I see on the Cruise.co.uk website that MSC Cruises has done a swift u-turn and axed its mandatory service charge.
A line has now been added to the small print about tips to the effect that passengers can make adjustments to the amount automatically charged by contacting guest relations during their cruise.
The change is effective from May 21.
It'll come as welcome news to all those who voted in Cruise.co.uk's gratuities poll. Almost 39% said they always cancel their gratuities and tip crew directly and more than 26% said they should be abolished altogether.
Jane Archer
