MSC Cruises recently raised the hotel service charges for its ships sailing in North America, according to a statement sent to guests. The changes took effect on May 11, 2026.

Passengers who are aged 2 years or older and sail in standard staterooms will now pay $17 per person per day.

MSC said that the charge was raised by $1 while noting that the fee will not be applied to children under 2 years of age.

For guests sailing on the company’s Yacht Club suites, the service charge is now $23 per person per day, up from $20. Children who are under 2 years old during the cruises will also not be charged.

“The hotel service charge helps us maintain the highest quality standards of service by supporting the dedicated crew members who work to enhance your onboard experience,” the company explained.

Guests who pre-paid their gratuities before the date of the increase will not be affected, according to the company.

According to MSC’s website, the update is valid for cruises sailing to the Caribbean, Alaska, the United States and Canada.

The last time the company updated its hotel service charges in North America was in October 2023. At that time, MSC also charged different amounts for children aged 2 to 11 years.

Five MSC ships are currently sailing from ports in the United States, including the new MSC World America, which entered service in 2025.

Sailing from PortMiami along with the MSC Seaside, the LNG-powered vessel offers weeklong cruises to the Caribbean.

MSC is also operating the MSC Seascape and the MSC Seashore in the U.S. market, with the ships offering cruises from Galveston and Port Canaveral, respectively.

In May, the company also debuted on the West Coast with the arrival of the MSC Poesia in Seattle for a summer season in Alaska.