are gratuities included in msc yacht club

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MSC Gratuities (Tips/Service Charge): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work

Sailing MSC and wondering about the service charges — also known as gratuities — that you will see? Almost no matter which cruise line you sail, these daily charges are a part of life.

And the cost can be significant. In general, cruise lines charge between $14-$16 per person, per day for the gratuity charges. That can add up to hundreds of dollars for a couple on a weeklong cruise.

Of course, with those sorts of dollar amounts, you might have some questions about what this money is for, where it goes, and how the entire process works.

In This Article...

What are service charges (gratuities)?

Daily gratuity charges come in a lot of different names. Sometimes they are called tips. Some lines call them crew appreciation. MSC called them service charges.

These all mean the same thing — a charge per person, per day that is to provide compensation to the passenger-facing crew like your room steward and the dining staff.

In the past (decades ago), the crew relied on the generosity of passengers to provide a tip. Today, the process is automated to where nearly everyone on the ship is charged the same rate.

How much are service charges on MSC?

MSC has several different gratuity rates that depend where the cruise occurs. For those sailing in The Bahamas/Caribbean, South America, or Asia , you’ll see the following rates:

• Adults (>12 and up): $14.50 per night
• Children (2-12): $7.25 per night
• No service charges for kids under 2 years old

For those sailing in the Mediterranean, Europe, Middle East or Southern Caribbean , the rates are slightly different and priced in euros:

• Adults (>12 and up): 12 euros per night
• Children (2-12): 6 euros per night

So say that you’re a couple taking a 7-day cruise. In this case, you’ll each pay $14.50 per night, for a total of $203 over the course of the trip.

How do I pay the MSC service charges?

You have a couple of options for how you can pay these charges.

First, you can choose to pre-pay. In this case, the daily service charge is added into the price of the cruise. When doing this, the charge is already taken care of before you board meaning it’s one less thing to worry about. On the other hand, it also means giving the cruise line more money before you technically have to pay it.

The second way to pay the gratuity charges is to simply wait until you are on the ship. They will be added to your onboard account during the trip. You will then pay with the payment method on file at the end of the cruise as you would with any other onboard spending.

For more on whether or not to pre-pay gratuities, see our article here .

Can I change the amount charged?

In general, no you cannot change the gratuity amount charged. MSC says on their website that “ 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.”

So if you simply don’t agree with the service charge amount, you can’t adjust it. But what if you receive particularly bad service? In that case, there is some recourse.

The cruise line says “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.”

Can I tip more if I want? Or tip a specific person?

Many people during the cruise find a particular bartender they love or really appreciate their room steward. So if there’s someone that you want to thank on the cruise, can you tip more?

Most cruise lines encourage this, but MSC specifically says it “does not recommend tipping individual members of staff.” Even so, there is a difference between “not recommending” something and banning it. If you decide you want to slip some extra cash to a crew member, it will likely be appreciated.

Which staff is covered by the MSC service charge?

It’s not specifically laid out exactly how the service charge is applied to the crew. While cruise lines normally are tight-lipped about how exactly the charges break down to the crew members, they do normally lay out in general terms who gets the money.

MSC speaks in even more vague terms about where the money goes:

“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. “

Does the service charge cover all the tipping around the ship?

For the most part, MSC’s gratuity charge covers all the tipping you need to do on the ship. So if you go eat in the main dining room, you simply leave when you’re done with the meal. There’s no need to leave a tip.

One area that is not covered is the bar. If you purchase a drink on the ship (assuming you don’t have the drink package) then there is a 18% bar service charge added on automatically for North American cruises and 15% for other trips.

Notably, MSC makes no mention of extra gratuity charges for spa and specialty restaurants, two areas that normally see additional gratuity tacked on for other cruise lines.

What else should I know about MSC’s service charges?

One thing that we think should be pointed out is that when it comes to cruise gratuities, MSC is actually on the low end. For instance, Carnival Cruise Line charges $16 per person , per day as of April 2023. Royal Caribbean also charges $16 per person , per day for most cabins.

There is also no upcharge on the gratuity amount if staying in a suite (these cabins typically see higher gratuity charges on other lines), and there is the lower daily charge for kids 12 and under.

In other words, while no one likes to see extra charges on their cruise, MSC offers one of the best values when it comes to these fees.

More on Sailing MSC:

• Worth It? Complete Guide to MSC Cruises Drink Packages
• 10 Ways MSC Is Different From Other Cruise Lines
• Ocean Cay (MSC’s Private Island): Complete Guide & Things to Know

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Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, 11 comments.

In Europe they do pay. It is added to cruise fare automatically so is paid by all and cannot be removed.

So sad..to read such misinfirmed and inaccurate comments…. in which good crew members are gipped out of tips…because a passenger does not understand how it works. Tops or DAILY GRATS…are split with ALL crew…ones you do not see ( laundry, pool deck, etc). Pay your daiky grats. If you’re not happy with something go to guest services and they should correct whatever crew member is not providing you the proper service

This may be accurate for some lines and not others. The one I worked for had tipped positions who received the gratuities (some directly such as waiter and asst waiter and others in pools (bartenders except for add’l tip added by the guest at time of purchase). The back of house didn’t share in the tips at all. And technically if you handed a non-tipped position cash, they were to turn it into their manager to enhance “crew welfare” events of that particular team.

Hello fellow & future cruisers! I absolutely adore cruising 🛳! It’s my favorite way to travel. I’ve only been on 8, soon to be 9.

I learned on my first cruise with Carnival that once you board, it’s best to go straight to the service desk & kindly say “Hello. I’d like to remove the tipping fees from my account.” Without hesitation or question, the Carnival staff immediately is understanding. They look at the computer screen & simply remove the fees. #1 This frees up literally hundreds of $$$$ off of ur c.c. #2 You get to decide who to tip directly, who deserves a lot, a little or nothing. #3 These hard working people should get the tips THEY deserve. One of our waiters once told me, that the servers make about $1.18 average. It was heart breaking.

I bought the drink package & found a bar in the atrium I liked. There was a fantastic bartender that I was so sweet. The first night I gave her $20. She cried & told me that would help her family so much. I got great service from her for the rest of the cruise & have a kind hearted story that touched both her & my soul. ❤️

I’ve had one of the room cleaners that never cleaned anything! By the 7th night, we had at least 10 dirty glasses. There would’ve been more but we kept sending them out with room service. Oh, we tipped our room service people a few bucks each time they came. That put a pep in their step whenever they came over! At the end of our cruise, everyone in our area was talking about how dirty their rooms were. We honestly explained to our room cleaner why we weren’t tipping him. He never changed our sheets or gave us the cute towel animals. We could’ve complained, but eh… I didn’t want negative energy. However I tip accordingly. Maybe next time he’ll do his job.

I hope you all have a fantastic vacation! No matter where u go! Thanks for reading! Much Love, Lynae Thomas

I am on MSC Preziosa at the moment. I did not go to the dining room at all, because they gave me the second seating instead of the first seating, which is too late for me. (I bought the lower class ‘Bella’, so just too bad, I got what they had left!). I asked for my Hotel Service Charges to be paid to the Buffet staff instead of the Dining Room staff. They refused. They said the gratuities is for everyone including the Engine Cleaners! So, actually when they say ‘Hotel Service Charge’ they really mean paying your part of the ‘MSC Pay roll’. Or they could just call it ‘Extra Cruise Fare’. Which is amazing is that Europeans do not have to pay for those extra charges on the European cruise where I am right now. It is mandatory only for the people that have bought their cruise from MSC Cruises USA. Why? I have no idea!!!

