with the staff, some guests have always tipped individual employees. would that also be allowed, can the hotel service charge be reduced or cancelled in case of complaints on board, thank you for visiting msc cruises.

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MSC Cruises

Tipping on a cruise: What to know about cruise ship gratuities

How much to tip on a cruise is a question that trips up many first-timers. That's because some cruise lines tack daily service fees onto passenger bills — yet many travelers still hand out additional cash gratuities, either as a matter of course or for exemplary service.

The extra cost of the automatic gratuity charges can be a shock to first-time cruisers. At some lines, these charges run as high as $25 per day. And, unlike the typical service fee or resort fee found at a land resort, they are not per room. They are per person .

At some big lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line , it's not uncommon for a family of four staying in a single cabin to see more than $70 a day in service fees added to their bills. On a typical seven-night cruise, that's around $500 in fees.

That's before you add in any additional tips you wish to give to your room service or favorite bartender or automatic gratuities tacked on to bar, restaurant and spa bills.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Still, not all lines have service fees that high. Some don't charge a service fee at all. In many cases, the service charges are adjustable.

Tipping on a cruise does not have to be complicated, but you need to understand the big picture to budget for your vacation appropriately. Read on to learn all about cruise ship tipping culture and how much you'll need to tip on your next cruise, based on which cruise line you're sailing.

Tipping on a cruise ship: The big picture

Most of the biggest cruise lines automatically add some type of service or gratuity fee onto passenger bills. Lines with such charges include both of the two giants of the cruise business, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line , as well as the next three biggest lines MSC Cruises , Norwegian and Princess Cruises .

That said, the total number of lines with a service fee has been shrinking over the years. Many smaller and higher-end cruise operators are folding tips and gratuities into their base fares.

Lines that now cover gratuities in their fares include Azamara , Ponant, Regent Seven Seas Cruises , Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Seabourn , SeaDream Yacht Club , Silversea Cruises and Virgin Voyages .

For lines that do have them, service and gratuity charges are touted as a convenient alternative to the practice of cash tipping on cruise ships — something that once was common.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Cruise lines say they pass the money collected from service charges to the shipboard crew. They say the money is shared not just with front-of-house crew, such as room attendants and waitstaff, but also with behind-the-scenes workers. In that sense, the current system is more equitable than the old system of cash tipping, which favored certain workers, lines say.

Still, some critics see the charges as a sneaky way for cruise lines to make their fares appear lower than they really are. In this line of thinking, lines with these charges are essentially breaking out a good chunk of onboard labor costs as a separate line item on your bill.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

How service charges are levied

At most lines, you can pay your service charges before sailing (at the same time you pay your cruise fare). Alternatively, you can have the charges added to your room bill on board.

The big advantage to paying cruise tips in advance is that you lock in the current rate. If your line raises the rate between the time you pay and the time you sail, you won't pay more.

Some people also like to pay their service charges in advance for budgeting purposes. It'll be one less thing on your final bill at the end of the cruise.

If you prefer to pay for tips once you're on board your cruise, you'll generally find that the gratuities automatically appear on your bill. You don't have to do anything.

That said, if you want to, you can often adjust the charges (either up or down) while you're on board by visiting the guest relations desk. If you are adjusting a gratuity charge downward, expect to be asked about the reasons behind the adjustment. The guest relations staff will want to know if you've experienced particular service issues.

If you leave the service charge on your room bill, you are not expected to leave additional cruise tips for your room attendant or waiters. That's the whole point of the service charge.

Similarly, if you're on a higher-end ship that lists gratuities as being included in the fare, that means just what it says. You don't have to tip on these cruises because the line is already paying gratuities to the staff on your behalf. Additional cash gifts are not expected.

Still, some people do leave a little extra for crew members who go above and beyond. Others tip their room service or waitstaff at their favorite bar, either early in the cruise in the hope of getting better service or at the end to thank them for enhancing the vacation experience. How much to tip extra on a cruise is entirely up to you because it is in no way required.

Related: 10 times you do not need to tip on a cruise

Included cruise tips as a booking perk

If you dislike tipping on cruise ships but can't afford to sail on an all-inclusive line, look for promotions when cruise lines with service charges throw in free gratuities as a booking incentive.

For instance, in recent years, Norwegian often ran Free at Sea promotions that included free crew tips in addition to free shipboard Wi-Fi and a free drinks package . The line hasn't been doing that as much lately, but these offers often come back at times when brands need to drum up more business.

Additionally, several major lines in the past couple of years have begun offering bundle pricing to customers who pay for cruise tips, Wi-Fi charges and an onboard drinks package all at once in advance of sailing, potentially at a discount.

Princess, for example, has added a Princess Plus plan as a booking option. It gives passengers prepaid gratuities (Princess calls these "crew appreciation" fees), a single-device Wi-Fi plan and a basic beverage package for a single bundled price of $60 per person, per day.

Don't worry: When lines offer such deals, it doesn't mean the crew will receive fewer tips the week you cruise. The lines that offer these deals say they'll pay a normal gratuity to the crew on your behalf.

Related: The best cruise booking perks — and which ones are actually free

Additional cruise ship tipping

Daily service charges are not the only cruise tips you will pay on board. Many cruise lines will tack an automatic gratuity charge onto the bill for extra-fee drinks, restaurant meals and spa treatments.

The included tip amount varies by cruise line but is typically 15% to 20% of the bill. Be warned that the receipt often includes a line for an additional gratuity, even when one is automatically added. This can trick many cruisers into tipping twice. Never feel pressured to add an extra tip when you've already paid one.

Note that if you purchase a dining or beverage package, most cruise lines will charge you gratuities based on a percentage of the package price. If you get one of these packages for free as a booking perk, as with Norwegian Cruise Line's Free at Sea promotion, you might still be required to pay the gratuities on the free perk.

For example, Norwegian offers a complimentary Open Bar drinks package for travelers who book its Free at Sea promotion. The cost of that package is typically $109 per person, per day. The mandatory 20% gratuity comes out to nearly $22 per day. That means two people sharing a room on a seven-night cruise would pay $308 in tips for an otherwise free drinks package — on top of their daily service charge fees.

Cruisers should also bring cash to tip the porters who bring their bags onto the ship (usually $2 per bag), as well as tour guides in port ($5 to $10 per person for half-day tours, $10 to $20 for full-day excursions and $2 for non-guide drivers). Piano bar regulars know that a cash tip will increase the chances of the pianist choosing and performing your song request.

How much should you tip on each cruise line?

If you're wondering how much you should tip on the specific cruise line you're considering or have already booked, we've compiled that information here. Below is a line-by-line look at policies for automatic gratuity charges (called service charges or "crew appreciation" charges at some lines). The rates listed are per person, per day. They were accurate as of the publishing of this story.

Remember that all additional tipping is at your discretion. Any amount is fine and will be appreciated by the hard-working crew.

Alaskan Dream Cruises

• Automatic gratuity charge : None.
• Details : Gratuities for the crew are not included in the fare and are at the discretion of travelers.
• Details : Gratuities for the crew are included in the fare. One area of exception: An 18% gratuity is added to bills for spa services.

Carnival Cruise Line

• Automatic gratuity charge : $16 to $18 per person, per day.
• Details : Passengers in most cabins pay $16. Those in suites pay $18. Children younger than 2 are exempt from the charges. Also, an 18% gratuity is added to bar bills, the cover charges for the Chef's Table and Bonsai Teppanyaki restaurants and the a la carte fee at Bonsai Sushi, Emeril's Bistro, Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse and Seafood Shack.

Related: Cruise giant Carnival joins Princess, Norwegian in sharply hiking service fees

Celebrity Cruises

• Automatic gratuity charge : $18 per person, per day.
• Details : Passengers in most cabins pay $18. Passengers in Concierge Class pay $18.50 and, for bookings made after Oct. 4, 2023, passengers in AquaClass cabins also pay $18.50 (for AquaClass bookings made before that date, there is no charge for gratuities). For bookings made after Oct. 4, 2023, passengers in The Retreat suites pay $23 (for The Retreat bookings made before that date, there is no charge for gratuities). Note that passengers who book a Celebrity cabin under the line's pricier All Included rate plan also do not pay gratuity charges. Additionally, a 20% gratuity is added when a passenger orders a drink that's not included in the line's All-Included rate plan, as well as when purchasing a minibar item. An 18% gratuity will be added for spa and salon services.

Celestyal Cruises

• Details : Gratuities for crew and bar staff are included in the fare.

Costa Cruises

• Automatic gratuity charge : $12.50 to $17.50 per person, per day.
• Details : Passengers on ships operating on the U.S. dollar generally pay $12.50. Ships operating on the euro have an 11 euro charge ($11.60 at current exchange rates). On cruises departing from China, Japan and Singapore, the charges range from $13.50 to $17.50, depending on the cabin category. Passengers younger than 4 are exempt from the charges. Gratuities for children between 4 and 14 (up to 12 on cruises departing from Japan, China and Singapore) are half the adult rate. Additionally, a 15% gratuity is added to beverage purchases.

Cunard Line

• Automatic gratuity charge : $14.50 to $16.50 per person, per day.
• Details : Passengers in most cabins pay $14.50. Passengers in Grill Class suites pay $16.50. Additionally, a 15% gratuity is added to bar, wine and salon bills.

Disney Cruise Line

• Details : While Disney doesn't add an automatic gratuity charge, it suggests that passengers staying in most cabins pay $14.50 per day in total when tipping various dining staff and room attendants. The suggested amount for passengers staying in concierge cabins and suites is $15.50. Passengers can prepay the amount in advance or on board. Also, an 18% gratuity is added to bar, beverage, wine and deck service bills, and an 18% gratuity is added to bills for spa services.

Holland America Line

• Automatic gratuity charge : $17 to $19.00 per person, per day.
• Details : Passengers in most cabins pay $17 for what the line now calls a "crew appreciation" charge. Passengers staying in suites pay $19.00. Additionally, an 18% gratuity is added to bar bills and dining room wine purchases.

Related: Is this love? Holland America chooses Valentine's Day for service charge price hike

Lindblad Expeditions

• Details : Gratuities are included in the fare for passengers on National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Orion. On other ships, gratuities are at the passenger's discretion.

MSC Cruises

• Automatic gratuity charge : about $13 (12 euros) to $16.
• Details : Gratuity charges are $16 on voyages from and to the U.S., with the exception of sailings with pricing in euros, which have a gratuity charge of 12 euros ($12.66 at current exchange rates). Gratuities for children between 2 and 11 are half the adult rate on most cruises. Gratuities are not charged for children younger than 2.

Norwegian Cruise Line

• Automatic service charge : $20 to $25 per person, per day.
• Details : Passengers in most cabins pay $20. Those in suites or The Haven pay $25. Passengers younger than 3 are exempt from the charges. Additionally, a 20% gratuity is added to bills at bars, extra-charge specialty restaurants and ship spas. Cruises to Hawaii will also pay a 4.275% prepaid service charge called a general excise tax.

Oceania Cruises

• Automatic gratuity charge : $18 to $23 per person, per day.
• Details : Passengers staying in most cabins pay $18. Passengers in top suites with butler service pay $23. Additionally, a 20% gratuity is added to bills at bars, the extra-charge La Reserve restaurant and at ship spas.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

• Details : Gratuities are included in the fare.
• Details : Gratuities are included in the fare. However, passengers can give more at their discretion; Ponant recommends $10 to $12 per passenger, per day.

Princess Cruises

• Details : Passengers in most cabins pay $16 for what the line now calls a "crew appreciation" charge . Passengers in mini-suites pay $17, while those in bigger suites pay $18. Additionally, an 18% gratuity is added to bar bills, dining room wine purchases and Lotus Spa services.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal caribbean.

• Automatic gratuity charge : $18 to $20.50 per person, per day.
• Details : Passengers staying in most cabins, including junior suites, pay $18 per day. Passengers in higher-level suites pay $20.50. Additionally, an 18% gratuity is added to bills at bars, minibars, salons and spas.

Related: Royal Caribbean quietly raises automatic gratuity charges

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Seadream yacht club, silversea cruises.

• Details : Gratuities are included in the fare, except for beauty salon and spa treatments.

Star Clippers

• Details : The line recommends that passengers pay 8 euros ($8.44 at current exchange rates) per day in gratuities, but the payment is at the passenger's discretion. There is a 15% gratuity added for bar purchases.

UnCruise Adventures

• Details : UnCruise recommends that passengers pay $35 per person, per day in gratuities, but the payment is at the passenger's discretion.
• Automatic gratuity charge : $17 per person, per day.
• Details : Passengers pay $17 in gratuities for all cabin types. Also, a 15% gratuity is added to bar bills.

Virgin Voyages

Windstar cruises.

• Automatic gratuity charge : $16 per person, per day.
• Details : Passengers pay a "hotel service charge" of $16 for all cabin types. Additionally, an 18% gratuity is added to bar, beverage, wine and deck service bills. Alternately, Windstar cruisers can upgrade their bookings with an all-in package that includes unlimited beverages, Wi-Fi and the hotel service charge for $89 per person, per day.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

FAQ - ON BOARD INFORMATION

On board spa services.

In order to grant the best experience to our guests, all Thermal Area experiences are available by appointment only.  Access to the MSC Aurea Spa is only permitted for guests over the age of 18. Click here to discover the details. Pregnant guests are not allowed to use any heat treatments within the Thermal Area.

How can I find my way around the ship?

What will the temperature on board be like , what if i lose something on the ship, what additional costs should i plan for, are the prices on board more expensive than those on land, is smoking allowed on board.

In line with global standards, smoking areas on board are fewer than non-smoking areas and are indicated by signage and ashtrays.  Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is not permitted in cabins, on cabin balconies and anywhere not expressly indicated by signage and ashtrays.  The Company reserves the right to levy a fee should passengers be found smoking in non-designated areas of the vessel.  Repeatedly smoking in non-smoking areas can ultimately lead to disembarkation.  We remind you that throwing cigarette butts or anything else overboard at sea is strictly prohibited as it may seriously put in danger safety at sea.

