MSC Cruises to make Tips Compulsory?? Well not exactly

Some of you may have heard along the grapevine that Msc cruises is to make tipping compulsory and all of their ships and all their sailings. I can now confirm that this is not correct.

For the UK market only they are keeping tips exactly as they are. They will automatically add them to your bill and if you feel the service isnt good enough you are able to take them off. In every other market other than the UK they will make tipping a compulsory thing.

I still find tipping the biggest bone of contention for cruisers. Most customers are 50-50 on the subject. Like marmite. You love it or you hate it. Which one are you??

A lot of cruise lines recently have gone the other way to MSC with P&O, NCL and Marella all including tips in the price. Luxury cruise lines have always included them.

I understand the idea behind tipping but I believe there is now more than ever a need for transparency. Customers like to know exactly what they are getting for there money and dont want any hidden charges. I know the staff work extremely hard at what they do. I am sure there are also other professions where staff work just as hard with no reward. The staff on board are already getting free accommodation, food and drinks and it is there choice to do this.

For me personally I would rather pay more for a cruise up front and no exactly what I am getting. I think the service should be spot on anyway regardless of whether or not the staff are getting tipped. Maybe the cruise lines should think about putting up the staff wages then everybody is a winner

I would be interested to hear your thoughts on this. Do you agree or disagree with me?