Hi I read on the site If booked before November 2022 With msc line There wasn’t a hotel charge is that correct

This has been very helpful! Thank you for all this information. Please if anyone can answer two questions from first-time cruisers: 1) We bought our tickets through a 3rd party…is that the CC MSC will charge our gratuities to at the end of the trip, or will we have a chance to provide them a different CC while onboard? 2) Does buying any of the drinks package cover ALL the gratuities of the total trip ($14.5/day/person), or only the gratuities of the drinks bought?

MSC uses a system where you add the card once you are on the ship (there are kiosks you visit). So you can use whichever card you want once onboard.

The drink package only covers gratuities of the drinks bought.

thank you for the reply. Greatly appreciated. Much to learn bout cruising:)

Great informative post. Thank you. Myself and my husband don’t drink so we plan to not have a drink package. Will we still pay this 18% for a soft drink from the bar. (Pepsi, Coke or a juice etc)? Just curious as we have a Northern Europe trip planned next Spring with MSC

Yes, that charge should be there. However, the amount will be 15% for that region, not 18%.

From MSC’s website:

“Onboard bar purchases will incur a gratuities, automatically added to all purchases: 15% gratuities on European, Emirates, South Caribbean, Red Sea, South America (Brazil and Argentine) and Far East itineraries, and 18% gratuity on North America itineraries.”

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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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MSC Yacht Club – affordable luxury at sea

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What is MSC Yacht Club?

MSC Yacht Club is a unique and exclusive experience for travelers who want to enjoy the best of both worlds onboard MSC Cruises: the amenities and activities of a large cruise ship combined with the privacy and personalized service of a boutique hotel.

With its private lounge, pool, and restaurant, as well as its 24-hour butler service and range of exclusive amenities, the MSC Yacht Club is the perfect choice for travelers who want to experience luxury cruising with a cruise line that won’t blow your vacation budget.

Extra perks with your Yacht Club cabin

As a member of the MSC Yacht Club, you will enjoy numerous exclusive privileges. Beautifully appointed suites provide an oasis of comfort, designed by renowned architects De Jorio Design International. Your stay comes with 24-hour Butler Service and a dedicated concierge.

Some of the additional perks include:

• Priority boarding and disembarkation
• Unlimited drinks in all MSC Yacht Club areas and from your minibar with the Premium Extra drinks package .
• Complimentary access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea Spa

Away from the crowds in your own retreat

With access to various dedicated venues onboard, your MSC Yacht Club experience will provide a getaway from the bustling crowds of the main ship. Enjoy peace and quiet in your private lounge, bask in the sun on the private sundeck, or retreat to the exclusive pool area reserved only for Yacht Club members.

Some of the exclusive venues you can enjoy are:

• Top Sail Lounge: A stylish panoramic lounge offering complimentary beverages and snacks
• The One Pool: An outdoor area with a private pool, whirlpools, and sun deck
• The One Bar: An MSC Yacht Club exclusive bar providing a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

Yacht Club dining your way

Experience a world of cuisine tailored to your preferences while dining in the elegant MSC Yacht Club restaurant. You’ll have access to an exclusive restaurant, ensuring fine dining and a more intimate atmosphere to elevate your cruise experience.

Some dining highlights include:

• Flexible dining times to suit your schedule
• Gourmet menus crafted by award-winning chefs
• An extensive selection of wines, carefully curated by a team of sommeliers

What to Expect from Your Yacht Club Cabin

Types of suites.

MSC Yacht Club guests can choose among a range of luxurious suites; compared to other categories like Bella, Fantastica, and Aurea, the Yacht Club suites boast premium features and prime locations onboard.

In-Room Services and Amenities

In your Yacht Club cabin, you can expect the following:

• Egyptian cotton sheets and a selection of pillow options
• A fully-stocked minibar
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access
• Spacious closet and storage solutions
• USB outlets and a selection of both North American and European electrical sockets

Additionally, your Yacht Club suite provides you with a personal butler offering round-the-clock services for tasks such as packing and unpacking, arranging specialty dining, and scheduling spa appointments.

Enjoying the MSC Yacht Club Advantage

Benefit from added perks compared to other cabin types, like priority check-in/check-out and priority disembarkation at each port. Access to exclusive venues, such as the private Yacht Club lounge, pool, and restaurant, enhances your cruising experience and creates a personalized atmosphere.

These advantages, paired with the all-inclusive fares and premium drinks package, help make the MSC Yacht Club category worth the extra price tag. Many guests choose this category when they prefer to be away from crowds yet still on a large cruise ship.

Compare the price of MSC Yacht Club category cabins with, for example, standard balcony cabins with Royal Caribbean, and you may find the price difference is not that big.

Onboard Experiences

Msc entertainment – how does it compare.

With a variety of shows, live music, and performances, this cruise experience is designed to cater to your tastes and preferences, offering a wide range of entertainment options for you to choose from. You will, however, not find the big Broadway-style shows of other major cruise lines.

Wellness and Relaxation – stay fit even on vacation

MSC Yacht Club understands that your well-being is essential even when on vacation. As a result, the cruise offers state-of-the-art wellness facilities and programs for you to maintain your fitness regimen and achieve total Relaxation. Some of these facilities and services include:

• Fully-equipped gym
• Fitness classes and personal training
• Spa with various treatments and massages
• Exclusive relaxation area with private pool and sun deck

Membership Benefits and Perks

Priority access.

With priority check-in and check-out, your arrival and departure will be as smooth as possible. Additionally, you’ll experience priority disembarkation and boarding on shore excursion days, and you’ll be among the first guests on the tender boats allowing you to make the most of your time in port and avoid long lines.

Loyalty Program

Your MSC Yacht Club membership comes with elevated benefits from the MSC Cruises loyalty program, including:

• All-inclusive fare : Your fare covers a wide range of amenities, including a premium drink package and Wi-Fi.
• Luxurious suites : Enjoy uncompromising luxury in suites designed by renowned architects De Jorio Design International.
• Exclusive areas : Access private club-members-only restaurant, pool, and sun deck, providing a more intimate and tranquil cruise experience.
• Personalized services : 24-hour butler and concierge services cater to your every need, such as dining and spa reservations, luggage packing and unpacking, and more.
• Comfort amenities : Relax with bathrobes, slippers, and a pillow menu in your suite.

By taking advantage of these MSC Yacht Club perks, you can transform your cruise experience into one that is a little more exclusive. For a great experience, we recommend the Yacht Club category on one of MSC’s newest cruise ships for your next cruise vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What perks come with the yacht club.

With the MSC Yacht Club, you can enjoy an exclusive cruise experience that includes priority check-in and check-out, departure and return on excursion days, a 24-hour butler service, and a dedicated concierge. You’ll also have access to a private club to enjoy room service 24 hours daily.

Is alcohol included?

The MSC Yacht Club provides a complimentary mini-bar in each suite, offering refreshments around the clock. In addition, you will have access to all-inclusive alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, which are available in all Yacht Club areas, and an extensive beverage menu in the Yacht Club itself.

You no longer have to choose between the various MSC beverage packages; with Yacht Club, the Premium Extra drinks package is included.

What’s the dress code?

While onboard the MSC Yacht Club, the dress code varies depending on the time of day and the ship’s activities. During the day, you can wear casual attire, but it is recommended to dress slightly more formally for dinner and evening events. Be sure to check your daily program for any special events or themed nights that may require specific attire.

How much are gratuities, and should I tip extra onboard?

Gratuities are included in the MSC Yacht Club experience, so you don’t have to worry about additional charges. However, if you feel that a particular crew member went above and beyond to provide exceptional service, you may tip them extra as a token of appreciation.