You can find more information on our Guest Conduct Policy Here.

Can cash withdrawals be made on the ship?

What medical services are available on board, what are the service charges, is there wi-fi on board, are sun beds available on board, languages spoken on board, the hub – photo & digit@l.

Photography An on-board Photo Service is available throughout your cruise. Professional photographers will capture the highlights of your cruise both on board and ashore, and record anniversaries, weddings, quinceañeras, and other special moments . You can view their work at your leisure in The Hub – Photo & Digit@l. The Hub Manager will also be happy to discuss any specific requirements you may have. Discover more about our Photo Packages and take advantage of our discounted prices vs onboard by clicking here .  Portraits Our photographers can also create portraits of you and your family or friends using a variety of high quality studio backgrounds or setting up at key iconic locations throughout the ship, such as the Grand Staircase,  The Bridge of Sighs or the Swarovski Staircase. Discover all the unique photo spots on board our fleet . No appointment is required. All portraits will be displayed in The Hub – Photo & Digit@l and are available for you to purchase during the cruise. Retail products A wide range of products to satisfy all your photographic needs can be purchased in the The Hub – Photo & Digit@l. As well as memory cards, batteries, and other accessories, there is a wide selection of digital cameras and video cameras at duty free prices. Our photo team is available to offer advice, answer your questions and help you select the right equipment for your needs and budget. 

Travelling with cash

Europe: EC Regulation 1889/2005 states that: “Any natural person entering or leaving the Community and carrying cash of a value of Euro 10,000 or more shall declare that sum to the competent authorities of the Member state through which he is entering or leaving the Community in accordance with this Regulation”. Please consult your travel agent and/or the relevant authorities (embassies, consulates or other local authorities) to find out whether there are any other restrictions to carrying cash on your itinerary. For further information on travel please consult the Important Travel Advice page

Are animals allowed on board?

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MSC Cruises

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• Unveiling MSC Cruises' Gratuities: A Comprehensive Guide

Unveiling MSC Cruises’ Gratuities: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you planning to embark on an MSC Cruise and curious about the intricacies of gratuities? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will unveil all the essential information you need to know about MSC Cruises’ gratuities. From understanding the concept of gratuities to exploring the different options available, we’ve got you covered.

To kickstart our guide, let’s begin by clarifying what gratuities are and why they matter. Gratuities, also known as service charges, are additional fees that passengers are expected to pay for the exceptional service provided by the crew members throughout their cruise journey. While the amount may vary depending on the cruise line and destination, it is customary to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of these individuals who go above and beyond to ensure your comfort and satisfaction.

To help you navigate the world of MSC Cruises’ gratuities seamlessly, we have compiled a handy table summarizing the most important points you need to be aware of:

| Key Points | Details | |——————————————–|——————————————————————————————–| | What are gratuities? | Gratuities are additional fees to acknowledge the service provided by the cruise’s crew. | | How are gratuities calculated? | MSC Cruises apply an automatic daily service charge per person, which varies by itinerary. | | Can gratuities be prepaid? | Yes, MSC Cruises offer the option to prepay gratuities before your cruise departure. | | Can I modify or remove gratuities? | Modifying or removing gratuities can be done at the guest’s discretion during the cruise. | | Who receives the gratuities? | The gratuities are shared among various crew members, including waitstaff, housekeeping, etc. | | What is the recommended gratuity amount? | MSC Cruises suggests a standard daily amount, subject to change, as a guideline. | | What if I experience exceptional service? | MSC Cruises encourages guests to provide additional gratuities for outstanding service. |

It’s important to note that the information provided in this guide is subject to change, and we recommend consulting the official MSC Cruises website for the most up-to-date details. Additionally, we encourage you to review the onboard guidelines and policies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience.

For further reading on MSC Cruises’ gratuities, consider visiting trusted sources such as Cruise Critic’s article on “MSC Cruises Gratuities” [1]. This resource offers valuable insights and firsthand experiences from fellow cruisers.

Now that you have a solid understanding of MSC Cruises’ gratuities, you are well-equipped to navigate this aspect of your upcoming cruise. Remember, showing appreciation for the exceptional service provided by the crew members is an integral part of the cruising experience. Bon voyage!

[1] https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?

How does MSC handle gratuities?

On MSC Cruises, gratuities are automatically added to the final bill, ensuring a hassle-free experience for guests. The amount is per person, per day, and varies depending on the cruise destination and the length of the voyage. However, guests have the flexibility to modify or remove the gratuities by contacting the Guest Relations desk. MSC Cruises also offers a prepaid gratuities option, allowing guests to include these charges in their cruise fare at the time of booking. This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights into how MSC Cruises handles gratuities, ensuring transparency and convenience for all passengers. For more detailed information, please refer to MSC Cruises’ official website: https://www.msccruises.com/en-gl/Useful-Info/Onboard-Information/Gratuities.

Are MSC gratuities mandatory?

Gratuities on MSC Cruises are a hot topic for travelers, and it’s important to understand the policies surrounding them. According to Unveiling MSC Cruises’ Gratuities: A Comprehensive Guide, MSC does have a mandatory gratuity policy in place. These gratuities are automatically added to your onboard account and are distributed among the crew members who provide services during your cruise. The amount varies depending on the cabin category and destination, but it is typically around €10-€12 per person, per day. While the gratuities are mandatory, MSC allows guests to adjust the amount or remove them if they wish to do so. However, it is important to remember that these gratuities help support the hardworking crew members who make your cruise experience exceptional. To learn more about MSC Cruises’ gratuity policy and the reasons behind it, visit the official MSC Cruises website.

How do I remove gratuities from MSC?

Removing gratuities from your MSC cruise is a straightforward process that allows you to customize your vacation experience. To remove gratuities, you can visit the Guest Services desk on the ship and request to opt-out of the automatic gratuity system. It’s important to note that MSC Cruises recommends discussing any concerns regarding gratuities with the onboard management team before making this decision. For more detailed information on removing gratuities from MSC Cruises and other useful tips, you can refer to the comprehensive guide on Unveiling MSC Cruises’ Gratuities.

Can you decline gratuity on cruise?

When cruising with MSC Cruises, it is important to understand the guidelines and options regarding gratuities. According to Unveiling MSC Cruises’ Gratuities: A Comprehensive Guide, passengers do have the option to decline gratuities. However, it is important to note that gratuities are automatically added to the onboard account, and declining them requires specific actions. Passengers can visit the Guest Services desk to make this request, providing them with the opportunity to personally reward exceptional service. It is recommended to familiarize oneself with the guidelines and policies of MSC Cruises regarding gratuities to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruising experience. For more information, please refer to the official MSC Cruises website: https://www.msccruises.com/faq/prepare-for-your-cruise/gratuities.

Msc gratuities 2023

When planning a cruise with MSC Cruises in 2023, it’s important to understand the gratuity policy to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. MSC Cruises has a daily service charge that covers the gratuities for the onboard staff who work tirelessly to make your vacation exceptional. This service charge is automatically added to your onboard account, but you have the flexibility to adjust it if desired. The amount varies depending on the destination and duration of your cruise, and it is calculated per person per day. By familiarizing yourself with MSC Cruises’ gratuity policy, you can confidently budget for your trip and show appreciation to the hardworking staff who go above and beyond to make your cruise unforgettable. To learn more about MSC Cruises’ gratuity policy, please visit their official website: https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/Frequently-Asked-Questions.

After delving into the world of MSC Cruises’ gratuities, it becomes evident that understanding the intricacies of this system is crucial for any traveler planning to embark on an MSC cruise. This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the nuances of gratuities, providing valuable insights and empowering readers to make informed decisions.

To start, it’s important to comprehend the purpose of gratuities and how they contribute to the overall cruising experience. Gratuities, also known as service charges, are additional fees added to a passenger’s onboard account to cover the service provided by the ship’s crew. These charges are customary in the cruise industry and are meant to recognize the hard work and dedication of the staff who ensure an enjoyable vacation for passengers.

One key aspect to note is that MSC Cruises operates with a “service charge” model rather than a traditional tipping system.

This means that gratuities are automatically added to a passenger’s onboard account, eliminating the need for individual tipping. Understanding this distinction can prevent any confusion or misunderstandings during the cruise.

MSC Cruises’ service charge policy varies depending on the itinerary and the region in which the cruise takes place. It is essential for travelers to familiarize themselves with the specific details of their cruise, as the amount and distribution of gratuities can differ. As an example, for cruises departing from the United States, MSC Cruises currently charges a daily service charge of $12.50 per adult and $6.25 per child (ages 2-11). However, these rates may be subject to change, so it is advisable to check the official MSC Cruises website or consult with a travel agent for the most up-to-date information.

It is worth noting that MSC Cruises’ service charge is a comprehensive fee that covers various aspects of the cruising experience, including cabin stewards, dining room staff, and other onboard service personnel. This all-inclusive approach ensures that passengers can enjoy their vacation without the constant worry of tipping etiquette.

In addition to the automatic service charge, MSC Cruises also offers the option for guests to adjust or remove gratuities should they feel the need to do so. This flexibility allows passengers to tailor their gratuity payments based on their personal experiences and satisfaction levels. However, it is important to remember that the service charge is an integral part of the crew’s compensation, and removing or reducing it should be done judiciously and with careful consideration.

While researching the topic, it is beneficial to explore the experiences of past MSC Cruises’ passengers. Various online forums and review websites provide valuable insights into how gratuities are perceived and managed by both travelers and crew members. Reading these firsthand accounts allows potential cruisers to gain a well-rounded perspective and make informed decisions regarding gratuity payments.

To further enhance your understanding of MSC Cruises’ gratuities, it is worthwhile to explore reputable sources that provide in-depth information on the topic. The official MSC Cruises website offers detailed explanations of their service charge policy, along with frequently asked questions that address common concerns and queries. Additionally, trusted travel websites such as Cruise Critic and Travel + Leisure provide comprehensive guides and articles that delve into the intricacies of cruise gratuities, helping readers navigate this aspect of their vacation planning.

In conclusion, understanding MSC Cruises’ gratuities is an essential step in preparing for an enjoyable and hassle-free cruise experience. By familiarizing yourself with the purpose, policies, and potential variations of gratuities, you can make informed decisions that align with your preferences and ensure a smooth sailing adventure. Remember to consult trusted sources, check the official MSC Cruises website for the most up-to-date information, and consider the experiences of past passengers to gain valuable insights. Bon voyage!

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How Much Are Gratuities on MSC Ships?

Take a look at how gratuities are charged on MSC ships so you are aware of what you are paying during your cruise and how to manage your expenses.

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MSC Cruises are provided by a European family-owned company and are known for their high-class and regal-themed cruises. They’re based in Switzerland specifically and have made a reputable image for themselves in the industry by providing exceptional services and prioritizing their customers’ needs over all else.

MSC Cruises are probably the best option when looking for cruises to spend your well-deserved vacation on. One thing that should always be kept in mind, though, is the gratuities. To explain it in much simpler terms, gratuities are tips that you provide to the cabin crew and any staff you interact with for their helpful services, whatever they may be. Some cruise lines charge and pre-add gratuity to your overall bills, while some simply provide you with the option to do so when the time comes to pay the bills. Gratuities can be taken as a way for you to express your appreciation for the crew members and all the services that they have provided you during your journey, and they’re also a great way to boost morale for them and motivate them to provide an even better service next time.

MSC Cruise Service Charges: Know Before You Go

Taking MSC into account, let us explore and understand the concept of gratuities and the gratuity rates aboard the MSC cruise .

The Gratuities on MSC Cruise

Gratuities are a form of a tip that is meant to be collected together and then distributed in equal amounts amongst all crew members onboard. The rates for these can vary depending on a lot of factors, and they can also be different depending on the cruise line.

MSC is extremely transparent in its overall billing process and adds the gratuity amounts directly to the bill under ‘hotel service charge.’ The charges vary following your itinerary list, what services you are provided with, and how long your stay is on the cruise.

MSC has also provided full details on its website as well to provide its customers with better clarity. This information can be very helpful when you are budget planning for your cruise trip. One piece of information to remember is that if you book your cruise from the UK , the gratuity is already added to the overall cruise fare. If you book your cruise from Europe , these rates are usually added to promotional costs. Lastly, if you book a cruise from the USA , these rates can vary for each cruise and fall between 6 to 16 euros per person/night .

The rates change depending on when the cruise was booked. We are providing a generalized rate list below for your convenience:

• For Adults (over 12 years old): The generalized gratuity rates for adults (over 12 years old) generally fall between 12 to 16 euros per person/night on many MSC cruises from around the world.
• For Children (Aged 2 and over): The gratuity rates for children range easily between 3 euros to 13 euros per child/night . For children who fall below the age of 2, there are no gratuity rates attached to the overall bill.

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. This can help you avoid any last-minute budget hassles that can cause hindrances to your plan.

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.

Related:   What Is the Tipping Policy on MSC Cruises ?

All in all, gratuities can be a great way to show your appreciation to the cabin crew and can also prove to be a way to provide rightful compensation to the crew. These rates differ from cruise to cruise based on the region, age of passengers, itinerary, package, and number of days that you plan to travel on the cruise. If you are planning on booking your next cruise soon, use Cruisebooking.com as your booking partner for reasonable packages and a simple and easy booking process!

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Everything About Cruise Ship Gratuities for 2024 (Amounts, Etiquette, and More)

If you’re a first-time cruiser, then there’s little doubt that you have questions about gratuities and tipping on your cruise. We’re here to help.

First of all, if you’re feeling a little confused, don’t worry — you aren’t alone. In fact, we can’t think of a place where gratuities are handled the same way as they are on a cruise ship.

Gone are the days of simply slipping a waiter some cash or leaving a couple of bills for the room steward at the end of your trip (although you can still do that if you want).

Instead, gratuities on a cruise ship are highly automated, with most people just electing to prepay or being charged a set amount for each day on the ship.

