It seems inflation is everywhere these days, and that includes cruising. While still offering a lot of value, there’s no arguing that the price of cruising has jumped in recent years.
But that includes way more than just your cruise fare. The prices for life onboard has also increased. That includes things from specialty restaurants to drink packages and yes, those onboard gratuity charges.
Case in point: We noticed that MSC Cruises has bumped up the price of the daily onboard gratuity (or “service charges,” as MSC calls them) for trips to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada, and New England.
According to the Hotel Service Charge page on the cruise line’s website, the higher charge went into place on May 11.
Previously, passengers two years and older paid $16 per night for most cabins on the ship. That’s now been bumped up $1 per night to $17 per night, per person.
All told, a couple traveling in a traditional balcony cabin will now see total charges of $238 over the course of a 7-day cruise versus the previous $224. That’s up 6.25% over the previous rate.
Passengers sailing in the high-end MSC Yacht Club will see an even larger bump.
The price of daily gratuities there are jumping from $20 per night to $23 per night. A couple staying here would now see total charges of $322 over the course of a 7-day cruise versus the previous $280. That’s up 15% over the previous rate.
MSC does say that passengers with existing bookings before the May 11 date will not see these higher charges.
Higher Prices, But Still in Line With Other Lines
These new rates add up to significant money, but they are in line with many other rival lines.
For instance, last month Carnival implemented a new $17 per night rate for most cabins on the ship. They also now charge $19 per person, per night for suites on the ship.
Royal Caribbean hasn’t raised their onboard gratuities since at least 2024 but charge $18.50 per person, per night for most rooms. Suites pay $21 per person, per day.
Norwegian Cruise Line hasn’t raised their fees since 2023, but charge $20 per person, per night for most rooms. Suites and The Haven on NCL see charges of $25 a day.
As well, MSC regularly offers cruise fares that are below those of other lines. So yes, the price of your cruise is going to get more expensive. However, the overall cost still sees a significant value over many names.