What amenities are included?

The MSC Yacht Club offers a range of luxurious amenities to enhance your cruise experience. These include a private lounge, pool area, and sun deck reserved exclusively for Yacht Club guests. You’ll also enjoy Egyptian cotton sheets, a memory foam mattress, and a choice of pillows in your suite. Additionally, your on-hand 24-hour Butler and the dedicated concierge ensure you are well taken care of throughout your stay.

Is Yacht Club on all ships?

The MSC Yacht Club is available on most of MSC’s fleet of ships , providing an elite and luxurious cruise experience for those looking for that extra touch of elegance and exclusivity. If you’re considering a cruise with MSC, check whether the Yacht Club is available on your desired itinerary.

Meet the author: Sarah has created and booked hundreds of travel itineraries for thousands of customers during a career in the travel industry that spans 20 years. Having worked hand in hand with cruise lines, hotels, airlines and tour operators worldwide, she offers inspiring & detailed insights in the world of travel and tourism.

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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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Yacht Club Gratuities Clarity Please

By Basketball wife , July 20 in MSC Cruises

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Basketball wife

I’ve only been on MSC once, in the Yacht Club out of New York and didn’t pay daily gratuities. We have a September cruise out of Southampton on the Virtuosa and just received an email regarding gratuity increases. The Yacht Club is listed. So, my question is, does MSC charge the YC gratuities on a daily basis or have they already been included in my fare? Thanks!

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Just now, Basketball wife said: I’ve only been on MSC once, in the Yacht Club out of New York and didn’t pay daily gratuities. We have a September cruise out of Southampton on the Virtuosa and just received an email regarding gratuity increases. The Yacht Club is listed. So, my question is, does MSC charge the YC gratuities on a daily basis or have they already been included in my fare? Thanks!

I have only sailed once with MSC and that was last week. I was in the YC and  each passenger had a "Hotel Service Charge" debited from our on board account.

44 minutes ago, Basketball wife said: I’ve only been on MSC once, in the Yacht Club out of New York and didn’t pay daily gratuities. We have a September cruise out of Southampton on the Virtuosa and just received an email regarding gratuity increases. The Yacht Club is listed. So, my question is, does MSC charge the YC gratuities on a daily basis or have they already been included in my fare? Thanks!

Outside of the US gratuities are included in cruise fare.  With sailings originating in the US you will be charged on a daily basis for you service charges (gratuities).

Thank you 👍 😁

8 hours ago, Basketball wife said: . So, my question is, does MSC charge the YC gratuities on a daily basis or have they already been included in my fare? Thanks!

 Unless they are embedded in the fare you paid, or you pre-paid them before sailing, they are charged to your account on a daily basis.  You will see one day where they are charged twice to account of the last day of the cruise when they close out accounts.  Since you are from Canada I assume they were included in the fair you payed for your cruise. 

Prior to July 1st. The YC gratuities were $18 a day per person.  Cruises booked after July 1st will pay $20 a day per person. 

perakcruiser

17 hours ago, Beaver1975 said: Outside of the US gratuities are included in cruise fare.  With sailings originating in the US you will be charged on a daily basis for you service charges (gratuities).

It is unfortunately not that easy. And the present rules for Canadian bookings are something that is only known in Canada  🙂  

On 7/20/2024 at 9:08 AM, Beaver1975 said: Outside of the US gratuities are included in cruise fare.  With sailings originating in the US you will be charged on a daily basis for you service charges (gratuities).

Can you adjust the daily amount? If so, is that handled by a trip to GS once onboard? First time on MSC (not first time cruising) so I'm trying to understand their processes before sailing. Yhanks!

7 hours ago, Haljo1935 said: Can you adjust the daily amount? If so, is that handled by a trip to GS once onboard? First time on MSC (not first time cruising) so I'm trying to understand their processes before sailing. Yhanks!

 What do you mean by "adjust the daily amount"?  We have never adjusted daily gratuities.  We feel that everyone deserves these and those that go over and above deserve more which we give at time of serivce or at the end of the cruise. 

 Also if you are in YC there is no need to go to guest services. There is a dedicated 24/7 Concierge desk in the YC that can take care of you. 

27 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:    What do you mean by "adjust the daily amount"?  We have never adjusted daily gratuities.  We feel that everyone deserves these and those that go over and above deserve more which we give at time of serivce or at the end of the cruise.     Also if you are in YC there is no need to go to guest services. There is a dedicated 24/7 Concierge desk in the YC that can take care of you.     

Not looking to remove gratuities from anyone - yes, absolutely crew works hard and deserves everything coming to them. Rather than giving cash to select crew members, I'm asking if I can simply adjust the gratuities to have them increased to whatever amount I want so everyone (rather than only certain people) benefit from the higher amount.

I would not be in YC.

1 hour ago, Haljo1935 said: Rather than giving cash to select crew members, I'm asking if I can simply adjust the gratuities to have them increased to whatever amount I want so everyone (rather than only certain people) benefit from the higher amount.

Maybe also this depends on the market. For markets where gratuities are mandatory and have to be paid in advance, obviously it is not possible. Before it was possible, when we had two cabins we usually deleted the gratuities for one cabin and increased them for the other to maximize the Voyager points for the family member who needed them most. Otherwise I still would not have Diamond I guess 😄  and after my promotion we gave all  gratuities to my brother's cabin until MSC made the change to mandatory payment in advance.

12 hours ago, Haljo1935 said: Not looking to remove gratuities from anyone - yes, absolutely crew works hard and deserves everything coming to them. Rather than giving cash to select crew members, I'm asking if I can simply adjust the gratuities to have them increased to whatever amount I want so everyone (rather than only certain people) benefit from the higher amount.

 I do not know the answer to your question. I guess it is something that you would have to take up with Guest Services.  I do not see why they would not let you do it.  I know on another cruise line we sail there is a form we have used to give additional gratuities to specific crew members but not sure if that exist on MSC. 

12 hours ago, Haljo1935 said: I would not be in YC.

 Sorry - I took it from the topic that we were talking about Gratuities in the YC.  No big deal. 

I just got off the seascape last week.  We were charged $112 each on the second day of the cruise for a total of $224.  It was not a daily per day charge like I usually see on other cruise lines. We were told this was a charge for the whole ship and did nor really cover the tip to the waiter, asst. waiter, room attendant, and Butler, etc.  I was really shocked.  We always tip them extra, but we were told they really get very little of that money so large tips were expected?  So another few hundred dollars to all the staff.......

1 minute ago, dasi11 said: We were told this was a charge for the whole ship and did nor really cover the tip to the waiter, asst. waiter, room attendant, and Butler, etc.  I was really shocked. 

 This is news to us as well.  While we have always pre-paid ours so I never looked to see if it was a daily charge like other cruise lines.  Guess I now know. 

 I was just thinking this morning that  have never seen a gratuity breakdown for MSC like I have for other cruise lines.  I wonder who does get the gratuities if not the people who we interact with on a daily basis?

oceans.calling

We have always been charged the whole fee on the second day. I find it is easier to look at one charge instead of 7 lines of the individual fee. 

KINGBOBOFTHENORTH

On 7/20/2024 at 10:08 AM, Beaver1975 said: Outside of the US gratuities are included in cruise fare.

Not. I sailed on MSC Euribia last December from Southampton to other European ports and €84 per passenger was added to our Onboard Account.

Best Cat Mom

We've always viewed the daily service charges like resort fees at a land-based property. We separately tip individuals for excellent service at both types of properties in addition to the daily charges/fees.

