Deals & Booking

MSC Cruises Gratuities: How Much Per Day and Can You Prepay

Published 30 July 2026 · 2 min read · Cruise Questions Canada editorial team

Quick answerOn MSC's North American sailings the daily hotel service charge runs roughly $16–17 USD per person for adults (recent rates — confirm current figures), with reduced rates for children; it can be prepaid through your booking, and the amount differs on MSC's European and other-market sailings.

MSC is the line where "how much are gratuities" has more than one answer, because the charge varies by the market a sailing is sold in.

North American sailings

At recent rates, roughly $16–17 USD per adult per day, with children typically charged a reduced rate — one of the lower adult rates among major lines, in keeping with MSC's value positioning. Confirm the current figure for your specific ship and sailing.

European and other markets

MSC's Mediterranean and other non-North American sailings often carry a different, euro-denominated service charge, sometimes lower. If you book a European MSC sailing as a Canadian, budget for that market's rate, not the North American one.

Prepaying

Prepay through your booking before departure to fix the amount and, in CAD, the exchange — see Cruise Gratuities Explained for Canadians.

Separate charges

A service charge (around 15–18%, market-dependent) applies to bar purchases and specialty dining outside packages. MSC's drink packages carry their own service charge at purchase.

Adjusting on board

Guest services can adjust the charge for a documented service issue.

The European atmosphere and tipping culture

MSC's international guest mix means tipping norms aboard feel less American than on US-based lines — the automatic charge does the work, and additional cash tipping is less expected than on some competitors, as covered in Is MSC Cruises Right for You.

More MSC Cruises policies

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Getting the right MSC figure for your sailing

Because MSC's charge depends on the market and ship, confirming the exact amount for your specific booking — and prepaying it in CAD — is a quick question worth asking before you sail.

Want this priced up for your dates? Speak to a licensed cruise expert — same price as booking direct, plus perks like onboard credit and prepaid gratuities the websites don't show. No fee, no obligation, and you can book online if you'd rather.

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Frequently asked questions

How much are MSC Cruises gratuities?

Around $16–17 USD per adult per day on North American sailings at recent rates, with children charged at a reduced rate; MSC's European sailings use different (often lower, euro-denominated) amounts. Check the figure for your specific sailing.

Can you prepay gratuities on MSC?

Yes — through your booking before sailing, which locks the then-current amount and, for Canadians paying in CAD, the exchange rate on that portion.