MSC Cruises Hidden Costs

Sailing MSC Cruises? Prepare Your Wallet for These Hidden Costs!

Are you dreaming of the open seas with MSC Cruises? Well, dream on, but don’t let that dream turn into a financial nightmare. As with many cruise lines, MSC has mastered the art of extracting a few more dollars from your pocket. Here’s the lowdown on the hidden costs that could sink your budget faster than you can say “all aboard!”

Automatic Gratuities

First up, the sneaky automatic gratuities. MSC hit you with a daily charge of around $14-$15 per person, depending on your cabin category. This can add up to over $100 for a week-long cruise per person. While you can adjust this at guest services, prepare for the side-eye from the staff if you decide to be that person.

Drink Package Markups

MSC’s drink packages are as confusing as they are pricey. If you plan on enjoying more than just water and juice, you’ll want to check out their drink packages. Expect to fork over about $35-$55 per day for an average alcohol package. Want premium spirits? That’s going to push you into the $60+ range. Oh, and everyone in your cabin over the drinking age has to buy the package. Cheers to collective spending!

Specialty Dining Costs

If you’re not satisfied with the main dining room’s offerings, prepare to shell out for specialty dining. Prices can range from $20 to over $50 per person per meal. They sure know how to make a fancy steak sizzle—your credit card, that is.

Excursion Pricing vs. Third-Party

MSC’s excursions might seem convenient, but they’re often marked up. An $80 excursion through MSC can sometimes be found for $50 with a little Googling and a willingness to trust a third-party operator. Explore your options, or embrace MSC’s premium for peace of mind.

WiFi Packages

Want to Instagram your trip? MSC’s WiFi packages will make you wish for the dial-up days. Basic packages start around $10 per day for slow speeds. Need to stream or work? Push that up to $20+ per day. Pro tip: Pay for what you need and use it wisely.

Spa Surcharges

Spa days aboard MSC are a textbook luxury trap. Yes, that hot stone massage might soothe your stress, but the $150+ price tag for a 50-minute session might bring it right back. Be prepared for additional costs like service charges and, of course, tips.

Port Fees

These aren’t exactly hidden, but they’re often forgotten. Port fees can add an extra $100-$300 to your booking price. They’re automatically included in your final bill, so keep an eye on that grand total.

Resort/Service Fees

MSC’s “service fees” are about as popular as a rainy day on deck. These can include everything from using the onboard gym to disembarkation fees. Always budget an extra $50-$100 for these unexpected charges.

Photography Packages

The ship’s photographers will encourage you to pose everywhere imaginable. But hold onto your hats, because single photo prints go for $15-$25 each. Entire packages can run up to $300 if you’re not careful. Consider snapping your own shots and saving tons of cash.

Casino

Feeling lucky? MSC’s casino is ready to take your money faster than you can say “jackpot.” Remember, the house always wins, so budget what you’re willing to lose and view any earnings as a cruise rarity.

Other Surprise Costs

Let’s not forget about babysitting services, which can run about $10 an hour, per child. Or what about the irresistible allure of arcade games and souvenir shopping? These can stealthily drain your funds. Basically, if it’s not included in the cruise fare, assume there’s a price tag—and a hefty one at that.