MSC Cruises hikes beverage package prices, starting this summer season
MSC Cruises is raising prices for its drink packages, becoming the latest to hike fees for onboard amenities in recent months.
The line began selling packages at the new prices on Monday, which apply to cruises sailing summer 2023 schedules and beyond. The summer season generally begins in April, though exact dates vary depending on the sailing and ship, according to a spokesperson for the line.
The Easy package, which includes select classic cocktails, house wines, soft drinks and more, will cost $49 when purchased in advance for sailings between one and six nights and $46 for sailings seven nights and longer. The package costs $38 when purchased before a cruise.
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When purchased on board, that package will cost $60 for sailings one to six nights and $57 for seven or more nights, up from $44, including gratuity. MSC previously added a 15% gratuity to beverage packages purchased on board but has rolled them into the base price as part of the changes.
How much did MSC raise prices for other beverage packages?
The Easy Plus package, which includes all drinks priced up to $10, will cost $64 when purchased ahead of time for cruises one to six nights and $61 for those seven nights and longer. The package costs $49 right now.
When bought on board, that package will be priced at $76 for cruises for one to six nights and $72 for sailings for seven or more nights, up from $56.
The line's Premium Extra package, which includes all drinks priced up to $16, will run $88 for cruises between one and six nights, and $85 for sailings seven or more nights when purchased ahead of time, an increase from $69.
The onboard prices will be $104 for one-to-six night voyages and $100 for those seven nights and longer. The price is $79 right now.
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How much did MSC raise prices for nonalcoholic, kids beverage packages?
The price for the line's Non-Alcoholic package will also increase to $30 when purchased in advance for cruises between one and six nights and $28 for seven nights or longer, up from $25.
The onboard purchase price will be $35 for cruises between one and six nights long, and $33 for those seven nights or more. The current price is $29.
The Minors Package, which includes sodas, energy drinks and more, will cost $21 when bought ahead of time for cruises between one and six nights, and $19 for sailings seven nights and up. The current price is $17.
If guests purchase the package on board, the price will be $25 for sailings one-to-six nights long, and $22 for cruises seven or more nights, up from $20.
Other cruise lines raise prices
The changes come as many other cruise lines have raised prices in the wake of inflation and the industry's continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Lines such as Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line have also increased fees for beverage packages, and many have increased gratuity prices.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MSC Cruises raises beverage package prices