While this is intended to make things easier, the honest truth is that having automatic gratuities can actually lead to more questions. Who gets the tips? How much is charged? What if service is bad?

If you’ve never cruised, then there is no doubt that these questions and more might be floating through your head. To help explain everything about cruise line gratuities, we’ve answered a number of common questions that will make everything clearer before you set sail.

In This Article...

Explained: What Exactly Are Cruise Ship Gratuities

While the name sounds fancy, gratuities are nothing more than a tip paid to the staff members for service during the cruise. The staff works hard to ensure that your vacation is a great one. As a thanks for their service, it’s customary to provide a tip.

The gratuities go to staff that provide passenger-facing services. That means people like the room steward who cleans your cabin and the dining staff. Some cruise lines distribute them even wider to the staff.

These days, the gratuities are set daily amounts paid by each passenger. Instead of one passenger paying a lot and another paying hardly anything, these set amounts ensure that everyone pays the same. The cruise line then distributes the payment to staff.

My Cruise Line Calls it a Crew Incentive or Service Charge. Is that the Same Thing?

Depending on your cruise line, you might find different language used than the word “gratuities.” We’ve seen these charges called tips, gratuities, crew incentives, or service charges .

No matter the language, they all end up being the same thing — a set daily charge to passengers that’s passed on to the crew.

How Much You’ll Pay in Cruise Gratuities

The amount you pay will vary by cruise line, but they are all in the same ballpark. You can expect to pay about $15-$20 per person, per day. Most lines charge $16 at the moment, but it steadily rises each year.

A couple traveling together will see about $30-$40 per day in gratuities, or about $200+ over the course of a week-long cruise.

Below, we’ve listed the current tip amounts charged by major cruise lines as of the time of this writing:

• Carnival : $16.00 per person, per day. $18.00 per person, per day for guests in suites. Guests under 2 years old don’t pay gratuity. Source .
• Celebrity : $18.00 per person, per day. $18.50 per person, per day for those in Concierge Class and AquaClass cabins. $23.00 per person, per day for guest of The Retreat. Source .
• Disney : $14.50 per person, per day. $15.50 per person, per day for those staying in Concierge Staterooms and Suites. Source .
• Holland America : $16.00 per person, per day. $17.50 per person, per day for guests in suites. Source .
• Norwegian : $20.00 per person, per day. $25.00 per person, per day staying in suites and The Haven. Guests under 3 years old don’t pay gratuity. Source .
• MSC Cruises : $16.00 per person, per day. Guests over 2 years old and under 12 years old pay $8 per day. Passengers under 2 years old don’t pay gratuity. Source .
• Princess : $16.00 per person, per day. $17.00 per person, per day staying in mini-suites. $18.00 per person, per day for guests in suites. Source .
• Royal Caribbean : $16.00 per person, per day. $18.50 per person, per day for guests in suites and higher. Source .

How Are Cruise Line Gratuities Paid?

How do you actually pay tips on the cruise ship? In the past, the process used to be that the cruise line would put envelopes in your room on the last day of the cruise. Passengers would then put cash in the envelope for the crew members. These days, everything is automatic.

When you book the cruise you’ll have the ability to prepay gratuities . You are charged a set amount, per person, per day. You simply pay this extra amount in full for your cruise as part of your cruise fare.

If you don’t decide to prepay the tips, then the amount is automatically charged to your onboard account each day. When it comes time to settle your final bill at the end of the cruise, you’ll have the gratuity charges to pay as well.

Want to tip more? You can still hand out cash to individual members of the staff that you appreciate, although it’s not required.

Is Every Passenger Charged Gratuities? 

The vast majority of passengers are charged these tips, no matter if they are young, old, have special requests, eat in the main dining room, or only hit the buffet.

That said, some cruise lines make exceptions for small kids. For example, Carnival does not charge tips for kids under two years old. Norwegian Cruise Lines doesn’t charge gratuities for kids under three. However, for the most part you can expect that every passenger on your trip will see a charge.

Here are the policies for major cruise lines:

• Carnival : Guests under 2 years old aren’t charged gratuity.
• Disney : All guests pay gratuities at their discretion.
• Holland America : All guests pay gratuities.
• Norwegian : Guests under 3 years old don’t pay gratuity.
• MSC Cruises : Guests under 2 years old don’t pay gratuity. Guests over 2 years old and under 12 years old pay half amounts.
• Princess : All guests pay gratuities.
• Royal Caribbean : All guests pay gratuities.

How Can I Know How Much I Will Be Charged in Tips?

When you book your cruise, the gratuity amount is usually disclosed in full for your trip, with an option to prepay the amount with your cruise fare.

If you’d like to calculate exactly what your gratuity amount will be before you book your trip, then you can use our calculator here . Simply enter the cruise line, length of trip, and the number of passengers and it will show you precisely how much you’ll be charged.

Can I Adjust the Amount of Gratuities?

For most people, the service they receive on a cruise is outstanding. They recognize that the staff goes above and beyond to make their vacation enjoyable. But that’s not always the case. With millions of passengers sailing every year, there’s inevitably going to be someone who feels they received poor service.

If that’s the case — and you decide you want to change the amount you are charged for tips — then you can do that. Gratuity charges are typically not mandatory and can be adjusted. To do so, simply head down to Guest Services on the ship to tell them that you want to change your tip amounts.

That said, it’s unusual to adjust the gratuity amount, and the staff works extremely hard to make your trip enjoyable. If you have a major issue, however, you can change your gratuity amount accordingly.

What If I Don’t Pay Gratuities on my Cruise?

With the introduction of automatic gratuities, it’s much more difficult to avoid paying tips on your cruise. That said, in theory you could request that tips be removed from your account and not tip at all.

So what will happen? As far as your trip, likely very little. The staff isn’t likely to treat you any differently or even know that you aren’t tipping (after all, some people still like to pay cash at the end of the cruise). They will still go out of their way to make your cruise comfortable and enjoyable.

That said, if you don’t pay gratuities, then it’s the staff that will be hurting — not the cruise line. The cruise line collects the tips and then distributes them accordingly. Without your contribution, the compensation for the staff members will decrease. For staff members that rely on these dollars, that can be a major blow.

How to Pay Extra (If You Want)

Want to pay more in gratuity? That’s allowed. In fact, the staff will love that you want to give them more money. If you want to pay extra, we suggest simply handing cash directly to the people you want to recognize for their service. This happens regularly for passengers feeling generous or thankful for the staff’s work during their trip. In fact, your cruise line might leave a few envelopes in your room exactly for this purpose.

Should I Prepay the Gratuity Charges?

When you book your cruise, you’ll be given the opportunity to prepay the gratuities. In this case, you can simply choose to have them lumped in with your cruise fare, paying them all at once.

The advantage is that you get your payment out of the way ahead of time. So when you’re on the ship, it’s one less charge to worry about.

On the other hand, many people choose to instead pay the gratuity charges automatically through their onboard account once on the ship . Each day there will be a gratuity charge — or a lump sum added at the end of the trip.

The advantage here is that you get to hold on to more of your money for longer. Instead of handing over the charges well in advance of your sailing, you can keep it until you’re actually on your cruise.

Bottom line is that it comes down to personal preference. You can get the charge out of the way early, or hold onto your money until you actually sail.

Who Gets the Gratuities That You Pay?

From the passenger perspective, the gratuity amount is simple — pay a set amount per person, per day, and be done.

On the cruise line side, that money gets cut up to be distributed. The tips are spread out between the room steward, dining staff, and others that have customer-facing positions. That said, cruise lines are quiet on exactly how the charges are distributed.

The good thing for passengers about gratuities is that this distribution is done automatically by the cruise line instead of having to give tips to several different staff members at the end of your cruise.

Why Aren’t Gratuities Just Included in the Price of the Cruise?

For some cruise lines (usually luxury lines), gratuities actually are included in the fare — you don’t pay anything extra apart from your cruise fare.

However, for the majority of mass market cruise lines the gratuities are extra charges on the price of your cruise. These can be a surprise to some people, especially first-time passengers.

While the cruise lines might say differently, we think that gratuities aren’t included in the headline price for marketing purposes. There’s little doubt that the extra tips can be expensive. The cost for two people on a week-long cruise can be well above $200.

Meanwhile, cruise fares are often shown as dirt-cheap prices. They are often expressed as the rate for a single person (despite having to pay for double occupancy) and don’t include port fees or taxes. Having to add in gratuity costs to these advertised rates could make them less attractive to potential cruisers.

How Often Do the Gratuity Rates Increase?

The tipping rates charged change from time to time. We’ve seen instances of multiple increases in a year and other times when rates won’t change for a year or two. Just like the price of anything else, you should expect over time for these rates to continue to rise slowly but surely. Typical increases are around $1 per person, per day and seem to happen about once a year. 

One perk of pre-paying gratuities is that if you pre-pay and the rate later increases, you aren’t charged the higher rate.

Who Else to Tip While On the Ship

You would think that paying a hefty daily tip would cover everyone on the ship. In fact, there are a couple of instances where paying additional gratuity is recommended or automatic.

First, any time that you buy a drink from the bar, you will be charged an extra tip, usually 18%-20% of the menu price, depending on the cruise line. This happens automatically and will be tacked on to the price. So a $10 menu price on a cocktail is actually around $12.

Be aware that when you sign the receipt there will be another line for an additional tip. Unless you are feeling generous, there’s no need to tip more .

Second, any time that you purchase anything service related — such as dinner at a specialty restaurant or a service at the spa — expect there to be a tip added on to the cost. Again, this normally runs around 18%, but can range from 15% to 20%, depending on the cruise line.

Finally, if you order anything from room service, then it’s expected that you give a couple of bucks to the staff member that delivers the food.

Other than that, your gratuity charges cover the housekeeping and dining staff. So when you leave the room you don’t have to put down any extra cash (unless you want to). And when you leave the dining room, no need to drop down any money on the table.

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We have just returned from a Cruise on NCL around the Canaries and Med The Crew was 65% Philipino and were on minimum wage. Although I appreciate that NCL is a USA Company that has no respect for its workers it is why they recruit from Asia, instead of paying a decent living wage they charge the passenger’s outrageous gratuities to compensate for their bad business practices. The only reason they will not add the Gratuites to the original brochure price or remove them like P&O has is then they would have to pay their crew a living wage. In the UK we tip for good service not to prop up the wages of poorly paid employees.

The employer has to pay its employees their salaries And we thé customers should not be worried about this. We pay the Cruise and that’s it. This tipping business is getting out of control and is shifting responsibility from the employers to the clients using our guilty conscience from being on a cruise? Also in the restaurants, hair salons, all businesses …this is all wrong

The baggage porters at the port do not work for the cruise line, but for the port itself. You customarily tip $1 – $2 per bag (more if you want) OR you can NOT tip and risk that the one guy you didn’t tip handles your bag with care and the bag actually makes it on the ship and doesn’t “accidently” get left behind. The risk to me isn’t worth the $5 tip we give for 2 bags. On another subject, what makes Miami the worse port? We just booked a cruise out of Miami for the first time in 10 years. What makes it “the worse”, other than your bad experience with the porters dictating what you should tip, which is 199% wrong, in my opinion.

I don’t understand why we are paying the salaries of the teams and not the cruise line. I know Tui and P&O don’t charge gratuities, it’s actually the choice of the person if they wish to give a tip. I have booked with NCL next year because I’m advised taking my money can either be pre paid or can opt out. I so hope that’s true.

I think this was an excellent way of looking. Have a set routine payout and adjust accordingly to the level of service.

This abuse of tipping allows companies to pay their workers a lower wage and pocket the profits. Whatever happened to just doing the job you’re paid for? Housekeeping is supposed to make up rooms, servers are supposed to serve food… But I’m supposed to pay a hundred bucks a day for a family of five, in the same room, and after I’ve already paid five grand for the cruise? Ridiculous.

All of you have great advice. I too pay in cash and at times have given extra. What do you do about the porters at the ports. I gave always given them money to take my bags to the ship. Tipping is out of control everywhere. In Miami the worst place to board the ship. I have stepped out of the shuttle seeing the conveyer a short distance away. The porter stands there counts the luggage and has told the price for a handling fee. Really, do they get an hourly wage that’s so low they need tip to survive? Are tips required? What the real deal? If tips are not required, do their supervisors know about this up charge?

If I travel with my family of 4, and I pay the waiting $20 ($5 per person) staff each time we eat in the dining room, which would be for dinner only, over 7 days, that would $140. Then if I pay another $5 per person each day for room clean-up, that’s another $140, for a total of $280. I think these amounts are reasonable. But RCCL wants to charge $448. That doesn’t seem fair.

Thank you! You were extremely helpful for my upcoming cruise!

When we researched tipping policy on a recent Princess cruise, we found that the cruise line pools that money and uses it for bonuses, etc. over all its ships, not just the cruise we were on. I find this to be an outrageous ploy to hide the true costs of a cruise. We nearly always opt out of tips and tip whom we want directly.

We are cruising with NCL later this year & we have a beverage package included & gratuities included does that mean we will not pay any more gratuities at end of cruise?

Yes, except if you are sailing in the U.S., then NCL tacks on the gratuities on the amount of the beverage package even though the package is free. So the $99 per day package is free, but you are charged about $20 per day still for the drink package gratuities.

I Agree, we always opt out and give tips to our steward and waiter/waitress at the end of the cruise.

We always hand our tips in cash to the person whose service we wish to commend. We never use a credit card for our on ship account. We deposit cash to use for our onboard account. If gratuities show on our account when we settle at cruise end, we ask for them to be removed. We want the people who earned the tip to receive, not the lousy,greedy, uninvolved government! We rarely buy anything on the ship of value. We use prepaid drink cards to purchase beverages.

Great advice. This is my first cruise. I didnt know I could have the tips removed from my room charges. I detest the idea of: A. not knowing who my tip is going to B. Paying a tip twice C. Paying a standardized tip for poor service. I want the employee to know they received a tip from me. Not to split them across all the employees equally. All service isn’t created equally.

