faq - On board information

In order to grant the best experience to our guests, all Thermal Area experiences are available by appointment only. 
Access to the MSC Aurea Spa is only permitted for guests over the age of 18. Click here to discover the details.
Pregnant guests are not allowed to use any heat treatments within the Thermal Area.

A map of the ship is available at the reception

MSC ensures sure that the temperature inside our ships is pleasantly regulated taking into account the weather conditions. The temperature in your cabin can be easily regulated using the thermostat.

Guests who lose items on board should refer to the Reception or Guest Services to see if their belongings have been handed in.

Onboard bar purchases will incur a gratuity, automatically added to all purchases: 15% gratuity on European, Emirates, South Caribbean, Red Sea, South America (Brazil and Argentine) and Far East itineraries, and 18% gratuity on North America itineraries.

No. In fact the special operating environment that regulates the maritime sector means that many products (such as alcohol, tobacco and fragrances) can be sold duty free, bringing reductions of up to 30% off retail prices on land. 

*Depending on the itineraries and subject to applicable legislation.

In line with global standards, smoking areas on board are fewer than non-smoking areas and are indicated by signage and ashtrays. Smoking is forbidden in all indoor areas, with the sole exception of the casinos, during opening hours for Guests who are seated and playing.

Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is not permitted in cabins, on cabin balconies and anywhere not expressly indicated by signage and ashtrays. 

Please note that the use and import of vapes and e-cigarettes in certain countries may be restricted and local authorities are entitled to impose severe sanctions against the violation of their national law (e.g. as of January 17th, 2026, Mexico has banned the importation of all vapes and e-cigarettes, including non-nicotine models. Guests bringing these devices ashore risk confiscation and fines of up to USD $ 12,500). Therefore, make sure to check if any national restriction may apply when ashore and act accordingly. 

For safety reasons, and to minimize the serious fire risk posed by smoking in unauthorized areas, the Company reserves the right to levy a fee should passengers be found smoking in non-designated areas of the vessel.  Repeatedly smoking in non-smoking areas can ultimately lead to disembarkation. 

We remind you that throwing cigarette butts or anything else overboard at sea is strictly prohibited as it may seriously put in danger safety at sea.


You can find more information on our Guest Conduct Policy Here.

A cash advance service is available if a credit card has been registered at the on board account. This can only be done in the on board currency (euro or US dollars, depending on the itinerary), for a fee, set according to the itinerary.

All MSC cruise ships have a well-equipped Medical Centre, supervised by a ship’s doctor and other medical personnel. The Medical Centre is open at the times advertised in the ship’s Daily Programme. Emergency services are available round the clock by calling the Medical Emergency number.

During your cruise, you will meet staff throughout the ship who provide you with excellent service. They are supported by just as many staff and crew who work hard behind the scenes to ensure you enjoy every moment onboard. For your convenience MSC Cruises will automatically add a daily Hotel Service Charge to your shipboard account, based on your chosen itinerary and the number of days for which the services are actually provided.
The Hotel Service charge serves to ensure we maintain the highest quality standards of service to our guests. The daily amounts below have been calculated with this in mind and cannot be modified. However, should you wish to remove any of the daily Hotel Service Charge in the unlikely event that you do not receive satisfactory service, you may do so by contacting the Guest Relations Manager on board. If you wish, the daily Service Charge for your cruise can be added to the price of your cruise at the time of booking, rather than added to your onboard account during the cruise. Please let your booking agent know if you would like to add the Service Charge to your cruise price.

Tips
MSC Cruises does not recommend tipping individual members of staff.

Bar Service Charge
A 15% Bar Service Charge is automatically added to all purchases.

