Can you opt out of gratuities on MSC?

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.



Yes, you can opt out of or adjust the Daily Service Charge (gratuities) on MSC Cruises, but the process and policies differ depending on your booking region (North America vs. Europe/UK) and the timeframe in which you make the request.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. For Guests Booked in North America (USA, Canada)

MSC’s policy for these guests is more flexible and aligns with other major cruise lines in the region. Before Your Cruise: You can contact MSC or your travel agent to opt out of the automatic daily service charge before you sail. This must be done prior to embarkation. During Your Cruise: Once on board, you can go to the Guest Services desk to request an adjustment or opt-out. You will need to fill out a form. It’s recommended to do this early in the cruise. After Your Cruise: It is much more difficult to remove the charges after your voyage has ended.

2. For Guests Booked in Europe, the UK, and Other Regions

The policy is notably more restrictive. MSC’s stated terms and conditions for these bookings often state that the daily service charge is mandatory and non-refundable. While you can still request an adjustment at Guest Services due to a major service issue, the ability to fully opt out is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of the ship’s management.

Important Considerations & Strong Recommendations

  • The Crew Relies on These Charges: The daily service charge is a significant part of the crew’s compensation (for cabin stewards, dining staff, and behind-the-sc

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