3 hours ago, dasi11 said: We were told this was a charge for the whole ship and did nor really cover the tip to the waiter, asst. waiter, room attendant, and Butler, etc.  

Somebody lied to you. Certainly it does cover all tips. Especially waiters and Tom attendants.

13 hours ago, KINGBOBOFTHENORTH said: Not. I sailed on MSC Euribia last December from Southampton to other European ports and €84 per passenger was added to our Onboard Account.

I think the person meant if you purchased through the  country's site.  If you booked on the English site, it would be included. I suspect you booked through the US site, perhaps?

11 hours ago, JAGR said: I think the person meant if you purchased through the country's site.  If you booked on the English site, it would be included. I suspect you booked through the US site, perhaps?

That's correct. Booked on the U.S. website.

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MSC Yacht Club Perks: 10 Amenities Worth the Splurge

The luxurious MSC Yacht Club -- where passengers have their separate section of the ship, including a lounge, pool and restaurant -- was introduced on MSC Fantasia, when it debuted in 2008.

Since then, the line has added the MSC Yacht Club to MSC Splendida, MSC Divina and MSC Preziosa, as well as all newer ships since including MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaview, MSC Bellissima, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Grandiosa -- and the ship I am currently on -- the newest in the fleet, MSC Seashore .

Fares can vary, but in general, cabins in the Yacht Club cost double what you'd spend on a regular cabin (see below).

So why should you upgrade?

Overall, you'll find an experience that's more refined and upscale than the frenetic activity and packed pools located outside its walls. In addition to the MSC Yacht Club benefits we'll list below, there's the obvious one: With fewer cabins and lots of dedicated space, the club lends a feeling of serenity, far from the rest of the bustling mega-ship.

We think it's the perfect choice for luxury lovers who want to feel pampered at a reasonable price or families who want the fun amenities of a big ship, while still having an aura of exclusivity.

Read on for a list of MSC Yacht Club perks and our take on why you should be sailing in the Yacht Club on your next cruise.

1. Food Glorious Food: You Will Never Go Hungry in MSC Yacht Club

It's 4 p.m. and like a conditioned Pavlov's dog, my stomach growls. I'm ready for my canapes.

No matter that I already ate an embarrassing amount of shrimp at the seafood extravaganza lunch in the Top Sail buffet, reserved for the guests on MSC Seashore staying in the ship's suite-within-a-suite complex, the Yacht Club. So many shrimp that the Yacht Club waiters, used to anticipating your food and drink needs, brought out extra cocktail sauce.

But that was all of four hours ago and now it's time for canapes. Or a scone with clotted cream and preserves; the Yacht Club has a full English tea in the lounge daily at this hour. Or you can get your tea sandwiches and pastries near the Yacht Club pool and bring them to your plush lounger or daybed. I choose the latter option, knowing it will keep me content until dinner at the Yacht Club's special restaurant.

If you're feeling peckish, there's no reason to leave the Yacht Club unless you want to. A small buffet is set out all day long outdoors at Top Sail, with a rotating list of goodies, ranging from breakfast to lunch to afternoon snacks and tea. Downstairs in the lounge, you'll also find small bar snacks. And I already mentioned the canapes that magically arrive at various hours of the day.

2. All Inclusive: So Much Comes With Your Yacht Club Fare -- Including Your Drink Package

There's no question that the Yacht Club is a splurge. Interior cabins start at around $2,800 for two people and a balcony will run you $4,100 for two people. Expect the cost to rise as your suite gets bigger, as Royal Suites cost around $12,000 and the Owners Suite can get up to $16,000 for a couple (figures are averages, given to me by MSC Seashore's Yacht Club Director Robert Balla).

Look beyond the base cost, though, and notice what you're getting. All Yacht Club suites come with a premium drink package that covers all beverages, alcoholic and non, up to $15. On MSC Seashore, that price limit means you can order almost any kind of fruity cocktail you want, wherever you go on the ship. (The only exception to this we found was in the Hola! Tacos specialty restaurant, where you do pay extra for your margaritas).

The Yacht Club package also includes a two-device WiFi package and access to the thermal spa suite. Before you write off the latter as "nice to have but not necessary" category, know that MSC Seashore has one of the larger thermal suites that we've seen at sea, with not just the usual saunas, steam rooms and thalassotherapy pool, but a Kneipp progression of spa showers, a Himalayan salt room and a snow room.

Wait, you're still thirsty? Don't forget the minibar, which your butler will stock daily with beer, sodas, iced teas and a choice of sparkling or still water. In the upper suites, you also get a bottle of your favorite spirit, along with mixers.

3. Jump the Lines: You Get On and Off The Ship First

Our privileged Yacht Club experience started as soon as we rolled up to PortMiami. We found the white Yacht Club tent, where our names were checked off the list and our vaccine cards, passports and COVID-19 test results were examined and photographed. Then a "land butler" -- a shoreside employee who mimics the butler service that you'll receive once you're on the ship -- escorted us to a separate line for our rapid COVID-19 antigen test.

As we waited for our results, we were introduced to Manoj Pereira, our Yacht Club butler for the week. Right away, I knew that Pereira would take great care of us for the week, taking our hand luggage from us as we went through security and walked on to the ship. While this kind of kid glove treatment isn't something I necessarily seek out -- I'm more of a do-it-yourself-er -- having all the doors magically open and not fumbling in my bag for everything did make the experience less stressful.

Yacht Club guests are also able to get off the ship first, which means we don't have to worry about those late-morning flights home.

4. There's No Membership Fee, Just the Cost of Your Suite

Often, passengers mistake the Yacht Club for MSC's loyalty program, Voyagers, Balla told us. Anyone can buy a suite within the Yacht Club -- you don't have to be a member -- but you'll want to plan ahead, as the rooms tend to sell out early.

Even during periods when the ship was kept at lower capacity for COVID-19 restrictions, the Yacht Club is proportionately fuller than the rest of the ship, and that's because the line invites passengers to bid for upgrades. On our February 2022 sailing, the Yacht Club was 55% full, compared to about 20% for the ship as a whole. By March 2022, Balla expects all 131 suites in MSC Seashore's Yacht Club to be full.

5. The MSC Yacht Club Has So Much Extra Space, Both Indoors and Outside

With every new ship, MSC Cruises keeps improving their Yacht Club, and on MSC Seashore, the space is at the top of its game. The Yacht Club here takes up the front part of the ship on three full decks, encompassing a lounge and restaurant and the Top Sail Lounge with a saltwater pool and two whirlpools.

And unlike the rest of the ship, which famously has staircases made with Swarovski crystals and has a fair amount of glitz, the line has gone for more of a toned-down, upscale look, with neutral tones. It's a little bit Restoration Hardware, with an Italian twist. The balconies on MSC Seashore are larger than many new ships, with more room to spread out than even on quasi-siblings MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview .

The sun deck cushions in the Yacht Club are also posher than what you find on the rest of the ship, and come in a variety of configurations. You can lounge in a partially covered king-sized day bed -- guests in the highest level of suites, the Owners Suite and the Royal Suites, have these reserved for their entire cruise. Or choose a sofa to spread out, a table for al fresco dining or a luxe lounger.

6. The Yacht Club Isn't Adults Only, But Kids Have Lots of Other Distractions

Most people on our cruise were sailing without kids, but make no mistake, MSC Cruises is a family friendly line and the Yacht Club is open to all. Several cabin categories allow kids, and you will see them in the pool and whirlpool.