SUMMER 2019 & WINTER 2019 - 2020 / SUMMER 2020 & WINTER 2020 - 2021

MEDITERRANEAN, NORTHERN EUROPE, ANTILLES, DUBAI, EMIRATES and OMAN, MSC WORLD CRUISE

 

Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Antilles, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and India Cruises		MSC Grand Voyages to/from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and IndiaCruises , Antilles		MSC World Cruise
Adults (12 and over)	10 Euro per night	Adults (12 and over)	10 Euro per night	Adults (12 and over)	10 Euro per night
Child (2 and over)	5 Euro per night	Child (2 and over)	5 Euro per night	Child (2 and over)	5 Euro per night
Child (Under 2)	No Service charge applied	Child (Under 2)	No Service charge applied	Child (Under 2)	No Service charge applied

 

SOUTH AFRICA CRUISES

 

South Africa Cruises		MSC Grand Voyages from South Africa (Northbound)		MSC Grand Voyages to South Africa (Southbound)
Adults (12 and over)	$ 8 US Dollars per night	Adults (12 and over)	$ 12.5 US Dollars per night	Adults (12 and over)	10 Euro per night
Child (2 and over)	$ 4 US Dollars per night	Child (2 and over)	$ 6.25 US Dollars per night	Child (2 and over)	5 Euro per night
Child (Under 2)	No Service charge applied	Child (Under 2)	No Service charge applied	Child (Under 2)	No Service charge applied

 

SOUTH AMERICA CRUISES

 

South America Cruises		MSC Grand Voyages from South America (Northbound)		MSC Grand Voyages to South America (Southbound)
Adults (12 and over)	$ 12.5 US Dollars per night	Adults (12 and over)	$ 12.5 US Dollars per night	Adults (12 and over)	10 Euro per night
Child (2 and over)	$ 6.25 US Dollars per night	Child (2 and over)	$ 6.25 US Dollars per night	Child (2 and over)	5 Euro per night
Child (Under 2)	No Service charge applied	Child (Under 2)	No Service charge applied	Child (Under 2)	No Service charge applied

 

CARIBBEAN, USA & CANADA CRUISES

 

Caribbean		MSC Grand Voyages from the Caribbean (Northbound)		MSC Grand Voyages to the Caribbean (Southbound)
Adults (12 and over)	$ 12.5 US Dollars per night	Adults (12 and over)	$ 12.5 US Dollars per night	Adults (12 and over)	10 Euro per night
Child (2 and over)	$ 6.25 US Dollars per night	Child (2 and over)	$ 6.25 US Dollars per night	Child (2 and over)	5 Euro per night
Child (Under 2)	No Service charge applied	Child (Under 2)	No Service charge applied	Child (Under 2)	No Service charge applied

 

SUMMER 2019 & WINTER 2019 - 2020

ASIA (CHINA, JAPAN AND KOREA)

 

Asia		MSC Grand Voyages from Asia		MSC Grand Voyages to Asia
Adults (12 and over)	$ 12.5 US Dollars per night	Adults (12 and over)	$ 12.5 US Dollars per night	Adults (12 and over)	10 Euro per night
Child (2 and over)	$ 6.25 US Dollars per night	Child (2 and over)	$ 6.25 US Dollars per night	Child (2 and over)	5 Euro per night
Child (Under 2)	No Service charge applied	Child (Under 2)	No Service charge applied	Child (Under 2)	No Service charge applied

 

SUMMER 2020

ASIA (CHINA, JAPAN AND KOREA)

 

Asia		MSC Grand Voyages from Asia		MSC Grand Voyages to Asia
Adults (12 and over)	$ 12.5 US Dollars per night	Adults (12 and over)	$ 12.5 US Dollars per night	Adults (12 and over)	10 Euro per night
Child (2 and over)	$ 6.25 US Dollars per night	Child (2 and over)	$ 6.25 US Dollars per night	Child (2 and over)	5 Euro per night
Child (Under 2)	No Service charge applied	Child (Under 2)	No Service charge applied	Child (Under 2)	No Service charge applied

 

Yes, Wi-Fi is available on board all of our ships. For additional information click here.

