This cruise line is raising some gratuity rates

Some MSC Cruises passengers can expect to see higher charges on their accounts later this spring.

The cruise line will raise its Hotel Service Charge gratuity rates for Caribbean and Alaska sailings beginning May 11. Passengers booked in the MSC Yacht Club will pay $23 per night, up from $20, according to MSC’s website, while the rate for guests in other accommodations will increase from $16 to $17.

Those charges are not applied for passengers under 2 years old. Travelers who have already paid or prepay before that date will get the current rate.

“This update supports our dedicated crew members who deliver the exceptional onboard experience our guests expect,” MSC told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. “We remain committed to providing outstanding service and value, and we look forward to welcoming guests onboard.”

Those charges are automatically added to guests’ accounts and can be adjusted onboard.

“The Hotel Service Charges are distributed among crew members who contribute to the enjoyment and experience while on board,” MSC said on its website. “These crew members include stateroom attendants, bar, dining, and culinary staff, as well as many valued hotel operations crew that work hard behind the scenes.”

Princess, Carnival also increase gratuity fees

MSC isn’t the only cruise line to raise those rates in recent months. 

Princess Cruises began rolling out a higher Crew Appreciation charge in early March, along with steeper service charges for food and beverage purchases. Carnival Cruise Line also said in February that it planned to raise daily gratuity rates and prices for one of its drink packages in early April.

Cruise companies routinely hike those fees in response to "external influences" like inflation or changes in economic activity, according to Danny Genung, CEO of travel agency Harr Travel.

"You look at the cost of hotels and transportation, fuel and food and everything else, and I think it's really just a normal response," Genung previously told USA TODAY. "You know, compensating employees, offsetting costs that have increased."

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].