That being said, Balla said that disruptions are infrequent. MSC Seashore has an entire waterpark with slides dedicated to kids, as well as a large arcade area and a whimsical jungle pool. Most kids prefer to go to those areas of the ship during the day, and grab a hot dog, hamburger or pizza the main buffet, as opposed to the Yacht Club's more sophisticated fare.

If you really want to avoid children on your Sea Day, your best bet is to go down to the ship's Infinity Pool on Deck 8. This pool is marked Adults-Only and has a similar Miami chill vibe as the Yacht Club.

7. The Yacht Club Restaurant Is Much Better Than the Ship's Main Dining Rooms

A cruiser cannot live on canapes alone, and the Yacht Club restaurant is heads above the main dining room that's used by regular passengers. That's by design, Balla said -- the Yacht Club spends more per passenger on food and drink, and the dishes have better quality ingredients.

When you dine in the Yacht Club, your server will give you recommendations from the daily menu -- or if you really want something from the main dining room, they'll get it for you. On lobster night, for example, passengers had no problem turning their entrees into a surf and turf option. Want a smaller portion of another entrée to try? No problem.

The Yacht Club also goes out of its way to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions. Our butler asked us on Day 1 about our food preferences and allergies. Once he knew that we were seafood fans, he made a point of telling us the best nights to go to different restaurants.

8. Your MSC Yacht Club Butler Whisks You Everywhere

Speaking of your butler, you will never know how much you need one until you've stayed in the Yacht Club. Pereira made it clear that while we were on MSC Seashore , he would make it his mission to make our every request come true.

To that end, Pereira made our dinner reservations every night. He escorted us to the Lounge for a nightly cocktail and then delivered us to our restaurant, instructing the servers there to take good care of us. He made sure our daybed on the Top Sail sundeck was set up when we wanted to go, and had a steward fill the jacuzzi on our balcony. Coffee arrived every morning at 7:30 a.m.

Some of this personal attention seems unnecessary when you're on a ship with low capacity. But it's a godsend when MSC Seashore returns to full capacity, particularly when it comes to shows and shore excursions. Even when getting off at the line's private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve , we were gently nudged to the head of the line as Pereira expertly maneuvered the crowd.

The butlers are a key element of the MSC Yacht Club VIP experience and making you feel special onboard.

9. Got a Question or Request? The Yacht Club Concierge Is Around 24-7

On the rare locations that Pereira was not around, I relied on the Yacht Club concierge to get things done. On one windy afternoon, the cabin felt a bit chilly. No problem; a call to the concierge and a blanket arrived at the suite.

The concierge desk also helped us get a cash advance so we could tip Pereira a little extra (while gratuities in the Yacht Club are automatically levied, we believe firmly that during the pandemic, it's good to tip a little extra ). I also noticed the concierge personnel speaking a variety of languages to the international guests, which likely made them feel much more at home.

10. Personal Retreat on The Ocean Cay Private Island

Your Yacht Club perks extend beyond the ship to Ocean Cay, the private island. There is an entire section of the marine reserve dedicated to Yacht Club guests, as well as a separate restaurant with delicious food called Ocean House. As soon as you get off the ship, your butler puts you on a tram and you are whisked away to your private enclave.

On our first day in Ocean Cay, the weather was extraordinarily windy, and the Yacht Club section of the island wasn't actually the best place to be; the conditions were actually better in the non-exclusive part of Ocean Cay. We stayed because we had a cabana that blocked the wind, but you don't have to rent something extra to have excellent service here.

The Ocean House lunch, though, is far above what you find on the buffet elsewhere. Our drink package also extended to the island; this is actually the case for all passengers.

Bottom Line: Is The MSC Yacht Club Worth It?

I am sold on the MSC Yacht Club experience. When you weigh all of the perks and inclusions, as well as the enhanced dining experience, the equation comes out in favor of the Yacht Club, at least according to my priorities of comfort, ease and service.

Put it this way -- I would rather buy an interior cabin in the Yacht Club than a balcony elsewhere on the ship. While I would miss the view, I would be OK with making the most of my outdoor time at the Top Sail sundeck.

Of course, everyone has their own vacation needs and budgets. But if you're looking to be spoiled for a week, while still traveling on a megaship with a variety of activities and shows, it's hard to do better than MSC's Yacht Club.

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.

Cruise ship room service: A line-by-line guide to in-cabin dining

There are few better places to be when hunger strikes than on a cruise ship. If the buffet is busy with people or packed away, 24-hour room service is always available to fill your belly. It's one of the greatest cruising amenities that's uniformly offered on all major cruise lines. No need to dress up for dinner — just order food, flip on your cabin TV and wait for your meal to arrive.

Wondering what you can order and how much it will cost you? Here's a line-by-line overview of room service options and pricing across the major cruise lines, along with in-cabin dining menus.

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

How do I order room service on a cruise ship?

Just pick up your in-cabin phone and dial the room service number to order food. Easy!

Some cruise lines offer the option to order your food and drinks through your in-cabin TV or a smartphone app, which populates photos of the menu items. Some cruise line apps even have location-specific features that allow you to order food and drinks for delivery almost anywhere on the ship.

Breakfast is often ordered by filling out a pre-printed menu card left in your cabin and hanging it outside your door before you go to bed. Crew members collect the orders during the night and deliver your food the next morning at the time you specified.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

What types of food can I order to my cabin?

Many cruise lines offer a complimentary continental breakfast delivery, which typically includes pastries, bread, fruit, yogurt and coffee and tea. You can order hot breakfast items like eggs, pancakes and bacon, but they cost extra on select lines or in specific cabin categories.

After breakfast service ends in the late morning, all major cruise lines offer an all-day room service menu of salads, sandwiches, snacks and desserts. Most cruise lines have special in-room dining menus separate from what you'd find that day on the buffet or in the main dining room.

However, some of the more upscale lines and some select concierge cabin classes offer comprehensive in-suite dining menus, often with the convenience of ordering off the menu from the main dining room or specialty restaurants on board. This elevated in-room dining experience might include a white tablecloth setup and your meal delivered course by course to your cabin or suite.

You can access additional specialty food experiences from room service operations. These include fresh pizza delivery as seen on Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises, a cutting-edge app feature for Champagne delivery on Virgin Voyages and lobster and caviar deliveries from luxury cruise lines such as Silversea Cruises.

Is room service free on a cruise ship?

While most land-based hotels charge a premium for any food delivered to your room, cruise ships have a long legacy of including room service in their fares. Many cruisers' favorite amenity is the 24-hour complimentary access to generic yet classic menu items such as fresh fruit, a cheese plate or a club sandwich, not to mention continental breakfast.

Recent changes in the economics of cruising have sunset the glory days of unlimited, complimentary room service on several of the most popular cruise lines. Service fees and menus dominated by a la carte options are now the new norms across the industry.

Still, the fees are often considerably less than at comparable land-based resorts, and continental breakfast items are commonly free of charge (with the exception of MSC's lowest cabin class, which charges a per-item and service fee for breakfast service).

Related: 11 extra charges on cruise ships that will drive you nuts — and what you can do about them

How much does room service cost?

Depending on the cruise line and your cabin class, room service can be a complimentary all-inclusive service, billed per item or charged at a flat delivery fee. Most lines will offer complimentary continental breakfast options through room service with no service fee, even if other options cost extra.

Luxury lines, including Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, always include 24-hour room service as a standard amenity.

Delivery service fees per order can reach up to $9.95, the per-order rate currently on Norwegian Cruise Line's non-suite class cabins. A la carte prices average around $5 per item, whether that's a hot breakfast or a midday sandwich.

