MSC Abandoned their mandatory service charges!!

Hooray!!

 

Finally a cruise line that listens to their customers!! MSC have abandoned their mandatory service charges which they put in to place earlier this year. Many cruises felt this was unnecessary and I understand where they are coming from. I think and I know the majority of my customers like to be able to use their own discretion when it comes to gratuities.

Their gratuities which are now optional. MSC have issued the following guide lines for the amounts:

 

Caribbean and Eastbound Transatlantic sailings: $12.00 USD per adult per day.

Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Westbound Transatlantic sailings: €uro 7.00 per adult per day

MSC Cruises have issued a statement to state that they will automatically add a modest service charge to your onboard account, which will be based on the number of days in which services are actually rendered and vary by itinerary.

 

There is no service charge for children under the age of 14, whereas, guests between the age of 14 and 17 will pay 50% less than the adult fare.

Service charges are subject to change and may vary based on the ship’s onboard currency.

 

Should you wish to make adjustments, you may do so by contacting the Guest Relation Manager at any point during your cruise.

 

MSC have also stated a 15% service charge is automatically added to beverage purchases. They do not recommend tipping individually.

 

I think this is really good that they have listen to the customer feedback and done something about it. Let’s hope other cruise lines will listen to their customer feedback and act on it as well.

What you do think about gratuities? Do you prefer to pay personally or automatically? I would be interested to hear your thoughts and views?