MSC Cruises has revealed it will include service charges in fares for UK and Irish passengers from today (June 25) – almost three months on from its planned roll-out date.
The line had said it would introduce its new pricing policy on April 2 but delayed plans as it worked on an implementation strategy.
An MSC Cruises spokesperson said: “As of June 25, MSC Cruises will include the daily service charge as part of the cruise fare.
“The change will affect bookings made from this date and any bookings made after this date will be subject to the new terms and conditions regarding service charge.”
Cruise fares would not increase as a result of the decision, the line’s spokesperson added.
Bookings made before June 25 would be subject to the existing booking terms that state daily service charges are added to passengers’ onboard accounts and can be removed at the passenger’s request.
MSC Cruises blamed the delay of the new fare roll-out on IT issues, adding the process to include service charges within the fare was “a complex process”.
“In order to ensure a seamless transition from our existing policy we took the time necessary to do so,” the spokesperson said. “The decision has been made in order to simplify the booking process and ensure the best possible onboard experience for our guests.”
Agent commission will be protected on bookings where passengers had previously opted to pay for their service charges in advance of their sailing.