Sunbeds are available free of charge for all passengers, although they cannot be reserved. Guests are kindly requested not to occupy deck-chairs and sunbeds with personal items during any long absences (more than 30 minutes). Beach towels are available in the cabins. These should be returned in cabins after use. Unreturned pool towels may be charged to the on-board accounts of guests.. 

The Exclusive Solarium on the top deck of each ship offers a private enclave of relaxation. Spa, jacuzzi and bar services are also provided in the Exclusive Solarium area on some ships.

You can find more information on our Guest Conduct Policy Here.

The company uses six main languages for its communications: English, Italian, German, French, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese. The order in which these languages appear is determined exclusively by the number of guests in each language group as a proportion of our total guests. The cabin information booklet and other printed material used on board are available in different versions for each of the six languages listed above. The order of the languages used in our menus changes depending on the area of the world in which each ship is located.

Embark on a journey filled with unforgettable moments waiting to be captured and treasured. To ensure your memories are preserved, be sure to purchase your preferred Photo Package either in advance or on board. Remember, photo purchases are not available after you disembark, so seize the opportunity while you can.
With our All-Inclusive Digital Photo Package, reliving your cruise moments is as easy as a click. It’s important to note that digital photos are only available for download during your cruise. Once you disembark, downloading your photos won't be possible. For any questions or assistance with your photos throughout the cruise, our photo team will be happy to assist you.

Photography
An on-board Photo Service is available throughout your cruise. Professional photographers will capture the highlights of your cruise both on board and ashore, and record anniversaries, weddings, quinceañeras, and other special moments. You can view their work at your leisure at the The Hub – Photo & Digit@l. The Hub Manager will also be happy to discuss any specific requirements you may have.

Discover more about our Photo Packages and take advantage of our discounted prices vs onboard by clicking here. 

Portraits
Our photographers can also create portraits of you, your family and friends using a variety of high quality studio backgrounds and key iconic locations throughout the ship, such as the Grand Staircase, The Bridge of Sighs or the Swarovski Staircase. Discover all the unique photo spots on board our fleet. No appointment is required. All portraits will be displayed in The Hub – Photo & Digit@l and / or onboard available website msccruises.photobutler.com .

Retail products
A wide range of products to satisfy all your photographic needs can be purchased in the The Hub – Photo & Digit@l. We have photo frames and albums, as well as Action cameras, memory cards and related accessories, and a selection of digital cameras at duty free prices are available (selection varies per ship). Our photo team is available to offer advice, answer your questions and help you select the right equipment to meet your needs and budget. 

We ask our guests to not to throw anything into the sea and to work with us to safeguard the sea, marine life and the ecosystem.

You can find more information on our Guest Conduct Policy Here.

Europe: EC Regulation 1889/2005 states that: “Any natural person entering or leaving the Community and carrying cash of a value of Euro 10,000 or more shall declare that sum to the competent authorities of the Member state through which he is entering or leaving the Community in accordance with this Regulation”.
Please consult your travel agent and/or the relevant authorities (embassies, consulates or other local authorities) to find out whether there are any other restrictions to carrying cash on your itinerary.

For further information on travel please consult the Important Travel Advice page

No animals are allowed on board, apart from recognised assistance dogs. 

Bringing assistance dogs on board is, in any case, subject to approval by the company and must be requested by the Guest when booking.

Guests are advised to consult their National Health Service prior to the cruise for information regarding recommended vaccinations. MSC Cruises declines all responsibility for guests who do not adhere to the recommendations on the prevention of infectious diseases or do not have the appropriate vaccinations to enter a particular port during the cruise.

You can send any gifts and mail through the Information Office, who will provide the necessary postage, informing you of the cost and charging it to your cruise account. 
They will then pass it to our local representatives for posting in the next port of call. So you can really keep in touch with anyone, anywhere in the world.

Enhance any occasion with beautiful fresh flowers! 
The Information Office on board will be delighted to handle your order with our selected agencies in the appropriate port of call, charging you the local price, so you can make your significant events beautifully special.

For security reasons, visitors are not permitted on board.