A great status match program, along with a few drawbacks, keeps the Voyagers Club from reaching its full potential
It’s not easy to review the MSC Voyagers Club, if I’m being completely honest. For every good perk they offer, there seems to be a disadvantage that makes it a little less appealing than the competition. Don’t get me wrong - there are some great features, including a status match program that can instantly elevate you to the higher tiers, and you even get a free meal at a specialty restaurant when you reach the top-tier Diamond membership. However, there are also some drawbacks, including a modest collection of perks, no free cruises when you reach the top level, and the biggest problem of all: you lose all your points if you stop traveling with MSC for three years.
The MSC Voyagers Club is divided into four different tiers:
- Classic (1 to 2.199 points)
- Silver (2.200 to 4.299 points)
- Gold (4.300 to 9.999 points)
- Diamond (10.000 points and more)
You earn points not only per cruise sailed, but also based on the experience you choose when booking your cruise. For example, the 'Bella' experience grants each guest 500 points for sailings between five and nine nights, while the MSC Yacht Club gives each guest 1,500 points. You can also earn points by prepaying for excursions and for certain onboard expenses.
What we like about the MSC Voyagers Club
The best thing about the MSC Voyagers Club is definitely the status match program. You can be quickly elevated to higher-tier perks if you have elite status with another cruise line, such as Royal Caribbean, or even a hotel loyalty program. What’s great about this is how simple the process is. You just need to complete an online form, upload proof of your loyalty status, and within a few days, MSC will get back to you. This is a fantastic perk for those looking to try MSC for the first time after years with other cruise lines like Royal, Carnival, or Norwegian.
Some of the Diamond-level perks are quite appealing. You receive priority embarkation and disembarkation, which is always a welcome way to make your vacation less stressful. You also get, once per cruise, what MSC calls a “Complimentary Specialty Restaurant Tasting Menu Dinner per Stateroom.” This Tasting Menu typically includes around 12 small courses, letting you sample a variety of dishes the restaurant has to offer. Do keep in mind that the portions are very tiny.
Once you become a Classic member, you also receive a “5% discount on Voyagers Exclusives sailings booked six to nine months before departure.” It’s not a huge discount, but I’ll take any savings I can get, and it’s great that you can save 5% as soon as you reach the first tier.
What we don’t like about the MSC Voyagers Club
The main problem with the MSC Voyagers Club is that it just doesn’t offer that much. There are no free cruises, no free laundry, no free Wi-Fi or anything truly unique to make this a really good loyalty program. Sure, the status match helps a lot and can get you to the higher tiers in no time, but I bet that most people will only care about priority embarkation and disembarkation once they get there.
The other major drawback? Points expire with the Voyagers Club. You need to sail at least once every 36 months with MSC Cruises, or you can kiss your points goodbye. I suppose these drawbacks exist because they offer such a generous status match program, and I imagine that most people who reach the top tiers do so by using the status match to access the best perks.
The initial perks aren’t all that enticing as well. You do get a 5% discount on select sailings once you become a classic member, which is pretty good but, other than that, there isn’t much. Gold members get a complimentary birthday cake, and a “Complimentary MSC Voyagers Club Photo” during a welcome back cocktail party.
MSC Voyagers Club FAQ
Does the MSC Voyagers Club Loyalty Program offer a status match program?
Yes, the Voyagers Club does offer a status match program.
How do I earn points with the MSC Voyagers Club Loyalty Program?
You earn points based on the number of nights of your cruise and the type of cabin experience you book. You can also earn points by prepaying for excursions and through certain onboard expenses.
Do MSC Voyagers Club points expire?
Yes. MSC Voyagers Club points expire if you don't travel with MSC Cruises for 36 months.
What is the best perk offered by MSC Voyagers Club?
The best perk is priority embarkation and disembarkation for diamond members.