What sucks is the workers then have to pay a tax on the “tip” where we would rather give the workers a “gift” of cash.

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Do You Tip on an MSC Cruise and How Much? A Guide

When planning a vacation aboard an MSC cruise, one question often arises: how much should you tip for the services you receive? This guide explains MSC's tipping policy, including prepaid gratuities and extra cash tips. You'll learn who typically gets tipped and recommended amounts based on service.

On MSC Cruises, a daily service charge is automatically added to your account, with rates depending on the region: for the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and UAE cruises, it's $14 per adult, per day. Additional tipping is at passengers' discretion.

Tipping Customs

• Gratuities on MSC cruises include an automatic daily service charge, ensuring crew members are compensated.
• Additional tips are at your discretion and reflect the level of personal service received.
• Knowing MSC Cruises' tipping policy helps you budget accordingly and shows appreciation for stellar service.

On this page:

Understanding gratuities on cruises, deciphering msc cruises' tipping policy, tipping etiquette by service, budgeting for tips on your cruise, how tipping differs by destination, tips for tipping: best practices.

When cruising with MSC, it's essential to know the tipping protocol, so you can ensure excellent service is rewarded appropriately.

The Basics of Tipping

Tipping on a cruise ship is a gesture of appreciation for the staff's hard work and dedication. On MSC cruises , you're expected to tip various service personnel like your cabin steward, dining room waiter, and others who make your voyage enjoyable.

• Adults (12 and above) : $14.50 per night
• Children (2-12 years) : $7.25 per night
• Toddlers (under 2 years) : No service charges

Mandatory vs. Discretionary Tips

Gratuities can be either mandatory or discretionary. MSC typically has a mandatory service charge added to your account, covering most of your onboard staff. However, if you receive exceptional service, you might choose to offer an additional discretionary tip directly to the individual who went above and beyond.

Automatic Gratuities Explained

Automatic gratuities are daily charges added to your cruise bill, ensuring that service personnel are fairly compensated regardless of your personal tipping habits. On MSC , these automatic gratuities are part of your final bill but can usually be adjusted at your discretion based on the service you feel you have received.

Understanding the tipping policy for your MSC Cruises voyage helps ensure that you are prepared financially and can show appreciation to the dedicated staff for their service.

MSC Service Charges

MSC Cruises implements a mandatory service charge which is automatically added to your onboard account. This covers a variety of services provided by the staff onboard.

Daily Service Charge

Your account will show a daily service charge that caters to the service provided to you by MSC Cruises' personnel.

• For most cabins: Expect a daily rate added per person.
• For suite guests: An increased rate per day applies.

Additional Tips & When They Apply

While the daily service charge comprehensively takes care of most tipping on board, you might find certain situations call for additional tips . These are not mandatory but are a way to reward exceptional service.

• Special services: Spa treatments or butler services.
• Personal preferences: You might want to tip individually for personalized attention or assistance beyond the standard provision.

Understanding tipping etiquette on an MSC Cruise will enhance your experience and ensure you show your appreciation to the hardworking crew. Each service area has its own recommended tipping guidelines.

Dining & Specialty Restaurants

On your MSC Cruise, a service charge is automatically applied to your bill for dining, which covers both the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants. However, if you experience exceptional service and wish to give an additional tip, a supplementary amount of around $5-10 per person can be added at your discretion.

Bartender & Bar Services

When ordering your favorite drinks at any bar, a service charge is usually included in your bill. Still, it's thoughtful to tip your bartender an extra $1-2 per drink if you receive personalized attention or complex cocktail preparations.

Room Stewards & Onboard Services

For room stewards who maintain the cleanliness and comfort of your staterooms, a usual tip is included in your daily service charge . However, for exemplary service that goes above and beyond, you might consider leaving an additional $3-5 per day in your room.

Spa & Special Services

The serene atmosphere of the spa is created by attentive staff who often receive a service charge as part of your treatment cost. For outstanding service, a gratuity of 10-20% of the treatment cost is typically appreciated by the spa professionals.

When planning your cruise with MSC, it's essential to budget for gratuities as they are a significant part of your overall cost. Understanding how to calculate these tips, along with additional dining and bar expenses, will ensure a seamless experience during your voyage.

Calculating Expected Tips

MSC Cruises typically has a set daily gratuity rate that you'll want to factor in when budgeting for your trip. Adults are charged a specific amount per night, while there are reduced rates for children and no charge for toddlers.

• Adults (12 years and older): 12 euros per night
• Children (2-12 years old): 6 euros per night
• Toddlers (under 2 years old): No charge

To estimate your total tipping cost, simply multiply the nightly rate by the number of nights you'll be cruising and then by the number of people traveling.

Drinks and Dining Expenses

Your cruise fare includes basic dining options; however, specialty dining and beverages can add to your budget, especially if you enjoy alcoholic drinks or sodas. Consider purchasing a drink package to manage these costs effectively.

Drink Package:

• Unlimited Soda Package: Often priced per day, per person
• Alcohol-Inclusive Package: Priced higher but includes a range of alcoholic beverages

Remember, service charges are typically included in the drink package, but you may want to offer additional tips for exceptional service.

Additional Costs

Apart from the standard tips and dining expenses, it’s wise to set aside a budget for additional gratuities to various service staff members aboard the ship.

• Room Stewards/Butlers: Often rewarded at the end of your journey for their daily service.
• Specialty Services: Spa treatments or salon services often warrant a separate tip, typically around 10-15% of the service cost.

Bearing in mind these tipping guidelines and additional expenses will help you enjoy your MSC cruise without any unexpected costs to dampen your experience.

When sailing with MSC Cruises, it's important for you to recognize how tipping practices vary depending on your chosen itinerary.

Cruising in Europe vs Caribbean

• Mediterranean: Adults pay approximately 12 euros per night.
• Children aged 2-12 have a 50% reduction from adult rates.
• No charges for kids under 2 years.
• Bermudas and Southern Caribbean : Adults are charged $14.50 per night.
• Children from 2 to 12 years old pay $7.25 per night.

Tipping Practices in Asian and South American Waters

• Tipping etiquette tends to mirror western practices, yet rates can vary.
• Consult with MSC staff for specific guidance based on your route.

South America:

• Tips are often included and not explicitly expected.
• For exceptional service, discretionary tipping is appreciated.

Understanding Regional Tipping Norms

• Each region has its own cultural norms regarding tipping.
• Always check the latest guidelines provided to ensure you're adhering to current tipping standards on your cruise.

When you're enjoying the high seas on an MSC cruise, understanding the tipping guidelines is key to showing appreciation to the hardworking crew members . Tipping isn't just about rewarding service; it's about acknowledging the efforts that make your vacation special.

Service Charge : A daily service charge is typically added to your account, covering the tips for your service providers. This charge is shared among staff, including cabin stewards and dining teams.

Additional Gratuities : For services beyond the basics, like exceptional room service or a memorable dining experience, consider adding an extra tip to express your gratitude.

Remember, cash tips are always appreciated, but adding gratuities to your bill is convenient and ensures that your thanks are properly distributed.

For a smoother tipping experience on your cruise, understanding the tipping procedures can enhance your journey and support those ensuring you have a fabulous trip. Keep in mind the service charge may vary by destination, and it's good practice to review these charges before your departure.

Finally, engage respectfully with crew members. Your kindness and generosity contribute to the positive atmosphere onboard, enhancing the experience for passengers and staff alike.

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Home » Cruise Tips » Complete Guide to Cruise Gratuities by Cruise Line (2023)

Complete Guide to Cruise Gratuities by Cruise Line (2023)

In this complete guide to cruise gratuities for 2023, we explain everything you need to know and break down the costs by cruise line.

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If you are new to cruising, you should know that not everything is included in your cruise vacation. In addition to your cruise fare, there are other services charges for which you will need to budget . This includes daily per person cruise gratuities as well as service charges added to purchases like drinks and spa treatments.

In this post, we explain everything you need to know about cruise gratuities broken down by cost for each cruise line.

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Everything You Need to Know About Cruise Gratuities in 2023

What are cruise gratuities.

Cruise gratuities are services charges that are not included in a standard cruise fare on most contemporary cruise lines, similar to a hotel resort fee. These additional fees are a per person, per day dollar amount that are charged to all guests across all stateroom categories.

And unfortunately, most contemporary cruise lines have increased or plan to increase these charges in 2023.

Guests are usually charged automatically for these additional fees.

Depending on the cruise line, these charges are usually applicable to guests 2-3 years of age and older.

These charges serve as a means to reward the hard-working crew for the excellent service provided during your cruise vacation.

These cruise gratuities are divided among stateroom attendants, dining staff, and other behind the scenes crew members in a proportion determined by the cruise line. This method is meant to be more equitable across all staff.

As stated above, these service charges apply to all guests regardless of stateroom category. However, some stateroom categories do have higher fees than others.

These cruise gratuities also apply to all guests regardless of your dining options. Cruisers who opt to only eat in the buffet, who select anytime dining, or who choose more traditional dining will all pay the same amount based on their stateroom category.

Is it better to pre-pay gratuities on a cruise?

Guests can pay for these cruise gratuities in one of two ways. If you would prefer to pay ahead of time, most cruise lines allow guests to pre-pay their gratuities at the time of booking or anytime prior to sailing. These fees will then be added into your total cruise fare and covered with your final payment.

One major benefit of pre-paying your cruise gratuities is that you will pay the current rate. If prices should happen to increase before your sailing, you will not need to pay extra for these increased costs.

If you do not pre-pay the gratuities, you will need to pay the current per day, per person dollar amount at the time of your sailing. This fee will be added to your stateroom account once onboard the ship.

How Much Are Cruise Gratuities in 2023?

The exact charge for these cruise gratuities do vary by cruise line and by stateroom category. While gratuities are part of the cruise fare on some luxury lines, cruisers should plan to pay the following fees on the majority of major cruise lines.

It is important to note that these cruise gratuities have been on the rise, with most major cruise lines recently raising prices or set to do so in 2023.

Gratuities on Royal Caribbean

As of September 7 th , 2022, the gratuities on Royal Caribbean ships are:

• $16 per person, per day for guests in non-suites staterooms
• $18.50 per person, per day for guests in suites

This fee is applied to each guest’s SeaPass account on a daily basis.

In addition, guests will pay an 18% gratuity on all beverages , mini bar items, and spa & salon purchases. This is on top of the cruise gratuity charges.

Gratuities on NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line)

Norwegian Cruise Line’s cruise gratuities for bookings made on or after January 1, 2023 are:

• $25 for guests staying in the Haven and Suites
• $20 for all other staterooms, Club Balcony Suites and below

For bookings made before January 1, 2023, that pre-pay gratuities before the sail date, prices are as follows:

• $20 per person per day for The Haven and Suites
• $18 per person per day for Club Balcony Suite
• $16 per person per day for all other stateroom types

There is an additional 20% gratuity for all spa and salon services. There is also a 20% service charge on all beverage purchases and all specialty restaurant dining and entertainment based dining. Further, cruises to Hawaii also have a 4.275% service tax applied.

Carnival Cruise Gratuities

Carnival Cruise Line’s gratuities are also increasing in 2023.

For cruise departures prior to April 1, 2023, guests will need to pay:

• Standard Staterooms: $14.50 per person, per day
• Suite Staterooms: $16.50 per person, per day

On cruise departures on or after April 1, 2023, the fee increases to:

• Standard Staterooms: $16 per person, per day
• Suite Staterooms: $18 per person, per day

For beverage purchases , an automatic 18% gratuity will be added to the bill in addition to the cruise gratuity.

Gratuities on Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises has also increased the price on cruise gratuities for sailings on or after October 17, 2022.

These new prices are as follows:

• $17.50 per person, per day for Inside, Ocean View, and Veranda staterooms 
• $18 per person, per day for Concierge Class and AquaClass staterooms  
• $21 per person, per day for guests of The Retreat

However, Celebrity Cruises also has a newer pricing structure. The All Included cruise fare now incorporates some basic amenities to provide a more all-inclusive feel. Gratuities is one of these amenities.

With the All Included pricing, guests receive tips, basic Wi-Fi, and the Classic Drink Package as part of their cruise fare.

A 20% gratuity will still be automatically added to all beverages, mini bar purchases, spa and salon services. Though, guests will not pay gratuity for drinks that are part of the complimentary classic beverage package.

Princess Cruise Gratuities

On Princess Cruises, the crew appreciation will cost more for voyages departing after February 20, 2023.

Currently, the gratuity is $16.50 per guest for suites and $15.50 per guest for mini-suites. A $14.50 cruise gratuity is charged for guests (including children) staying in all other staterooms.

The new increases are as follows:

• Interior, Oceanview, and Balcony $16
• Mini-Suite and Reserve Collection $17

Similar to Celebrity Cruises, Princess cruises offers more all-inclusive packages that include crew appreciation . If guests upgrade to the Princess Plus or Princess Premier Packages, they will not pay any additional gratuities once onboard the ship.

However, an 18% service charge still applies to bar charges, dining room wine accounts, and Lotus Spa services.

Gratuities on Holland America

For all sailings departing prior to February 1, 2023 as well as the 2023 Grand World Voyage and the 2023 Grand South America Antarctica Voyage, the daily Hotel Service Charge is $15.50 per guest, per day for non-suite staterooms. This fee is $17 per guest, per day for suite guests.

However, this price is increasing for sailings departing on or after February 1, 2023. The new crew appreciation prices are as follows:

• $16 per guest, per day for non-suite stateroom guests
• $17.50 per guest, per day for suite guests

An 18% Bar Service Charge is automatically added to bar charges and Dining Room wine purchases. Again, this is on top of the daily service charges.

Gratuities on MSC Cruises

For Bahamas and Caribbean sailings with MSC Cruises, cruise gratuities are as follows:

• The charge for adults 12 and over is $14.50
• For children 2-12 years old, the charge is $7.50
• For kids under 2 years old, there is no charge

A 15% Bar Service Charge also applies to all purchases on MSC Cruises as well.

