Cruise Gratuities - To pre pay or not pre pay! That is the question???

As you all can see I have been asked the Rate my service section about the tipping policy for MSC & NCL Cruses, so I have outlined some information below. I will do the other cruise lines later, but for now I hope this information answers the questions from Mr Heinrich Esterhuysen.


Tipping is a personal matter and your own judgment is the best guide. Different cruise lines operate different policies

For your convenience MSC Cruises do have what’s known as a recommended daily rate which will be applied to your on board account, this is split between all the staff on board. This is down to the length of your cruise and where you went, for instance a Mediterranean, Northern Europe or Westbound Transatlantic will carry a 7Euro per day per person recommended amount. Caribbean and Eastbound Transatlantic is $12.00 per day per person. Under 14s do not pay the ‘Gratuities’, ages 14-17years will pay 50% of the recommended amount. This is subject to change and depends on the currency used on board. You do have the right to make changes to this by contacting the Guest Relations Manager whilst on board. 15% is automatically added to drinks.

Regarding the Gratuities for Norwegian Cruise line they also operate a per person recommended amount - $12.00 per day per person, with NCL you do also have the opportunity to pre pay these 9at a slightly reduced rate) if you would like to pre pay them, let me know prior to departure a minimum of 14days and I can add them to your booking. Alternative this will be added to your on board account. You can request to have these removed if you so desire, but the reason for the fixed rate is so that the crew are encouraged to work together as a team to create the best environment for passengers then this money is split between restaurant staff, stateroom attendant and behind the scenes staff. Anyone over the age of 3 years pays the gratuities with NCL.


*Where your service charge has been pre-paid before departure, refunds are not available on board and you must apply for a refund, if applicable, after your return home by writing to our Guest Relations department.*


Personally – I’m a big fan of pre paying gratuities as I feel, if its incorporated in to the price of your cruise, it generally makes the on board bill at the end of the cruise much more palatable. Also if someone has gone especially out of their way for me, I may slip them and extra few quid or five as a little extra!


What do you think? To pre pay or not Pre pay, that is the question!!