Do you tip on MSC Cruises?

Tipping: MSC Cruises does not recommend giving cash tips to individual crew members. On board, the entire payment system is provided by the internal system of each liner. Thus, upon check-in on board the liner, an on-board account will be opened for you, from which a tip (service fee) will be charged.



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While your cruise steward is being tipped out of the paid cruise gratuities, this is one crew member you may want to tip extra. They clean your cabin daily, storing it with towels, amenities, and anything you need.

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According to the results of my three polls: 61% tip their stateroom attendant an additional $20–$40 per couple per week, 26% tip $40–$70, and 13% tip an additional $70–$140.

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In general, plan on giving $16–$23 in gratuities per day for each passenger. Note that the amount should be tabulated for each individual in your party—don't try to tip once per couple or group. So if you're planning to go on a 7-day cruise, expect to give a total of between $112 and $161 per person in gratuities.

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Once on board an MSC Cruises ship, you'll pay extra for most drinks, extra-charge restaurants, spa services, shore excursions, internet and a few other amenities — unless you've paid up for a more inclusive package.

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All on board purchases are made with the personal cruise card, eliminating the need to carry cash or credit cards on board.

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MSC ships have complimentary food venues to satisfy a wide range of palettes and preferences, including a large buffet and main dining room, which provides meals all day, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Tea, coffee, iced tea, juice, and water are free onboard, although bottled water is an extra charge.

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However, the general rule of thumb is to tip approximately 15-20% of your daily cruise fare plus an additional gratuity of $5-10 per person per day.

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No. Customers cannot refuse to pay automatic gratuity since the payment is a service charge. Tips are optional and freely given by customers, but charges on the receipt from the restaurant itself are mandatory fees. Not paying the automatic gratuity is the same as not paying for the food.

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Benefits of Prepaying Gratuities Another advantage is that cruise lines regularly raise gratuity amounts. So if you book a cruise for a year from now, the gratuity price may be higher when you sail. People that pay beforehand are grandfathered in under the rate they've already paid.

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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).

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Many people suggest $100 per day, and this has generally worked well for me in my cruising experiences, but there are a lot of variables to consider.

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The standard tip for hotel housekeeping in the U.S. is $2 to $5 per day, says Cohorst. Now, with all the additional work housekeeping must accomplish, it's only fair to tip a consistent $5 per day—even more, if you're feeling exceptionally benevolent.

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Some guests leave a lump-sum tip on the last day of their stay, but a better practice is doling out incremental tips daily, as hotel housekeepers might have different day-to-day room assignments. A daily tip more closely ensures your gratitude goes to the specific worker who services the room each day.

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Most 3- and 4-night cruises have one formal night; most 7-night cruises have 2 formal nights; most 10-night cruises have 3 formal nights, and so on. A dark suit and tie is acceptable attire for formal night on all MSC ships.

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