The gratuities for other destinations do vary. If you are cruising to another destination with MSC, you will want to visit the cruise line’s website .

Disney Cruise Gratuities

On Disney Cruise Line , the recommended cruise gratuity is $14.50 per night, per guest, including infants and children.

Guests staying in Concierge Staterooms and Suites are recommended a gratuity amount of $15.50 per night.

An 18% gratuity is automatically added to bar, beverage, wine, and deck service tabs.

Viking Ocean Cruise Gratuities

While considered a luxury brand, Viking is one of the few high-end cruise lines that does charge a daily guest gratuity . All guests will need to pay a hotel and dining charge of $17 per day regardless of stateroom category.

Further, a 15% gratuity is automatically added to bar, beverage, wine, and deck service tabs. 

This same fee applies to Viking Expedition as well. However, Viking River service charges do vary by destination.

Cruise Gratuities on Virgin Voyages

Sailors looking to voyage with this adult only cruise line will be happy to know that gratuities are part of the cruise fare. On Virgin Voyages , there are no daily gratuities added to your shipboard account. Now, that’s a perk!

Further, there are no additional service charges on other items like beverages or spa services.

Cruise Gratuities on Margaritaville at Sea

On the new Margaritaville at Sea cruise line , guests can expect to pay gratuities during their 2-night sailing. These fees are $14.95 per person, per night for interior and ocean view staterooms and $19.95 for suites.

Guests are also charged up to $12 per person, per day for a fuel charge.

Additionally, an 18% service charge is added to all bar purchases.

Windstar Cruise Gratuities

Guests sailing on Windstar Cruises should expect to pay cruise gratuities as well. This hotel service charge is $16 per passenger, per day and is automatically added to each guest’s onboard account.

Of note, Windstar Cruises also has an option for an all-inclusive package . This package includes WiFi, drinks, and gratuities.

An 18% Beverage Service Charge still applies.

Oceania Cruise Gratuities

Guests cruising with Oceania should also budget for these additional service charges based on their stateroom category. The fees are as follows:

• For guests in standard staterooms, gratuities are $18 per guest, per day
• For guests in Penthouse, Oceania, Vista, or Owner’s Suites where Butler Service is provided, gratuities are $23 per guest, per day

In addition, a 20% service gratuity is automatically added to all beverage purchases, spa services, and dinner at La Reserve.

Other Luxury Cruise Lines

Other luxury cruise lines like Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent include all gratuities except on spa services.

Do you have to pay gratuities on cruise?

Can you opt out of gratuities on a cruise? Not really.

Cruise gratuities are mandatory, in loosely defined terms. Most cruise lines do apply these charges automatically. However, these charges can be modified or removed by guests while on the ship in the event that they did not receive satisfactory service.

Keep in mind that gratuities will be deemed undisputed unless a request to modify is received prior to disembarking the ship.

While cruise gratuities can be modified or removed, we never recommend that cruisers do so. This is such a small and well-deserved token of appreciation to all the hard-working crew onboard the ship. In fact, many cruisers choose to tip above and beyond this rate.

How do you get out of paying gratuities on a cruise?

You might be wondering how you can get out of paying these cruise service charges. Well, there is one big way you can avoid paying them. That is to keep an eye on your cruise planner and email for special promotions.

Cruise lines will often run sales, and travel agents will often offer perks, that may include free gratuities for booking a cruise. Other perks may include onboard credit, free drink packages, free specialty dining, and so on.

Should I tip extra on a cruise?

On all cruise lines, additional gratuities may be added at your discretion. Beyond the standard service charges put forth by the cruise line, we always tip above and beyond for excellent service.

Generally speaking, we provide additional monetary compensation at the end of the cruise to our stateroom attendant and our dining room waitstaff.

Keep in mind that the cruise line assigned gratuities do not include all staff members. These charges do not go towards individuals like bar servers, porters, shore excursion guides, casino staff, or youth staff.

So, you should consider providing tips to these crew members for great service. We generally tip our favorite bartenders, staff at the onboard coffee shop, tour guides, bus drivers, and so on.

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What are your thoughts on cruise gratuities and service charges? Do you tip beyond these required amounts? How you do like to reward the onboard staff for providing you a memorable cruise vacation?

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Complete Guide to Cruise Ship Gratuities for 2024

By: Sherry Laskin · Updated On: January 12, 2024

Whether your cruise line calls them daily service fees, cruise ship gratuities or crew appreciation, it’s simply tipping on a cruise. Nearly every cruise line has a name for these automatically-added service fees. 

Most cruise lines add daily gratuity fees directly to your onboard account throughout your cruise. Plus, different onboard experiences, from using your stateroom mini-bar to dining in a specialty restaurant , have an added fee.

We’ve listed each cruise line’s per-person daily gratuity. We break down tipping on a cruise to what you’ll pay depending on your stateroom category, plus any additional service fees. 

What are Daily Cruise Ship Gratuities?

Every cruise line has a recommended amount that each guest should pay to the crew. Holland America calls it a “Daily Service Fee.” Princess calls it “Crew Appreciation.” Basically, it’s a gratuity fee; how much you’ll pay for tips on a cruise ship. 

Some cruise lines may call this a “Guest Services Fee” on your onboard account statement. While others simply add “Gratuity” to your onboard account. 

Tipping on a Cruise Begins Before Sailaway

Savvy cruisers know that gratuities begin before you board your ship. Why? If you plan to drop off your larger pieces of luggage, be prepared to give the portside luggage handler a $2- $5 tip per bag. The amount can depend upon size, weight and amount of luggage.

If you’re a solo traveler and only have one large bag to check, a $5 tip is appropriate.

Consider this tip as baggage delivery insurance.

Should I Pre-Pay Cruise Gratuities?

If you want to get the daily cruise tipping fees out of the way before your cruise and avoid last-night sticker shock, I always suggest that you pre-pay gratuities.

Also, if you pre-pay your gratuities, and should the cruise line raise the cruise tip amount before you sail, you are “grandfathered-in” at the previous lower rate. 

Don’t pre-pay gratuities and if there’s an increase, you’ll pay a bit more at the end of your cruise. For one person, it’s not too bad. If you’re paying for a family, it could be a very costly added expense.

Average Daily Cruise Line Gratuity

Roughly speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $11.50 – $20.00 per passenger per day for onboard gratuities. As mentioned, cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your onboard account. 

Luxury lines like Azamara, Ponant, Regent, Silversea, Seabourn, Sea Dream, Virgin Voyages include gratuities in the cruise fare.

On cruise lines where gratuities are not included, you can monitor the charges on your shipboard bill either from the Front Desk or on your stateroom TV.

Sometimes cruise gratuities are only added at the very end of your cruise, too. Talk about sticker shock!

Cruise Line Gratuities for 2024

Here’s what you will pay per person per day for cruise ship gratuities/service fees/crew appreciation as of this writing. 

CARNIVAL:  $14.50 for Standard Staterooms; $16.50 for Suites. An 18% automatic charge is added to beverages at the bars, plus at Bonsai Sushi, Bonsai Teppanyaki and Chef’s Table restaurants.

On April 1, 2023, Carnival raised its services fees to $16.00 per person per day for those in standard staterooms. Suite passengers now pay $18.00, an increase of $1.50 per day.

CELEBRITY:   $17.50 for Standard Staterooms; $18.00 in Concierge and Aqua Class staterooms. Those booked in the Retreat do not pay a daily gratuity fee. If you purchase Celebrity’s All Included plan, the gratuity is included. But you’ll pay 20% fee if you order a drink that’s not in your beverage package (Classic or Premium). There’s an 18% charge for the spa and salon services.

COSTA:   An automatic $12.50 service fee is added onto all U.S. departures. There’s €11 on Europe departures. 15% beverage charge. Kids 4-14yrs 50% less. Under 4, no charge.

CUNARD:   With a name change from “gratuities” to “hotel and dining service charge”, you’ll pay $11.50 for Britannia Class staterooms (inside, oceanview and balcony). Then, $13.50 for those in the Grill Suites. Pay a 15% beverage charge and 12.5% for a visit to the salon or spa.

DISNEY:  $14.50 is the suggested amount for those in standard staterooms. If you’re in a suite or concierge stateroom, Disney recommends a $15.50 gratuity fee. Disney doesn’t automatically post the fees to your account, however. 15% beverage charge and 18% for spa services

HOLLAND AMERICA:   $16.00 for those in standard staterooms. Suite guests will pay an automatic $17.00 per person per day fee. Gratuity charges for beverage packages, drinks, dining room and specialty dining, and other non-included service fee amenities is 18%.

HURTIGRUTEN:   $12.00 – Suggested amount on expedition cruises. Norwegian coastal cruises there is no gratuity fee.

MSC CRUISES:  Valid until summer 2024:  $14.00 for adults 12 years and older. $7.00 for children ages 2 – 11 years. Under 2 years old, no charge. This applies to Caribbean, Canada and USA cruise departures. Cruises abroad, gratuities are in euros and at a comparable exchange rate. MSC website also states they do not recommend tipping individual members of staff.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE:   Book a Club Balcony Suite and below and pay $20.00 per person per day. Reside in The Haven or above Suites and it’s $25.00 pppd. For children under three years, there’s no daily fee. There’s also a 20% beverage charge with each non-included drink you order. On Hawai’i sailings, there’s a 4.275% pre-paid service charge GET tax.

OCEANIA:  $16.00 for guests occupying standard staterooms. For Penthouse, Oceania, Vista or Owner’s Suites with Butler Service, gratuities of $23.00 per guest, per day will be added. An 18% service gratuity is automatically added to all beverage purchases, spa services and dinner at La Reserve.

PRINCESS: Now called “Crew Appreciation” the daily fee is as follows:  inside, oceanview or balcony staterooms are $16.00. Mini-Suite and Reserve Collection staterooms are $17.00. Book a suite and you’ll pay $18.00 pppd. There’s also a “service charge” of 17% for specialty dining that’s included in the cover charge. You’ll pay 18% for individual drinks and drink packages, corkage fee and spa services. 

ROYAL CARIBBEAN:   Royal Caribbean automatic gratuity rates are $16.00 per person, per day for guests in non-suite staterooms. Book a suite and pay $18.50. Gratuities will be applied to each guest’s SeaPass account on a daily basis. There’s also an 18% charge for beverages, mini-bar items, and salon and salon purchases.

VIKING OCEAN CRUISES :  Simple here. $15.00 per day for all staterooms and a 15% beverage charge.

Should You Tip the Room Service Delivery Person?

Here’s another category that needs addressing; room service delivery fees.

Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian automatically add a room service delivery fee . Sometimes it depends on what you order. 

You can still directly offer a tip to your delivery person. He or she will appreciate it.

I always suggest to bring $1 and $5 bills from home. This way, you’re ready to personally hand it to the room service delivery person. 

Having several small bills is very handy, especially for early morning breakfast delivery. You don’t have to fumble around to find a tip. $2.00 to $5.00 is appropriate, depending on the food or how many meals ordered.

Who Gets a Share of the Gratuities?

Depending upon your cruise line and accommodation category, the amounts of who gets what may vary by a few dollars. But this should give you an idea as to where the cruise ship tips go and how it’s divvied up at the end. 

For this example, the amounts listed below are for standard (non-suite) staterooms, may vary by a dollar or so and subject to change every couple of years.

Also, these amounts will differ because the cruise lines stress that a portion of the service fees also goes to many crew members who work behind the scenes and/or towards a shared crew incidentals/emergency fund.

The top tier of crew recipients, however, are the waiters and stateroom attendants. Next, are the assistant waiters and staterooms attendants. The head waiter may or may not receive a cut in the share. 

Those hard-working crew members behind the scenes that you never see will get a small piece of the pie, too. 

Cruise Tips for Those Not on the Automatic Gratuity List

Some onboard services aren’t subject to automatically-included gratuities. Since these are people that you may interact with on a daily basis, it’s nice to add them to your gratuity list.

• Childcare provider: At your discretion, similar to your babysitter at home.
• Bartender: Plan to frequent the same bar throughout your cruise? Give your new favorite bartender a $10 – $20 upfront tip. If you’ve had excellent service, another tip at the end of the cruise is also appreciated.
• Wine sommelier: Based on their involvement, $10 or $20 at the end of the cruise is appropriate. Some cruise lines have done away with a sommelier and your waiter is responsible for keeping track of your wine bottles. Tip accordingly.
• Shore excursion guide: $2.00 – $5.00. Some passengers base their shore excursion tip on 10%-20% per person based on the cost of the tour.
• Shore excursion motor coach driver: $1.00 – $2.00, especially in Europe.
• Spa and Salon services: The spa will automatically add a 15% – 20% gratuity. Is there a need to tip your service provider? It’s up to you.

Read more:  Seven Stateroom Locations to Avoid

Personalize your tip-giving experience.

Many cruise passengers from Britain and a few European countries where tipping isn’t a common practice, prefer to have the automatically-added tips removed from their account. This can be requested at the Reception (Purser’s) Desk.

Hopefully, these folks will then hand out cash to those who have worked hard for them during the cruise. Others simply refuse to tip. And it’s not just non-Americans, either. 

Conversely, some guests who are familiar with and follow the tipping guidelines, prefer to hand out cash-filled envelopes to crew members.

Bring a stack of small bills from home and keep separate from your other cash, to avoid the last night panic line at the Purser’s Desk.

You can also visit the casino cashier to break your larger bills. Bring envelopes (and thank you notes) from home in case the ship’s front desk doesn’t have any to give for tips.

When in Europe, Euros are the preferred currency for tipping on both ocean and river cruises . Or you can usually put the gratuities directly onto your onboard account and credit card.

I always leave the automatic gratuities on my account. Then on the last night, if service was very good, at dinner I’ll bring envelopes with a little extra cash for my waiter, assistant waiter and sommelier.

Whether or not to tip the Maître d’ is up to you, depending on if you’ve actually communicated with this person. 

On the last night or on the morning of departure, I always give an extra tip to my room steward when I say goodbye.

