MSC Gratuities: The Hotel Service Charge Explained

Where these numbers come from

MSC does not use the word gratuity in its own guidance. It calls the daily amount a hotel service charge and adds it for each guest automatically. Pages written about the line sometimes mix up old and new rates, so the booking date in your paperwork matters as much as the ship.

For Caribbean and Alaska bookings made from May 11, 2026, the charge is $17 per person per night in standard cabins and $23 in the Yacht Club. On Mediterranean bookings after July 2, 2026, adults pay 12 euros in standard cabins and 16 euros in the Yacht Club, while guests aged 2 to 17 pay 10 and 13. Children under 2 pay nothing. The rate depends on where you bought the booking and where the ship sails.

A worked example for a Caribbean family of four (two adults, two children aged 6 and 9) on 7 nights in standard cabins: 4 x 7 x $17 = $476, because the US charge does not step down for children. A Yacht Club couple on the same week pay 2 x 7 x $23 = $322. Put your own party size into the gratuity calculator.

The second layer is an 18% service charge on bar purchases on North America itineraries. A $60 bar bill becomes $70.80. Drink packages already include this charge in the listed price according to the line's package page, so there is no extra on top. The line does not recommend tipping individual staff, although extra tips are allowed for exceptional service.

You have options on the hotel charge. A guest unhappy with service can ask Guest Relations on board to remove it, and the charge can also be added to the cruise price at booking rather than paid on board. Even members of the loyalty club must pay it. It is shared among cabin, bar, dining, culinary and hotel staff.

In a cost comparison, MSC's $17 sits just above Disney's $16 and below Celebrity's $19.50. The low fares on MSC make the daily charge a bigger share of the trip. For fares, deposits and cancellation dates, read the MSC overview, and for drinks see the MSC drink package page. The cruise cost calculator adds it all together.

Sources

• MSC hotel service charge
• MSC on board information FAQ
• MSC drinks packages

Figures checked on September 30, 2026.

This page is general information, not legal, insurance or travel-agent advice. Fees, rules and limits change, so confirm the figures with the official sources listed above before you book or travel.