MSC Cruises revealed it is to include a daily service charge as part of the fare on new bookings. The company confirmed that the change takes effect for new bookings made from June 25, 2019.
Any bookings made after June 25, 2019, will be subject to the new terms regarding gratuities. Any bookings made before June 25, 2019, regardless of departure date are subject to the existing booking terms that state service charge will be included as part of the onboard invoice, but it is optional and can be removed onboard at the guests' request.
MSC had announced plans to roll tips into the cruise fare for UK and Irish tourists earlier this year with an initially planned launch date of early April, though this was later delayed.