Tipping After Your Cruise

After the cruise, if you ask a porter to load your luggage and wheel it to the outdoors or motor coach, you’ll need to dip into your wallet one more time.

In many ports or after a transatlantic crossing, you’ll get through the customs and immigration line quicker if you ask a porter to help with your luggage. 

If this was helpful, please PIN for others!

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About Sherry Laskin

I'm the editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com, a solo traveler cruising the world without flying. I hope my articles and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to travel the world without flying. Take a breath...stop for a local meal and a glass of wine along the way.

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May 28, 2022 at 10:05 am

Hi Jackie, Thanks for your comment. I agree 100%!

May 28, 2022 at 2:30 am

Tipping is absolutely necessary on cruises. These people work for peanuts, and they work very hard with no days off for months. TIPS stands for To Insure Proper Service. When on land you tip at bars and restaurants, then why on the cruise ships should people question it and cheap out. When we get on the ship, we leave extra tip money in the safe. On the last night, we give the envelopes with cash in it to all the people that took such good care of us on our cruise. Be a good cruiser.

April 26, 2022 at 9:38 am

Hi Crissy, thank you for reading my article and for your question. Are you referring to the concierge that, for example, is in charge of a loyalty club lounge like the Royal Caribbean Diamond Plus or Pinnacle Club? On cruises where I’ve used the concierge’s services (for show or dinner reservations or help with shore excursions), I’ll usually give the concierge $20-$30 at the end of a seven-night cruise. On a luxury line, I would tip more, depending on how involved the person was with assisting me with reservations etc.

If you’re referring to your stateroom butler, the gratuity prices are set by the cruise line and of course you can always add to it for exemplary service.

I hope this is helpful info. Thank you again for reading the article and taking the time to ask your question. Happy cruising!

April 24, 2022 at 5:58 pm

How much do you suggest tipping the suite concierges?

November 30, 2019 at 1:04 pm

Hi Nick, That’s a great question and thank you for writing. Since this is your first time handling the financial ends of a cruise, I would suggest leaving the automatic gratuities on your accounts. It will make the cruise more seamless and you won’t have that last-minute scramble finding small bills to put into envelopes and then locating the people for whom the envelopes are intended. If someone goes above and beyond regular service, it’s perfectly fine to simply hand him or her an extra gratuity. This could be your room steward or bartender or waiter. Have a wonderful cruise and thank you again for writing. Sherry

November 29, 2019 at 5:45 pm

I’m about to go on my first cruise with my girlfriend and not with my family. Prior to this cruise, I was never responsible for any of the “stateroom “ accounts since my father always took care of the monetary issues of the vacation. After reading the article and the responses I am confused as to whether or not to take the automatic gratuities taken off my account when I go on my cruise and just gave out envelopes at the end of my vacation. What do you think

July 14, 2019 at 3:28 pm

Coworker used to work for Celebrity – they get NO SALARY from the cruise line, they rely on the gratuities. Removing the automatic gratuity and then not actually tipping at least that amount in cash is akin to participating in modern-day slavery ie expecting people to contentedly serve you for free.

Echoing Jeff’s comment about folk who stingily resent a few hundred dollars to the ones who need it most.

May 8, 2019 at 10:29 am

Hi Rachel, Very well written. Thank you for your comment. Sherry

May 5, 2019 at 10:17 am

Mandatory gratuities. I don’t know whether to characterize this as the third world corruption tax in action (being forced to pay civil servants, hospital nurses, etc. a bribe before they will do the job that they are hired and paid to do); or first world predatory capitalism in action. Pretty clearly the cruise lines have offloaded the responsibility for paying their employees a living wage (or any wage) directly onto passengers via mandatory gratuities. Why don’t they just call it “bribes” or “employee salaries” on the invoice instead of “mandatory gratuities.” It is ridiculous that on top of paying for a horrendously expensive cruise and shore excursions, you have to pay bribes/employee salaries in the form of mandatory gratuities. And in some cases you have to pay extra bribes in addition to, on top of, the mandatory gratuities. It all adds up to making a cruise a “once in a lifetime” experience rather than a repeat experience.

May 3, 2019 at 11:45 pm

Hi Shannon, Congrats on your first cruise! For tipping, the amount may depend upon the cruise line and your stateroom category. After your automatic gratuities have been charged to your onboard account, you could hand your room steward $20-$30 (two people) in recognition for good service. I hope this helps. Happy cruising! Sherry

May 3, 2019 at 12:16 am

Hi Sherry, I’m going on my first cruise this summer. What’s an appropriate tip range for the room steward on a 7 day cruise?

December 24, 2018 at 8:45 am

Hi Jeff, Nicely said. I would like to think that a lot of the non-tippers or those who queue at the front desk on the last night to remove the service fee are from countries where tipping isn’t part of their culture. But not always so. Thanks for your comment. Sherry

December 21, 2018 at 11:14 am

I always wonder how someone can pay thousands for a cruise, airfare, and shore excursions and then be resentful of a few hundred dollars in tips for the lowest paid of those who make the trip enjoyable. The desire to stick it to the little people reminds me of the great quote from tax cheat, Leona Helmsley, who once said that, “Only the little people pay taxes”. The jury of” little people” had little trouble convicting her. The people who are put out with tips should find other ways to vacation.

January 26, 2018 at 10:24 am

I have my doubt where the cruise gratuities go to. You can never find out what a crew member earns or how much they actually receive out of gratuities paid and so that end I refuse to have gratuities added to my state room account. However the crew get do get paid to do a job and they knew the pay before they started, they get free food and board plus flights home and we as paying public have already paid for the service they provide. Assuming that all the gratuities are passed on. The ratio of crew member to passenger after removing the staff that are not part of the gratuity pot is about 4 or 5 to 1. On a 14 day cruise at $12.75 per person that adds up to $178.50 per person x 4 and the sum per fortnights holiday gives a bonus of $714 each. That for a 9 month contract would give them a bonus of around $13500 plus pay….Think about it

August 1, 2015 at 7:18 am

Found out that the cruise line does not give the gratuities to the crew , those tips are kept by the cruise line -ask a crew member, lies and rip off .

July 31, 2015 at 9:06 pm

Hi Lisa, Thank you so much! I’m glad you liked the article and I hope it was helpful.

April 25, 2015 at 12:35 pm

Thanks, Scott!

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• MSC Cruises

Gratuities and MSC

By Grayz , September 26, 2022 in MSC Cruises

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Hi all!  This is our first cruise on MSC and wonder about how gratuities work with MSC.  From what I read it looks like $14 per night per adult.  Is this added to my account or do I pay directly?  I also read that MSC doesn’t encourage tipping staff directly?  On RC, Carnival and Princess I paid gratuities on my acct and also tipped more at the end as I saw fit. How does it work on MSC? Sailing on the new Seascape Dec 11 from Miami.

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Daily Service Charge is added to room account. You may tip those who you felt provided you  above and beyond service.

We always tip directly, but , discreetly .

perakcruiser

12 hours ago, Grayz said:  Is this added to my account or do I pay directly?

Depends on where you booked, you will read it on the MSC website of your market. Nowadays almost only the US pax get the DSC added to the room account, most others have to pay in advance with the booking. 

But I am not sure if MSC has a special website/procedures for Canada. 

13 hours ago, Grayz said: ....On RC, Carnival and Princess I paid gratuities on my acct and also tipped more at the end as I saw fit. How does it work on MSC?...

Norms for additional tipping on MSC are:

Waiter $1000

Assistant Waiter $500

Hostess $250

Musician, excellent or otherwise $125

Butler $1000

Junior Butler $500

Maitre D £250

These are averages, but many give more than that!  😉

morpheusofthesea

"Many crew members working on cruise ships rely on receiving tips as part of their income.  Some cruise lines have required tipping policies, but others allow each cruiser to leave tips as he or she wishes. There is no correct or incorrect way to tip a crew member because there are different methods people like to use for tipping. The goal of this is to share basic information about tipping for cruises and to help give suggestions on how much you should tip crew members based on the level of service received.              Do not forget to add tips into the cost of your vacation or into your cruise budget. The overall cost of your vacation should include the base price of your vacation, extras, and tips. Tipping Suggestions For Your Cruise Vacation:      I have created this suggestion guide to give you a basic idea about which crew members you should tip and for how much you should tip based on the level of service you feel you have received.  Please note, the way this set up is the better service you receive from a crew member will earn him or her a higher tip. In some areas you may want to tip higher for exceptional and great service, but in others you may want to lower tips because you feel the crew member did not to their job well.  I.  Baggage Handlers          These are people who take your luggage at the cruise terminal and bring it to be loaded onto the ship.  Baggage handlers are often not employees of the cruise line or of the cruise terminal.  In some places they rely solely on tips to make their money.  I recommend tipping these people based on the number and size of the suitcases/bags you give them: Small Bag: $3          Suitcase:  $5           Important Baggage or Medical Equipment Bags:  $6 - $10 Note:  Baggage handlers are usually never included in a cruise line's auto gratuity. If you choose to use your cruise line's auto gratuity, you should still tip baggage handlers separately because they are probably not included. I recommend giving your baggage handler cash before he or she takes your luggage away.  II.  Stateroom Stewards & Stewardess         These are the people who clean your room during your cruise vacation. On many cruise ships tips are supposed to be shared between head & assistant stewards. I recommend on deciding a total amount you want to tip your steward or stewardess team for the entire cruise vacation and then splitting that total amount to include something for all members of the team. Be careful not to leave a stateroom steward or assistant out that cleaned your room. Tip Amount: High Level of Service (Above & Beyond)       -     $4.50 - $6.00 per person per day Excellent Service (Performed Duties Well)    -    $4.25 - 4.50 per person per day  Average Level of Service                             -    $3.75 -  $4.25 per person per day  Poor Service                                                -   $3.25 -  $3.75 per person per day  Awful Poor Service                                      -   Consider Removing Tip or Giving Little III. Dining Room Team           These are the people that serve you in the main dining room. On some cruise ships you are assigned to a specific table with specific servers, but on other cruise ships you have flexible options that don't give you the same service staff each night. If you do not think you will have the same service staff each night, leave auto-gratuity on. Most cruise lines will give you the option to increase (or decrease) the auto-gratuity for certain staff, teams, or departments.  Tip Amount: Above & Beyond Exceptional Service            -       $7.50 -  9.00 per person per day Excellent Service  (Performed Duties Well)   -       $6.00 -   7.50  per person per day Average Service, But Still Good                    -       $5.00 -   6.00 per person per day Poor Service                                               -       $3.50 -   $5.00 per person per day Terrible Poor Service                                  -       Consider Removing Tip or Giving Little                          On some cruise ships you may have an option to eat at a specialty restaurant. Don't forget to leave a tip for these crew members too!  IV.  Shore Excursions and In Port Tour Bus Driver -  $5 - $10 Tour Guide -   $5 - $10 If the tour bus driver is also your tour guide I would give $10 - $15, assuming this person have you a safe quality tour. Sometimes shore excursions require tipping, but if not the amount you tip is up to you."    V. Other People To Consider Tipping These people are sometimes included in auto-gratuities and work hard during cruises. Consider giving these people a tip to show your appreciation for their hard work:  Dining Room Maitre D' -   $5 - $8   Entertainment Staff Member  -   $2-$5  Kitchen Staff  -   $3-$4  per cruise  Bar Staff -   15-25% off bar tab (note: this is sometimes included in price with some cruise lines)  Laundry  -   $1-$3 per bag of laundry  Any Crew Member (Not Already Mentioned)  Who Provided You With Excellent Service   -  Your Choice ($ 2 - 10)  SPA Treatment Crew Member - $4 - $7, depending on service and quality of treatment Room Service -   $2-$8   depending on size of order. For small orders give less and for larger orders give more.

 Thank you for asking !  

Gratuities charged to ones account ($98 pp for the week) go to paying the staff's wages. Those that remove the gratuity, for whatever lame reason, then the cruise line has to make up the difference. OBC used to tip a particular staff member may not go 100% to the designated person, and may be shared. Tip in cash directly to service provider.

I got permission from a FB poster to repost this: "Recently I saw a Tik Tok by Captain Kate. She was giving out envelopes to her staff that a passenger asked her to do for them. One staff member opened the envelope to find $5. He went crazy with joy, you would have thought it was a $100. She received so many comments on why the young man was overly excited and happy for such a small amount. A few days later she did another Tik Tok with him asking him why his reaction was so grand. He said that he would have reacted the same way if it was only $1 dollar. He said with those $5 dollars he can buy rice, bread and a lot more stuff for his family back home. That video opened my eyes on tipping anyone who serves me and our family. Please tip extra by cash. The included tips are the bare minimum that are divided between many.

Tips don’t make or break you on an individual basis, but they add up to make things better financially.

North Americans suffer from "tipping guilt."  We are culturally programmed to tip and it is a difficult habit to break.  As frequent world travelers we have learned to follow the traditional local tipping culture be it 20% (common in the USA) or zero (normal in Japan), and a few coins (normal in parts of Europe).  

MSC includes a daily service charge (tips) as part of its pricing and makes it clear that further tipping is not required or necessary.   If folks choose to hand out thousands of extra dollars, I am sure it will be appreciated (although they will likely laugh at you behind your back).  

On ships that have auto-tips (like MSC) we only tip extra when somebody delivers service that is above and beyond what is expected (by us).   When that happens, we very discretely hand cash to the individual with a smile and "thank you."  With over fifty years of extensive travel, we also are able to NOT TIP without feeling any guilt.

18 hours ago, Hlitner said: although they will likely laugh at you behind your back)

All of us should want the world to be a little better off for our having lived in it. Tipping is just some small gesture we do to reduce the suffering of someone else. No one is laughing behind our backs. On the contrary, on our first cruise back in July 2021 when we tipped our host/butler $150 for the week's cruise, tears welled up in all our eyes as he said "I thank you and especially my family thanks you."

18 hours ago, Hlitner said: North Americans suffer from "tipping guilt.

