MSC Experiences and Service Charge

What are MSC experiences?

On the same ship and sailing, MSC offers different fares depending on the experience you choose. The experience determines whether you can pick your cabin, whether you can change your cruise free of charge, and which dining arrangements and extra onboard benefits you receive.

MSC offers four experiences: Bella, Fantastica, Aurea and MSC Yacht Club.

Included in every experience

• Broadway-style theater shows, pool areas, outdoor sports facilities and a gym.
• Entertainment for adults, children and babies.
• A buffet and main restaurants that cater to a range of dietary needs.
• Multilingual staff and MSC Voyagers Club points.
• Drink packages can be added at a discount when booking (except on South America and South Africa cruises).

The four experiences at a glance

Cruise changes must be requested at least 30 days before departure, and the new cruise must depart within 90 days of the original departure date. Some benefits do not apply to South America and South Africa cruises; the fare description shown when booking and your booking confirmation prevail.

Benefits of each experience

Bella Experience

• Guaranteed cabin: you choose the type (inside, ocean view or balcony) and MSC assigns the cabin 4 days before departure; the cabin number cannot be chosen.
• You may be assigned a cabin with an obstructed view and, on some ships, one facing the indoor promenade.
• For three or four guests, you may be assigned two cabins on the same deck and side.
• Cruise changes are available for a fee, for both dates and destination.
• In-cabin breakfast and 24-hour room service carry a delivery fee.

Fantastica Experience

• Inside, ocean view or balcony cabins, choosing from the best cabins available.
• 1 free cruise change, for both dates and destination.
• Choice of dinner seating (subject to availability).
• In-cabin breakfast and 24-hour room service with free delivery; food is charged at menu prices.
• Discounted add-on packages.

Aurea Experience

• Available in balcony cabins (except MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica and MSC Sinfonia), suites and Infinite Ocean View cabins on MSC World ships.
• Choice of cabin and location, plus 1 free cruise change.
• Priority boarding and luggage delivery.
• Flexible dining with My Choice Dining in a dedicated restaurant or area.
• Welcome pack: Prosecco and chocolate.
• In-cabin breakfast and 24-hour room service with free delivery.
• Access to an exclusive sun deck and the thermal area (adults only, reservation required), 10% off spa treatments on board, and a pillow menu.
• Aurea suites also include a bathrobe, slippers and exclusive bath products, an espresso machine, free pressing of 2 items per suite, complimentary first items from the premium minibar, and priority tender boarding and disembarkation.

MSC Yacht Club

• A ship within a ship: an exclusive area on the forward upper decks, with suites only.
• 24-hour butler and concierge service, with priority check-in and disembarkation.
• Exclusive restaurant, Top Sail Lounge, sun deck and pool (MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra and MSC Poesia have no exclusive sun deck or pool).
• Unlimited premium drinks throughout the ship (Premium Extra package).
• Unlimited internet on 2 devices per person.
• Free access to the MSC Aurea Spa thermal area.
• 24-hour room service, a fresh fruit basket and, in your suite, a bathrobe, slippers and a pillow menu.
• Personal touches such as packing and unpacking service, plus 1 free cruise change.

Which one to choose?

• Budget comes first and the cabin number does not matter: Bella.
• You want to pick your cabin, or your plans may change: Fantastica.
• Balconies, suites and relaxation matter most: Aurea.
• You want privacy, with drinks and internet included: MSC Yacht Club.

Service charge (gratuities)

MSC calls it the “hotel service charge,” and it goes to all onboard staff. It has been mandatory since December 12, 2022, is charged per person per night, and infants under 2 on the boarding date are exempt.

MSC prices shown on the VIAJES FH website already include the service charge, which appears as “Hotel Service Charge” in your booking's price breakdown.

Mediterranean, Europe and other routes

Applies to bookings confirmed from July 2, 2026 on cruises in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, Northern Europe, the Antilles, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, Egypt, and the MSC World Cruise.

Bookings confirmed before July 2, 2026 keep the previous rates: €12 per night for ages 12 and over and €6 for ages 2–11; €16 and €8 in MSC Yacht Club.

Other regions (in US dollars)

Each region's changes take effect on different dates, and bookings already confirmed keep the rate in force when they were confirmed. MSC Grand Voyages have their own rates, shown in your booking's price breakdown.

Can the service charge be removed or reduced?

No. It is part of the total cruise price; if you are unhappy with the service on board, contact the ship's guest services desk, which will step in right away.

Do MSC Voyagers Club members pay the service charge?

Yes. The service charge applies to all guests, including MSC Voyagers Club members.

Does the service charge change if I change my cruise?

It may. It is recalculated based on the length, region and number of guests of the new cruise.

Do I need to tip crew members separately?

No. The service charge is shared equally among all crew members, and MSC advises against tipping individual staff.

Do drinks and other purchases carry an extra service charge?

Drink packages (bought when booking or on board) already include gratuities. Individual drinks outside a package carry a service charge; with an Easy package discount, it is calculated on the discounted price.

Important information

This page summarizes information published by MSC (checked in October 2026) and is for guidance only. MSC may change experience benefits and service charge rates; the fare description, price breakdown and booking confirmation shown when you book prevail.

For travel documents, boarding and onboard spending before you sail, see the MSC Cruise Practical Guide.

To see specific sailings and prices, search MSC cruises; for help choosing, see Contact Us.