For example, on Carnival's new a la carte room service menu, salads cost $4 to $5 (with additional fees for adding proteins), sandwiches $5 to $7, snacks like pizza and chicken tenders $6 to $8 and dessert $3 to $5.

Do you have to tip for room service on a cruise?

On no-tipping lines, such as Seabourn and Silversea, crew members are compensated appropriately, and you do not need to tip for room service. On lines where guests are expected to tip crew members, determine first if a gratuity is automatically included in your room service order or delivery fee. If it's not, a small tip is always appreciated.

Depending on what you order and the line, you might not have the chance to sign a bill for your room service order, which could be a missed opportunity to add a tip. Come prepared with small bills to offer in appreciation of the service, as you'll find the room service staff works hard to expedite many meals around the ship.

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

Line-by-line guide to cruise ship room service

Azamara cruises.

Azamara Cruises offers room service 24 hours a day at no additional charge for all cabins and suites. A full breakfast menu is available from 6:30 to 10 a.m., while lunch, dinner and late-night snacks include fresh salads, soups, pizzas, burgers and desserts.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival 's 24-hour room service is now an a la carte menu, with free continental breakfast service. Access the room service menu through the Carnival Hub app on your smart device or by scanning the QR code in your cabin.

Complimentary continental breakfast can be arranged the night prior by calling the room service line from your cabin and delivered to your room in the window of time you designate (available from 6 to 10 a.m.). The breakfast options include a selection of fruit, cereal, baked goods and yogurt, along with coffee, tea, milk and select juices. Four breakfast sandwiches are available for an additional fee, including a biscuit, egg, sausage and hash brown sandwich ($5) and a bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese ($6).

Daytime dining runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the salads, sandwiches, snacks and desserts are also priced a la carte. The menu includes a Greek salad ($5) to which you can add grilled chicken ($3), a roasted turkey wrap ($6), a Philly cheesesteak ($7) and firecracker shrimp ($8).

Some of the late-night favorites include wings ($7), a pan pizza ($6) and devil's-food cake ($5). Soft drinks, as well as beer, liquor and wine by the bottle, are available 24 hours a day with pricing based on the ship's bar rates and free delivery.

The Carnival Hub app offers more flexibility when ordering, allowing you to customize items like a free pizza and request delivery to any place you pinpoint on the ship for a $5 service charge.

Celebrity Cruises

Room service on Celebrity Cruises is complimentary from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. for non-suite-level and AquaClass passengers and is available to suite passengers 24 hours a day at no charge. Outside of the daily complimentary hours for non-suite passengers, room service orders incur a $9.95 service fee (plus an 18% automatic gratuity).

The standard non-suite room service menu includes the soup of the day, chicken skewers, seared salmon and warm cookies with milk. Breakfast room service for non-suite cabins is complimentary and can be ordered ahead nightly with a breakfast order card. The menu includes scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and hash browns, along with coffee, tea and select juices.

AquaClass passengers have more expansive options on their breakfast menu, including custom omelets, French toast and pancakes. AquaClass also has a few more options on its room service menu, including a chicken Caesar salad, a salade nicoise with grilled tuna and a Beyond burger.

Top suites on board offer an enhanced room service breakfast menu (New York strip steak and eggs, a black truffle omelet and more), along with a robust menu that includes shrimp cocktail, crabcakes, filet mignon and sea bass, plus canapes delivered each day.

Cunard 's room service is a complimentary amenity included in your fare.

The 24-hour service includes a robust breakfast menu that must be ordered the night prior via an order card in your cabin. The daytime room service menu is globally inspired with items such as chicken fajitas, a Mediterranean quesadilla, and chicken or shrimp Thai green curry. Dessert items include comfort food favorites like warm apple pie a la mode and vanilla cheesecake.

Passengers sailing in one of the Grill Suites can order from the full Princess Grill or Queens Grill restaurant menus. They can also order some luxurious treats for an extra fee, including caviar ($60) or caviar with a half bottle of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee NV Brut Champagne ($100) and a gourmet canapes tray ($34.50).

Disney Cruise Line

Complimentary 24-hour room service is included with all fares on Disney Cruise Line . The extensive menu, which is available until 1 a.m. on the day of your departure, can be found on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App, with plenty of food options for all ages, from macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders and burgers to more sophisticated items like a Greek salad, grilled salmon and a New York steak panini.

Snack items like salted peanuts, M&Ms and popcorn are available for an additional fee. Specialty coffee, sodas, bottled waters and all specialty juices and spirits are also available at an additional cost.

For in-room breakfast, complete the request card in your cabin the night prior and leave it outside your cabin for a complimentary continental breakfast with options that include bread, pastries and cereal, along with coffee and tea.

Concierge-class passengers have a special complimentary menu available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. that includes a seared ahi tuna salade nicoise, potato gnocchi and Mickey-shaped sandwich cookies.

Related: Is Disney Cruise Line concierge level worth it? We tested it to find out

Holland America Line

Holland America Line offers complimentary 24-hour room service for all cabins and suites.

The room service breakfast menu includes bagels and lox, a vegetable frittata and an American breakfast that features eggs, hash browns, bacon and sausage. Premium a la carte options include lobster Benedict ($12.50) and steak and eggs ($15), subject to an automatic 18% gratuity.

Fill out the breakfast menu in your cabin the night before, mark when you want it delivered and hang it on your cabin door for collection.

Holland America's all-day 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. room service menu includes a cheese and fruit plate, three-bean chili, roasted chicken, a barbecue pulled-pork sub sandwich and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. A late-night food menu from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. has select items such as a chicken quesadilla, a caprese panini and a chocolate layer cake.

The room service menus highlight a few dishes created by the line's Culinary Council, a group of six celebrity chefs. You can order items like a 10-ounce filet mignon ($15), a 12-ounce Maine lobster tail ($20) and a Japanese sushi bento box ($4.95 per item) to your room from 5 to 9:30 p.m. nightly.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers four tiered pricing packages, referred to as "experiences," which delineate service levels and additional fees. The base package, MSC's Bella Experience, includes room service but at a charge of $4.99 per delivery. The menu includes free items like sandwiches, minestrone soup, a salad and chocolate chip cookies. A fresh fruit basket (with five fruits) is $4.90. A service charge of $7.95 is applied to dinner menu items (think: Atlantic salmon, wings, steak and more).

The room service menu is the same for all four sailing experiences, though MSC Yacht Club suites incur no fee for any room service items and room service delivery. The Fantastica and Aurea experiences include complimentary delivery.

MSC Cruises is known for its Neapolitan pizza delivery service, with custom pizzas made to order and delivered to your cabin. The Margherita pizza is $6 with a $3.50 delivery fee for Bella passengers, no delivery fee for Fantastica and Aurea experience guests, and completely free for guests sailing in the Yacht Club.

Norwegian Cruise Line

You can start each day on a Norwegian cruise with continental breakfast room service (fruit, pastries, bread, cereal, coffee and tea) available from 6 to 10 a.m. A $4.95 room service breakfast fee is charged on all ships for all breakfast room service orders, but there's no per-item charge. (In-cabin breakfast is not available on the morning of disembarkation day.) Guests staying in suites and The Haven do not have to pay the room service delivery fee.

All-day menu items incur a higher per-order fee of $9.95 for guests not staying in suites; again, all items on the room service menu are available for no additional fee. They include breakfast options like a spinach and tomato omelet and steak and eggs, along with all-day menu items with highlights that include chili con carne, a veggie burger and shrimp creole.