Yes. We felt guilty having not tipped more.

As someone from a country that does not have a prominent tipping culture I never know if what I am giving is mean/ middle of the road / generous.

We always pay the autograts and tip extra discretely in cash, depending on the level of service provided. I don’t however go anywhere near the excessive tips reported by some across these cruise boards (if indeed they actually do proffer quite so much).  I don’t feel guilty in any event.

I just wish all cruise lines would charge an appropriate amount to pay staff and end all this tipping angst. MSC are at least attempting to do so to an extent.

Two Wheels Only

7 minutes ago, Eglesbrech said: As someone from a country that does not have a prominent tipping culture I never know if what I am giving is mean/ middle of the road / generous.   We always pay the autograts and tip extra discretely in cash, depending on the level of service provided.

Anything above the Hotel Service Charge (that $14 per day thing that is deducted from your account) is fine. You cannot get it wrong no matter the amount. 

10 minutes ago, Eglesbrech said: I don’t however go anywhere near the excessive tips reported by some across these cruise boards (if indeed they actually do proffer quite so much).

They do what they want. 

You do what you want. 

Both are correct. 

11 minutes ago, Eglesbrech said: I just wish all cruise lines would charge an appropriate amount to pay staff and end all this tipping angst.

The " one price for everything " would result in higher fares and the complaints about " gratuities " would change into complaints about high fares. There's no system that would make everyone happy. 

Paphillyguy

20 hours ago, Hlitner said:   MSC includes a daily service charge (tips) as part of its pricing and makes it clear that further tipping is not required or necessary.   If folks choose to hand out thousands of extra dollars, I am sure it will be appreciated (although they will likely laugh at you behind your back).      

I can assure you the hard working people are laughing at someone that choses to tip them.  More likely they are talking about those that demand yet don't tip and I am sure it isn't something nice they are saying. 

I wouldn't want to travel with you

3 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said: The " one price for everything " would result in higher fares and the complaints about " gratuities " would change into complaints about high fares. There's no system that would make everyone happy. 

Well, I lived in many coutries on this planet and do really believe that the European system of fixed prices is by far the best, where nothing can be added later, no tax, no (service) charge, no fee, no gratuity, no tips, no BS. Prices must be final. And good wages for the hard working people. 

7 minutes ago, perakcruiser said: fixed prices is by far the best, where nothing can be added later, no tax, no (service) charge, no fee, no gratuity, no tips, no BS. Prices must be final. And good wages for the hard working people. 

Until your dream world appears on the 'high seas' , "BS" and all it encompasses will be the 'coin of the realm'.

4 minutes ago, perakcruiser said: Well, I lived in many coutries on this planet and do really believe that the European system of fixed prices is by far the best, where nothing can be added later, no tax, no (service) charge, no fee, no gratuity, no tips, no BS. Prices must be final. And good wages for the hard working people. 

NCL tried that a few years ago in the UK and the "all inclusive" price was MORE than the price + DSC + service charges that other parts of the world were paying.

In other words, the corporation will inflate prices to cover the missing " add-ons " that are charged now. 

2 minutes ago, morpheusofthesea said: Until your dream world appears on the 'high seas' , "BS" and all it encompasses will be the 'coin of the realm'.

This "dream world" is reality in many countries and with many cruise companies. For example on MSC UK the first price you see is already "price is per adult and inclusive of port taxes and service charge/gratuities". Same in Germany and most other European countries. Sure it is higher than your US price but I highly prefer to see the real price and have all set and done instead of thinking about "government charges", "port taxes", "handling fees", "gratuities", "hotel service charges" and all that BS. In my eyes this is plain stupid and just a lack of consumer rights which sounds more like third world countries. 

51 minutes ago, Paphillyguy said: I can assure you the hard working people are laughing at someone that choses to tip them.  More likely they are talking about those that demand yet don't tip and I am sure it isn't something nice they are saying.    I wouldn't want to travel with you

I can assure you the hard working people are NOT laughing at someone that choses to tip them.

Bobbiegentry

57 minutes ago, Paphillyguy said: I can assure you the hard working people are NOT laughing at someone that choses to tip them.

And you know this, how?

3 hours ago, Bobbiegentry said: And you know this, how?

Because it is empirical.

8 hours ago, Paphillyguy said: I can assure you the hard working people are NOT laughing at someone that choses to tip them.

You've just responded to your own post?

Here's a tip. Answer posts by others, not your own.  🤣  (Sorry - couldn't resist. Just seemed odd to answer your own post!)

I genuinely never understand why it's difficult to comprehend that wages should be paid by the employer not the customer. Sure, that equates to maybe the price you pay increasing. So what? The end goal is paying the person's wages right? I've no issue tipping when I've received very good service and is to show my appreciation. 

Simple question. Why do you think it's ok not to pay "your" staff and expect them to rely on handouts that is a choice and may not be received? It's just wrong.

Personally I think it's much fairer to receive a proper salary from the person I work for no matter what job I do. Imagine working somewhere that customers stop visiting in numbers. Would you expect the few who do visit to make up the shortfall? Pretty much everywhere outside the US (in the western world), the employer pays the wages and has to by law and isn't reliant on customer hand outs.

I do tip for good service. The clue is gratuity... To show my gratitude. It's derived from French, but appears to be very lost in translation.

Fares from the UK generally (there are a couple of exceptions) come with "gratuities" pre paid. It's a shame this "culture" exists. It would have been better not to distinguish what's been added as it sends a message there is no need to show appreciation because you've already paid it.

Similarly, if I'm presented in the UK with a restaurant bill with a service charge added (which by law you can get removed if you wished), there is zero chance I would tip on top unless there was an exceptional reason to do so. 

I think it's something we'll never agree on and this age old "debate" will appear over and over again. I certainly agree with the suggestion of "guilt" is significant on the reason to tip, but the guilt really falls on the employers.

DW had a massage at the Aurea spa the other day. She said it was good, but not as good as DCL, for the same price. She notes she was not being asked for gratuities, it was somehow automatically added. Which lead her to think that might be why her masseur didn't went above — why would she care?

While I'm not coming from a country where tipping is the norm, as far as I am concerned, the MSC system that promises good wages for everyone simply doesn't work from a customer satisfaction perspective. 

6 hours ago, les37b said:   You've just responded to your own post?...  

You need to be more aware of why said poster did that. It seems obvious to me....in the original post the word 'not' was missing which resulted in the opposite meaning as that intended. The reply post was a correction, as it was too late to edit original post!  😉

"Tipping Guilt"  (google it) and folks trying to project their own culture cause all of this grief regarding the tipping subject.  We have seen it here on CC for years and my post was intended to generate some of the usual comments :).  Those of us who live in the USA/Canada have spent our lives in a tipping culture and, with the exception of those of us who are well traveled around the world, think it is the right thing, the only thing, and the norm.  Many here in North America cannot accept or deal with concept (very common around the world) of paying a living wage with no or little tipping.  In some cultures (Japan jumps quickly to mind) tipping is actually considered rude (patronizing) while in other cultures (many European countries) the normal accepted mores call for a relatively low tipping amount.   It is difficult for most Americans to accept that tossing around lots of cash/tips may be seen as insulting, patronizing, and a projection of the so-called "Ugly American" mind set.  

So, on MSC we get a clash of cultures since it is a Euro-centric cruise line that happens to have a small number of ships operating out of the USA ports.  Many of the European crew come from a non-tipping culture as do lots of the European passengers.  MSC has tried to work with that culture by playing the "auto tip" game and adopting a policy that actually discourages further tipping.  But we Americans always know better so many insist that American culture is always right and view anyone who disagrees as just wrong, cheap, etc.  We see that right here in some of the posts.  Tipping is even a problem for the crew.  What should they do with the money?  Put it in their pocket (and hope nobody else notices) or share it with other members of the crew?  If they put it in their pocket (trying to be very discrete) and it is noticed by some other crew members, will this later cause some resentment?  Are Yacht Club Butlers expected to share cash tips with the cabin cleaning staff?  If you slip some cash to a favorite bar waiter, are they expected to share it with the bar tender?  If not, will this cause them "difficulties" below deck?   The crew have their own culture and tipping as well as gift giving can cause issues.  

In terms of cruising, one of my favorite lines is Seabourn which is an American-based luxury line.  Seabourn goes out of their way to discourage tipping which makes many of us Americans a little uncomfortable.   The first time I cruised on that line I actually had a discrete cash tip refused by a crew member (the first time this has happened to me on over 45 years of cruising) who told me I was welcomed to go to Guest Relations and arrange to donate money to the crew welfare fund (used to fund crew parties and other crew-based activities).  

As a well-traveled American I have grown to see the absurdity of our tipping culture.  Consider the guys that handle your luggage at US Ports.  They are all members of the International Longshoreman Association which is a very powerful US union that has an iron grip on US Ports.  Most of us tip these guys ($5 - $10) when we turn over our luggage.  The irony is that these workers are very well paid (with overtime many will make 6 figures) and are not normally tipped as part of their work.  But if they manage to get on the "gang" that works at a passenger cruise port it is somewhat like hitting the lottery!  The tips we pay get distributed to many folks who have absolutely nothing to do with moving our luggage according to their internal union politics.  If those luggage handlers "hold out" from sharing they can find themselves in big trouble with some of their fellow union members.

Many years ago, Princess cruise lines moved their first ship (I think it was the old Sun Princess) to Australia where she was based year-round.  At the time, the norm on Princess was tipping since the line served primarily an American/Canadian market.  But Princess quickly realized that having a ship based in Australia, where tipping is generally discouraged, caused problems.  Most Aussies did not tip and, in fact, even resent folks who do tip (some have told us that tipping is ruining their culture).  So the Princess crew was not getting the kind of tips they learned to expect from Americans/Canadians.  Princess has to make "adjustments" to the financial arrangements (vis-a-vis tipping on that one ship to adapt to the Aussie-centric culture.

Those of us who have cruised for a long time (my first cruise was in the mid 70s) have seen the cruise lines try to wrestle with the tipping issue.  Consider that the cruise lines must be concerned about crew morale.  And passengers often have no clue what is expected.  Should you tip the cruise director, bus-boy in the Lido, etc.?   Tis a true mess and along with dress codes is always a hot button issue here on CC.

P.S,  How many folks tip the Flight Attendants on airlines?  Think about it.

10 hours ago, les37b said:   You've just responded to your own post?   Here's a tip. Answer posts by others, not your own.  🤣  (Sorry - couldn't resist. Just seemed odd to answer your own post!)   I genuinely never understand why it's difficult to comprehend that wages should be paid by the employer not the customer. Sure, that equates to maybe the price you pay increasing. So what? The end goal is paying the person's wages right? I've no issue tipping when I've received very good service and is to show my appreciation.    Simple question. Why do you think it's ok not to pay "your" staff and expect them to rely on handouts that is a choice and may not be received? It's just wrong.   Personally I think it's much fairer to receive a proper salary from the person I work for no matter what job I do. Imagine working somewhere that customers stop visiting in numbers. Would you expect the few who do visit to make up the shortfall? Pretty much everywhere outside the US (in the western world), the employer pays the wages and has to by law and isn't reliant on customer hand outs.   I do tip for good service. The clue is gratuity... To show my gratitude. It's derived from French, but appears to be very lost in translation.   Fares from the UK generally (there are a couple of exceptions) come with "gratuities" pre paid. It's a shame this "culture" exists. It would have been better not to distinguish what's been added as it sends a message there is no need to show appreciation because you've already paid it.   Similarly, if I'm presented in the UK with a restaurant bill with a service charge added (which by law you can get removed if you wished), there is zero chance I would tip on top unless there was an exceptional reason to do so.    I think it's something we'll never agree on and this age old "debate" will appear over and over again. I certainly agree with the suggestion of "guilt" is significant on the reason to tip, but the guilt really falls on the employers.        

If you look I was actually correcting a typo.  

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You Don’t Have to Pay Gratuities on THESE 10 Cruise Lines

On most cruise lines an automatic gratuity will be added to your onboard account to cover tips for the staff.

Increasingly cruise lines are including this in the cruise fare. I’ve cruised with a number of lines who include gratuities and I much prefer it.

In this post, we will look at the lines which include gratuities in their cruise fares. The post is based on booking a cruise from the UK.

Note: You cannot remove gratuities on cruises with Costa Cruises. 

Which Cruise Lines Include Gratuities?

Gratuities are included on cruises with Azamara, Celestyal , Crystal Cruises, Marella, MSC , P&O, Regent Seven Seas, Saga , Silversea, and Virgin Voyages .

P&O Cruises Include Gratuities in The Cruise Fare

In 2019 P&O Cruises made the decision to include gratuities in the cruise fare. Prior to this the charge was around £6 per person per day which was one of the lowest in the industry.

Great service comes as standard. While tipping isn’t required or expected on board, rest assured good service and good times are all part and parcel of your P&O Cruises holiday. – Source.

If you still wish to leave a tip this is of course always appreciated but isn’t in any way expected. P&O do have an option for fixed dining and many people will choose to tip their waiters on the last night as they have been waited on by the same people for the duration of the cruise.

Marella Cruises Include Gratuities in The Cruise Fare

Marella are a British ‘all inclusive’ cruise line who include gratuities and drinks in their cruise fare.

All tips and service charges are included in the price of your Cruise.  You’re not expected to tip any of our crew – unless you want to, of course. – Source.

I came away from my Marella cruise with an incredibly small onboard bill. There are lots of included food options on Marella cruises as well as included alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. To find out more about the ‘all inclusive’ fare from Marella check out this post:  Marella Cruises, what does ‘all inclusive’ include?

Celestyal Cruises Include Gratuities in The Cruise Fare

Celestyal cruises include all tips/gratuities within the cruise fare. I didn’t at any point during my Celestyal cruise feel any pressure to leave an additional tip although this is once again always appreciated.

We call it The Celestyal Inclusive Experience for a reason.  All additional costs such as port and service charges as well as gratuities are included in the final fare of your cruise. This means no hidden charges or surprises whatsoever so you can stick to your vacation budget and enjoy your cruise up until the end. – Source.

