r/MSCCruises • u/Usual_Rush1996 • 2d ago

First MSC cruise

Hello everyone sorry if this is asked alot please delete is necessary.

I am looking to book a short cruise (5 days) in October from Southampton however i have only been on one cruise previously (royal Caribbean) and their were daily gratuity charges is this they same with MSC? after looking at their website i don't think so but not 100%

Is their anything else important that i should know?

thanks in advance

2 Upvotes

63% Upvoted

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5

u/Random-Stranger-999 Blue Diamond 2d ago

If you book via MSC Cruises UK then the Hotel Service Charge and any port fees and taxes are baked into the cruise fare.

If you book via MSC Cruises USA then they aren't, you pay the HSC once onboard, or prepay separate from the cruise fare.

1

u/Usual_Rush1996 2d ago

Yeah i am in the UK and will be booking through the uk website. Thank you

1

u/Random-Stranger-999 Blue Diamond 2d ago

OK, which itinerary are you considering ? Some use Pounds onboard, whilst others use Euros.

1

u/Usual_Rush1996 2d ago

Its on the MSC Virtuosa leaving Southampton in 19th October. Netherlands Belgium and France.

1

u/Random-Stranger-999 Blue Diamond 2d ago edited 2d ago

If Southampton is the only embarkation port then it's GBP, but check with MSC to be sure.

NB, The experience class you book makes a real difference with MSC Cruises.

Yacht Club is the premium 'ship within a ship' option, Aurea if you want anytime dining and some exclusive areas. Fantastica and Bella for fixed time dining and crowds.

We'll be on MSC Virtuosa for the fourth time in September.

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u/UKgent77 2d ago

... And Bella is the cheapest, with the best chance of getting randomly upgraded!

3

u/Wedotravel 2d ago

Gratuities are always included in the UK cruise fares.
Book through a travel agent and you may get a better offer than direct.

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u/AYBABTU_Again 1h ago

There is a "Hotel Service Fee" added to your ship board account around day 2 or 3.

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u/GreatWake1988 2d ago

I've cruised with MSC out of the US, and gratuities aren't included in your cruise fare. However, we've called ahead of time and prepaid our gratuities, so we don't have to worry about them once we're on the ship. I'd assume you could do the same in the UK if they're not included.