All non-complimentary beverages ordered through room service (alcohol, specialty juices, bottles of water) incur a 20% gratuity on the cost of the drink. These fees are in addition to the delivery fee.

Oceania Cruises

Room service throughout the entire Oceania Cruises fleet is included in all fares and available 24 hours a day. Concierge-level suites have the option of ordering room service off The Grand Dining Room menu for lunch and dinner, so favorite items like the line's signature rack of lamb and a molten chocolate lava cake can be enjoyed in the privacy and comfort of your own suite.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises offers 24-hour room service delivery for various food, drinks and cabin amenities with the line's OceanNow feature on the MedallionClass app. The service lets you order food to your location anywhere on the ship, whether it's your cabin or poolside. However, you will need to pay an access fee of $14.99 per guest, per voyage, plus a $5 delivery fee for all room service orders. Passengers who purchase a Princess Plus or Princess Premier package get these two fees waived.

Princess offers a mix of complimentary and a la carte menu items on its room service menu. The long list of no-fee items includes staples like burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, fries and a fruit cup; upcharges kick in for items like shrimp cocktail ($8), pizza ($3) and an 8-ounce filet ($19).

The complimentary room service menu includes a continental breakfast (fruits, bread and pastries, yogurt, coffee, tea and select juices). Order the service ahead by filling out the breakfast card in your cabin portfolio and leaving it hanging outside your cabin door before you go to bed.

You can also use the app to order extra towels, ice bucket refills or even aloe to soothe sunburns.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas ' cruise ship room service is complimentary and offered 24 hours a day to guests in all suites. Highlights from the extensive room service menu include a charcuterie and cheese platter, beef medallions, grilled tiger shrimp and creme brulee.

If you're dining during the operational hours of the Compass Rose, the line's main restaurant, you can also order from that rotating menu, with dinners served course by course in your suite.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers 24-hour room service with complimentary continental breakfast (pastries, bread, cereals, fruit and yogurt, along with coffee and tea) served from 6 to 11 a.m. If you're looking to add a heartier entree to the order, the American breakfast option (an assortment of eggs, buttermilk pancakes, sausage and so forth) on the menu is available for a $7.95 per-order charge plus an 18% gratuity, which brings the total service fee to around $9.40.

The daily room service menu is offered from 11 to 6 a.m. with meals for all times of day, from grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch and chicken tenders for an afternoon snack to grilled salmon or rigatoni bolognese for dinner and fried chicken wings and chocolate cake for a late-night snack. Room service costs $7.95 per order with an added 18% gratuity.

Guests sailing in one of Royal Caribbean's Grand Suites or higher can order in-room dining from the main dining room during the hours of operation and order room service from the standard room service menu without a service fee.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn Cruise Line 's gourmet dining experience extends to its room service with a menu of luxe delicacies available around the clock. Room service on board is always included and complimentary, with the option to order from the ship's main restaurant.

Highlights from the room service menu include a shrimp cocktail, prosciutto and melon, a New York sirloin steak and homemade cookies. While it's not advertised, guests can order complimentary caviar and Champagne anywhere, anytime on board.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea 's butler service for every guest includes complimentary around-the-clock room service. The line's room service menu is extensive, with various dishes from a shrimp cocktail, spring rolls and New York strip steak to burgers, pizzas and ice cream.

If you're looking for a more complete dining experience in your suite, multicourse meals (highlights include lobster salad, Chilean sea bass and hazelnut chocolate cheesecake) are available to order from Atlantide, the ship's main restaurant, during regular dining hours. Complimentary caviar and Champagne can be ordered at any time by any guest.

Viking provides complimentary 24-hour room service for all cabins on all of its ocean and expedition vessels. The room service menu includes a selection of cheeses, plant-based and beef burgers, New York strip steak, poached Norwegian salmon and a bourbon pecan brownie served with vanilla ice cream.

An extensive breakfast menu printed on an order card includes fresh breakfast pastries, custom eggs, pancakes, corned beef hash and smoked salmon. Grand suites can order from the main dining room menu for in-suite private dining and dinner parties.

Viking does not offer room service for any cabin category on its river cruises.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin 's 24-hour room service is an extension of the ship's on-trend cuisine, with many contemporary food options you're not likely to find on most other cruise lines. Room service orders can be placed through the Virgin Voyages app or by dialing the room service extension in your cabin.

Each room service order incurs a $7 delivery fee, though you can order as much food as you like. Certain items (such as specialty coffee, alcoholic beverages and fresh orange juice) carry an additional a la carte fee. However, your delivery fee is waived if you order an extra-fee item. The fee is also waived for all RockStar Quarters suites.

Breakfast delivery is from 5 to 11 a.m. The menu features contemporary items like a Nutella-stuffed French toast, an egg white frittata and a housemade date and almond protein bar. The shipwide room service menu from 11 to 5 a.m. has lunch, dinner and late-night options, with favorites that include a charcuterie and cheese plate, a New York strip steak, a blueberry-green tea vegan cheesecake and confetti cake pops.

Shaking things up, literally, Virgin's first-of-its-kind "Shake for Champagne" feature adds the convenience of Champagne delivery no matter where you are on the ship. Simply open the Virgin Voyages app and shake your phone three times to see a button pop up to order a $95 bottle of Moet & Chandon Imperial Champagne with flutes delivered to you anywhere on board, not just in your cabin.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar 's 24-hour room service is included with your fare. The line has a room service menu that includes a full breakfast, along with salads, burgers and sandwiches available until 10 p.m. nightly. The line also lets passengers order off the ship's main dining room's lunch and dinner menus during dining hours.

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Drink Packages

Are beverage packages available on all sailings, fleetwide, do the drinks included in drinks packages vary depending on the ships, destinations or seasons , if guests wish to dine together at the same table, whether traveling in separate cabins as individuals or as part of a group, is it necessary for them to reserve the same drinks package, which packages are available for my cruise , are gratuities included in the drinks package cost, can drinks packages be used on ocean cay msc marine reserve, will you serve alcohol on cruises calling on saudi arabian ports, which packages can be used in specialty restaurants, if an adult purchases a drinks package, are underage guests required to do the same thing as well, can i upgrade my drink package.

Yes, this option is available to all our guests. In pre-cruise sales, the upgrades are available only for the guests with the package included in their cruise promotion, furthermore at discounted price. On board, all upgrade options are open for all guests at full price.

I booked a Grand Voyages cruise or an MSC World Cruise. Is there any drinks package included?

- msc grand voyages, - msc world cruise, what drink package is included in the msc yacht club, can i purchase a drink package before my cruise, thank you for visiting msc cruises.

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MSC Cruises

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

Most cruise lines either include gratuities are do not, MSC are slightly different in that they do include gratuities for some people but not for others.

In this post we will cover who has included gratuities and what these gratuities are if you do have to pay for them.

Do MSC Cruises Include Gratuities?

Gratuities are included in MSC cruises booked from the UK. MSC do not encourage guests to tip any extra beyond the amount included in the cruise fare.

MSC Cruises do not include gratuities if booked from the USA. When booking from the US MSC’s Gratuities cost $14 per person per day. If booking an MSC cruise from other European countries, gratuities are not usually included.

What Are Gratuities?

Gratuities are charges automatically added to your onboard account during a cruise. These are usually priced per person per day and they will act as tips for the staff on board.

The cost of gratuities does vary by cruise line but as an example, $15 per person per night would be a reasonable charge to expect.

On most cruise lines you are able to remove this charge if you wish but doing so usually requires going to the reception of the cruise ship when onboard and asking to have them removed.

