Popular Cruise Line Set to Raise Gratuity Rates

MSC Cruises is raising its onboard gratuity rates this spring. Here’s what you need to know before you sail.

MSC Cruises Is Raising Gratuity Rates

Starting May 11, MSC Cruises will increase its Hotel Service Charge for Caribbean and Alaska sailings. These are the daily fees automatically added to your onboard account to cover crew gratuities.

If you’re staying in a standard cabin, your daily rate will go up from $16 to $17 per person. Guests booked in the exclusive MSC Yacht Club will see a bigger jump — from $20 to $23 per night.

Children under 2 years old are not charged these fees. If you’ve already prepaid your gratuities before May 11, you’ll be locked in at the current lower rate.

Why Is MSC Raising These Fees?

MSC shared a statement explaining the decision. “This update supports our dedicated crew members who deliver the exceptional onboard experience our guests expect,” the cruise line told USA TODAY. “We remain committed to providing outstanding service and value, and we look forward to welcoming guests onboard.”

So where does the money actually go? MSC explains it on their website: “The Hotel Service Charges are distributed among crew members who contribute to the enjoyment and experience while on board. These crew members include stateroom attendants, bar, dining, and culinary staff, as well as many valued hotel operations crew that work hard behind the scenes.”

Can You Adjust the Charges?

Yes, you can. These charges are added to your account automatically, but MSC allows guests to adjust them at the Guest Services desk while onboard. This gives you some flexibility if you feel strongly about the amount.

MSC Isn’t the Only Cruise Line Raising Gratuities

This kind of increase is happening across the cruise industry. MSC is simply the latest in a string of cruise lines making similar moves.

Princess Cruises rolled out higher Crew Appreciation charges in early March. They also raised service charges on food and beverage purchases at the same time.

Carnival Cruise Line announced in February that it would raise daily gratuity rates in early April. Carnival also increased prices on at least one of its drink packages.

Why Do Cruise Lines Keep Raising Gratuity Rates?

Cruise lines often point to rising costs as the main reason. Danny Genung, CEO of travel agency Harr Travel, put it simply. “You look at the cost of hotels and transportation, fuel and food and everything else, and I think it’s really just a normal response. You know, compensating employees, offsetting costs that have increased.”

In short, as the cost of running a cruise ship goes up, so do the fees passed on to passengers.

What This Means for Your Cruise Budget

Gratuity fees are one of those costs that can sneak up on you if you’re not planning ahead. On a 7-night Caribbean cruise, the new $17 per day rate adds up to $119 per person. For a couple, that’s $238 just in gratuities.

Yacht Club guests will pay even more. At $23 per night, a couple on a 7-night cruise would owe $322 in service charges.

The easiest way to avoid the new higher rates is to prepay your gratuities before May 11. Check your booking details now and see if prepaying makes sense for your upcoming sailing.