To learn more about cruising with Celestyal check out this post which details everything we did during our cruise on Celestyal Olympia: Celestyal Cruises: Review and Daily Photo Diary 2019

Saga Include Gratuities in The Cruise Fare

Saga ocean cruises include all tips/gratuities. Their ‘all-inclusive’ cruise fare also includes specialty dining, drinks with meals, transfers, WiFi, and shuttle buses. I was lucky enough to spend a few days onboard Spirit of Discovery this year and I cannot recommend the ship enough. It was out of this world.

Saga does have a 50+ age requirement though so it’s going to be a little while before I can cruise with them…

Virgin Voyages Include Gratuities in The Cruise Fare

Cruise fares with Virgin Voyages include gratuities and are also referred to as ‘all inclusive’. The cruise fare includes all restaurants onboard, gym classes, basic drinks and WiFi.

MSC Cruises Include Gratuities in The Cruise Fare

In April 2019 MSC decided to include their gratuities in the cruise fare for people booking from the UK and Ireland. Cruisers booking from the USA may still have to pay gratuities.

SERVICE CHARGES / GRATUITIES Service Charge / Gratuities are included in the cruise fare. Tips MSC Cruises does not recommend tipping individual members of staff. – Source.

MSC used to charge $12.50 per person per night which was pretty standard within the industry.

MSC Cruises don’t include gratuities when booking from all destinations. To learn more about this check out this post: 

MSC and Gratuities – Your Guide on How Much You Can Expect to Pay

Luxury Lines

Azamara include gratuities in the cruise fare.

Azmara is the luxury sister line to Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. Their all inclusive cruise fare includes gratuities, drinks, laundry and shuttles when in port.

It’s worth nothing that a 18% gratuity is added onto spa services.

Crystal Cruises Include Gratuities in The Cruise Fare

Crystal Cruises are similar to Azamara when it comes to gratuities. There are no gratuities automatically added but 18% will be added for spa treatments.

Regent Seven Seas Include Gratuities in The Cruise Fare

Regent include all gratuities in the cruise fare.

Silversea Include Gratuities in The Cruise Fare

Silversea include all gratuities in the cruise fare.

Why Do Some Cruise Lines Include Gratuities?

Luxury cruise lines tend to include gratuities more frequently than budget or mainstream lines. This is because of the higher initial price. That said, more mainstream cruise lines than ever are including gratuities in the cruise fare. “Gratuities included” is often sold as a perk or a benefit of booking with a certain cruise line.

European Cruise Lines

It tends to be the cruise lines which are based in Europe which include gratuities in the fare. This may be to do with cultural differences in regards to tipping in the majority of Europe and the USA.

In the UK we rarely tip for things. I may tip a waiter in a restaurant or a taxi driver but that is about it. The staff in these situations don’t rely directly on tips to get paid unlike how some staff in the USA do. It is because of this that I believe cruisers from the USA are more accepting of additional tips.

Why Do Some Cruise Lines Not Include Gratuities?

By not including the gratuities in the cruise fare the cruise line can make the base price of the cruise look much lower than it actually is. I often see bargain cruise deals flying into my inbox but when you add on things like gratuities it soon becomes apparent that the deal isn’t as good as it first seemed.

The cruise lines know that the majority of cruisers will leave the automatic gratuities on. I personally always do this as I worry about the ‘behind the scenes’ staff who may be losing out if I remove the gratuities and tip directly the crew members that I see.

When cruising there are often other additional costs, to find out what is included in a typical cruise fare, check out this post: Are Cruises All Inclusive? Your Guide To What Is Included.

To learn more about gratuities, including how they also affect drinks and spa treatments, check out this post so that you don’t have any nasty surprises on your cruise:

Cruise Gratuities: A Simple Step by Step Guide For First Time Cruisers

Where To Next?

If you’re considering your first cruise, or would just like to learn a little more about cruising, this post is a brilliant place to start: 67 Cruise Tips From 67 Cruisers. 

If you have any cruise questions or stories/photos you’d like to share, please join us in our Facebook group !

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MSC Cruises drink packages: Prices, inclusions and how to save money on onboard beverages

A sailaway from port doesn't seem quite as celebratory without a glass of Champagne or cocktail in hand. But if you don't have a drink package for your cruise , ordering these sailaway glasses of bubbly every day — and a glass of wine at lunch and dinner — can add up quickly during a weeklong vacation.

If you're sailing with MSC Cruises , the line offers five options for all-inclusive drink packages, with two for nonalcoholic beverages. If you know you'll be imbibing daily, it might be worth purchasing a drink package rather than buying cocktails a la carte. Also, bottled mineral water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and soft-serve ice cream on some ships (gasp!) are not included in your cruise fare, so you'll have to factor in the additional cost of those beverages — and the beloved frozen treat — along with any alcohol you plan to consume.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

We've broken down the list of MSC Cruises' drink packages to explore which refreshments are (or are not) included and the cost per person, per day. We've also answered the most frequently asked questions to help you determine whether or not a drink package will save you money on your next cruise.

What's included in MSC Cruises' drink packages?

Here are the details of MSC Cruises' five drink packages. If one passenger books a drink package, all guests traveling together in the same cabin and dining at the same table must also book a package. Beverage packages are not transferable, and you cannot use them to buy drinks for friends.

None of the drink packages include items purchased at the signature venues, which include Venchi 1878 (chocolate, coffee and gelato), Lavazza (coffee), Jean Philippe (chocolate, coffee, crepes and gelato), Starship Club (robotic bartender on MSC Virtuosa) and Hola! Tacos & Cantina.

Related: What is the best cruise ship cafe? I spill the tea on the best cups of joe at sea

Minors Package

The Minors Package is for children ages 3 to 17 on European itineraries and ages 3 to 12 in the Caribbean and North America. It must be purchased when underage guests are traveling with adults who've purchased a beverage package.

This package covers a wide variety of nonalcoholic beverages. They include mocktails, fresh fruit and protein cocktails, energy drinks, flavored water, sodas by the glass or bottle, hot beverages (think regular coffee and tea) and soft-serve ice cream. (Note that soft-serve ice cream is complimentary only on MSC ships sailing from the U.S.)

Related: Which cruise ice cream is the best? I ate dozens of scoops to find out

Guests can use the package to purchase drinks in the self-service buffet; the main restaurant; on Ocean Cay , the line's private island; and at bars on the ship. Kids can only use the package in the specialty restaurants if the adults traveling with them have purchased an Easy Plus or Premium Extra package.

Alcohol-Free Package

The Alcohol-Free Package includes the same beverages as the Minors Package, but it's available to purchase for adults (or anyone 13 and older in the Caribbean and North America).

The same restrictions apply regarding where you can (and cannot) use the package on and off the ship.

Easy Package

MSC's Easy Package offers both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options for adult passengers. The list of covered beverages includes select classic or international cocktails; a variety of spirits (vodka, gin, rum, tequila, brandy and whisky); house wines (white, red, rose and sparkling); Heineken on draft or in the bottle (the brand of beer may vary); nonalcoholic cocktails and mixed drinks; fountain or canned soft drinks; fruit juices by the glass or in the bottle; bottled mineral water; and hot drinks such as espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, hot tea and hot chocolate.

You can use the package in the bars, the main restaurant and the buffet, and on Ocean Cay, but not in the specialty restaurants or signature venues.

Easy Plus Package

The next upgrade in MSC Cruises' drink packages is the Easy Plus option, which covers drinks up to $10. The included beverages with the package are a selection of classic and frozen cocktails; protein shakes and fresh fruit cocktails; well spirits, liqueurs and cordials; a variety of bottled and draught beers; mocktails and all nonalcoholic beverages; bottled mineral water; and the hot drinks included in the Easy Package mentioned above.

The Easy Plus Package also provides a selection of wines by the glass and a 10% discount on bottles of wine. You can use this package in the main restaurant, at the bars, in the buffet, on Ocean Cay and in the specialty dining venues. It is not available to use in the signature venues.

Related: 8 best drinks to order with a cruise ship beverage package (and 3 to avoid)

Premium Extra Package

If you enjoy Champagne, fine wines and premium spirits, you'll want to splurge on MSC's Premium Extra Package for your cruise vacation.

This package covers drinks up to $16; a wide selection of international and premium cocktails; mocktails and nonalcoholic drinks; premium spirits, liqueurs and cordials; fresh fruit and protein cocktails; a wide variety of draft and bottled beers; bottled mineral water; and classic or specialty hot drinks (Irish coffee, anyone?).

You can also purchase bottles of wine and Champagne at a 25% discount and order fine wines and Champagne by the glass (up to $16). You can use the package everywhere except for the signature venues.

If you've reserved accommodations in the MSC Yacht Club, the line's ship-within-a-ship private enclave, you will automatically receive the Premium Extra Package as part of your cruise fare. You may use it to purchase beverages at the Top Sail Lounge and exclusive restaurant in the Yacht Club and at any of the complimentary or specialty dining venues around the ship.

What are the MSC drink package prices?

MSC's package pricing is based on the length of the cruise, with longer voyages having a lower price per day. You'll save at least 15% on the price if you purchase the package online before your cruise rather than on board. (The current prices listed below come in at even higher savings.) All gratuities are included in the prices.

The following package prices are per person, per day.

• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $21; seven-night or longer cruise, $19
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $25; seven-night or longer cruise, $22
• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $30; seven-night or longer cruise, $28
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $35; seven-night or longer cruise, $33
• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $49; seven-night or longer cruise, $46
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $60; seven-night or longer cruise, $57
• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $64; seven-night or longer cruise, $61
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $76; seven-night or longer cruise, $72
• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $88; seven-night or longer cruise, $85
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $104; seven-night or longer cruise, $100

You can also take advantage of MSC's special promotions on select sailings that include a beverage package. For example, a current promotion online has 40% off cruise fares and includes a drink package (the Easy Plus Package), Wi-Fi and up to $400 of onboard credit per cabin, depending on the category booked. You can upgrade the drink package before you sail (at a discounted price) or once on board the ship for full price.

Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise

MSC cruise drink packages FAQ

What happens if i want to purchase a drink that costs more than the package allowance price.

If you want to order a cocktail, glass of wine or spirit that's not included in the package you've purchased, you will only pay the difference in price between the package allowance and the price of your beverage.

Are the drink offerings the same on all MSC Cruises?

You'll find a variety in the selection of beverages and ingredients used to make cocktails, depending on the destination of your MSC cruise and the time of year. If you thoroughly enjoyed one type of wine during your summer cruise in the Mediterranean, you might not be able to order the same wine on board your Caribbean cruise during the holidays.

Related: 17 best cruise ship bars

What is the best time to buy MSC Cruises drink packages?

As I mentioned above, it's best to purchase your drink package online before your cruise for the lowest price. The MSC Cruises website advertises discounts of up to 15% when you purchase in advance of your sailing rather than on board the ship. Once your cruise is booked, you can select the package of your choice for your voyage under the "Manage Your Booking" section.

Are drink packages available on MSC Cruises ships?

Drink packages are available on all MSC Cruises ships, except for vessels sailing to South Africa or China.

Is a drink package included if I book a world cruise?

The line's Dine & Drinks package is included if you're embarking on a world cruise with MSC. The package covers house wines, draft beer, soft drinks and mineral water at the buffet and in the main restaurant during lunch and dinner. This package is only available to guests sailing on the world cruise; it is possible to upgrade the package.

Can you upgrade an MSC Cruises drink package?

Yes, all passengers have the option to upgrade their packages. Before your sailing, upgrades are only available if the package is included in your cruise promotion; the upgrade will be available at a discounted price. Otherwise, you can upgrade your beverage package once you board the ship, but it will be at full price.

Is there a limit on drinks with an MSC Cruises drink package?

The all-inclusive packages do not put a limit on the number of alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, bottled mineral waters or other drinks you can order each day.

Is an MSC Cruises drink package right for you?

If you enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or aperitif, have a glass of wine (or two) at dinner and possibly even splurge on a chocolate martini for an after-dinner drink at the show, a drink package could be a worthwhile investment for your cruise.

Many people also prefer bottled water over the free water available at the dining venues and lattes or cappuccinos over regular coffee in the morning. If that's you, the cost of the individual nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages can add up quickly during a weeklong cruise. And you could pay a lot more for purchasing a la carte drinks than you would with a beverage package, especially if you plan on ordering fancy wines and specialty cocktails.

For example, if you're on a four-night cruise, the Easy Plus Package will cost you $64 per person, per day, which includes gratuities, for a total of $208. There is no limit to either the nonalcoholic or alcoholic beverages you consume, so if want one or two lattes to start your day, have a glass of wine and bottled water at lunch and have a few bottled waters by the pool, you're probably already at about half of the daily price (or more) of the package if you were purchasing the items individually.

Add to that a pre-dinner drink, a glass of wine or two at dinner with bottled mineral water, and then maybe a cocktail later in the evening, and you're easily past that $64 per day — and you've had to pay gratuities on the bar bills.

Related: Are cruise line drink packages worth the price? What to know before you buy

An advantage of buying one of the two higher-tier packages is the discount on bottles of wine. If you enjoy ordering bottles of fine wine at dinner, then this could be a plus if you have one of the more expensive packages.

If you're cruising in the Middle East, you should know that MSC Cruises will not serve alcohol due to Saudi law while the ship is docked in a Saudi Arabian port. Alcohol will be served again once the ship is sailing in international waters. But if you have a few days in Saudi Arabia, that's something to consider when purchasing a beverage package.

Bottom line

Doing the math is the best way to determine if a drink package makes sense. If you think you'll want all the beverages that come at an extra cost on the ship, then the best option is to purchase a package pre-cruise online. Buying the package beforehand affords the most significant discount and will save money over waiting to purchase it on board the ship.

Also, if you're traveling with someone in the same cabin (or you plan to dine with them) and they want a drink package, you won't have the choice to purchase a package — you'll have to spring for one, too.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.