To learn more about gratuities including how to pay or remove them, check out this post: Cruise Gratuities: A Simple Step by Step Guide For First Time Cruisers

Booking an MSC Cruise From The UK and Ireland

In June 2019 MSC Cruises made the move to include gratuities in the prices of cruises booked from the UK. Any cruise booked since will include gratuities regardless of if the cruise was booked through a travel agent or directly with MSC. Many cruise lines from the UK have adopted a gratuity inclusive price with P&O and Marella also including gratuities.

SERVICE CHARGES / GRATUITIES Service Charge / Gratuities are included in the cruise fare.

Since adding in the cost of gratuities to the cruise fare it is no longer possible to remove this portion.

Gratuities with MSC previous to this change were around €10 per person per night. This price did vary based on the location of the cruise.

Booking an MSC Cruise From The USA

If you are booking an MSC cruise and are from the USA gratuities will be automatically added onto your onboard account. These can be removed although I wouldn’t recommend doing this. Many staff members work behind the scenes in the laundry, kitchens etc and by tipping only the crew you see these members lose out.

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.

Pre Paying Gratuities

When booking an MSC cruise from the USA it is possible to prepay the gratuities at the time of booking the cruise. I would recommend you take this option if it is offered to you, it’s horrible having a big bill at the end of your cruise!

If you have booked through a travel agent they should ask you if you want to prepay.

If you’ve booked directly you’ll usually be able to prepay online or phone MSC to do so.

Booking a cruise around America, Canada, and the Caribbean from the US

The adult gratuity price for cruises in this part of the world is currently $14.

Booking a cruise around Europe or the Middle East from the US

The adult gratuity price for cruises in this part of the world is €10 per night. There are no current plans to increase this.

Booking a cruise around South Africa from the US

The adult gratuity price for cruises in this part of the world is currently $8 per night.

Booking a cruise around South America from the US

The adult gratuity price for cruises in this part of the world is currently $12.50 per night.

Do Children Have to Pay a Gratuity with MSC?

Children under 2 do not have to pay any gratuities when cruising with MSC. Children aged 2+ have to pay a gratuity at a reduced rate, this is usually 50% of the adult price but it does vary based on the location of the cruise.

This is based on the child’s age on embarkation day so if they turned 2 mid-way through the cruise they don’t have to pay gratuities.

Booking an MSC Cruise From The Rest of Europe

When booking an MSC cruise from Europe (excluding the UK/Ireland) gratuities will be automatically added. Many promotions will include gratuities.

MSC often included gratuities when purchasing certain cabin grades. MSC’s cabins are either Fantastica or Bella grade with Fantastica being the more expensive.

MSC will often run promotions where gratuities are automatically included with Fantastica cabins. If this is the case it can sometimes be cheaper to book a Fantastica cabin which includes gratuities than a Bella cabin which does not.

Can You Tip With Cash on an MSC Cruise?

If you do want to you can tip the staff with cash however MSC actively discourages this. On some other cruise lines tipping in cash will be actively encouraged and you’ll find tipping envelopes in your cabin/at dinner on the last night.

Many people do tip in addition to the automatic gratuities for staff members who have gone above and beyond in the service that they have provided. The crew will always be grateful for extra tips and anything is appreciated.

To learn more about using cash on a cruise, including when it’s not usually recommended, check out this post: Cruise Ships Are Cashless Societies – Here’s Why

Who Are MSC Cruises Good For?

I consistently recommend MSC cruises for families and younger cruisers. MSC has a very high proportion of families on their cruises and the average age is lower than the rest of the industry.

To learn more about why I consistently recommend MSC, including my thoughts on the food, check out the recommended cruise lines page here: Best Cruise Lines For Families (Tried & Tested, Pros & Cons!)

I’ve cruised with MSC 3 times, once onboard the MSC Opera and twice onboard the MSC Meraviglia. I recently took three first time cruisers on an MSC cruise and they loved it. We paid just under £400 for a week-long cruise which was incredible value.

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• MSC Cruises

Yacht Club Service Fee

By Nashna , February 6, 2023 in MSC Cruises

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On the MSC website they state that the automatic tipping charge is $14.50 per person, per day.  Is there an additional charge for passengers sailing in the Yacht Club or is it just assumed we would voluntarily tip extra?

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Two Wheels Only

Same as the rest of the ship. If you choose to tip more, you can.

MSC has mandatory Daily (Hotel) Service charge per passenger in all of their Experiences (booking classes) including YC.

Daily Service Charge is no tipping fee.

..from MSC USA website..

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 on board. 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 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 Service Charge to your cruise price.

TIPS: MSC does not recommend tipping individual members of staff.

VALID UP TO SUMMER 2024

morpheusofthesea

On 2/6/2023 at 3:27 PM, Nashna said: Is there an additional charge for passengers sailing in the Yacht Club or is it just assumed we would voluntarily tip extra?

There are no other charges. We did pay extra $48 each to upgrade to streaming wifi for the week.

   Just a word to the wise. It is better to be discreet in ones tipping so as not to embarrass the more thrifty gentry sharing the same venue. We novice bumpkins are not entitled to more attention that we receive in response to our largesse.

   On our most recent cruise I met with the maitre d' to express my desires and then asked him if he was going to be our maitre d' for the entire cruise. He assured me he was and to 'express' my 'appreciation' that everything would be as I requested, I tipped him. Just at the moment of his hand and mine clasping an officer approached and witnessed the act. I asked the officer if he had anything to do with the dedicated restaurant and he said he was the manager of all the restaurants. I proceeded to go into my pocket again for another tip 'in kind' when the officer stopped me and said for him it is not necessary. The maitre d' chimed in and said "whenever you feel the urge to tip my boss to give it to me. I will make sure he gets it."

We had sailed in the Yacht Club on Divina in January 2020.  I do know the service was excellent and we rewarded our waiter, Maitre de, the Concierge, butler and his assistant over the standard amount.     

Best Cat Mom

We've sailed several times in YC and tip extra to those who give us exceptional and personal service. We have always recognized our server and assistant in the YC restaurant and our butler and assistant in our stateroom. We've also tipped the YC restaurant maitre de, chef and hostess(es) at times, as well as particular Top Sail butlers and bartenders, and the YC concierges. Envelopes are available via the YC concierges and they are also especially helpful with spelling people's names or helping us identify people who we only know by sight (they have images of all the crew on their computer and that has saved us more than once when we have someone whose name we never are able to catch from their badge).

1 hour ago, Best Cat Mom said: We've sailed several times in YC and tip extra to those who give us exceptional and personal service. We have always recognized our server and assistant in the YC restaurant and our butler and assistant in our stateroom. We've also tipped the YC restaurant maitre de, chef and hostess(es) at times, as well as particular Top Sail butlers and bartenders, and the YC concierges. Envelopes are available via the YC concierges and they are also especially helpful with spelling people's names or helping us identify people who we only know by sight (they have images of all the crew on their computer and that has saved us more than once when we have someone whose name we never are able to catch from their badge).

That's good to know.  I like the idea of the envelope rather than just the cash.  

Can someone provide YC tipping “guidelines”, please?  My April cruise will be my 75th cruise overall, second time on MSC but first time in YC (or similar category). I usually tip my stateroom attendant and waiter in cash (above and beyond DSC) but am stumped when it comes to butler, concierge, etc.

Thanks in advance!  

2 minutes ago, Liz said: Can someone provide YC tipping “guidelines”, please?

Tip whatever amount that you want to whomever you want. You can't tip too much. You can't tip too little. 

It's up to you. 

perakcruiser

Do it discreet and use a envelope. Give the envelope with both hands. Not just one 🙂

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