MSC Cruises, one of the world’s largest cruise lines, recently announced changes to its loyalty program, known as MSC Voyagers Club. With these changes, MSC Cruises has also added a new, top-tier loyalty status to reward its most devoted cruisers.
In a press release on November 7, 2024, MSC Cruises unveiled the addition of Blue Diamond status. The new status sits above existing levels in the MSC Voyagers Club, providing exclusive benefits to the cruise line’s most loyal cruisers. Before the addition of the Blue Diamond status, the MSC Voyagers Club had five tiers: Welcome, Classic, Silver, Gold, and Diamond.
The new top-tier status is meant to enhance the loyalty program experience for MSC Cruises’ most dedicated guests. The MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program is free to join, offering lucrative benefits as a reward for brand-loyal cruisers.
According to the cruise line, the Blue Diamond perk includes the following lucrative benefits for top-tier MSC cruisers:
- Flexible Check-in Times: Blue Diamond members will receive priority embarkation for their cruises, along with the ability to arrive at any time to board their cruise (within two hours of the ship’s embarkation).
- Enhanced Embarkation and Luggage Service: Utilizing the suites-only MSC Yacht Club check-in desk, Blue Diamond members will receive a dedicated service for their luggage drop-off. Guests can also use the MSC Yacht Club Lounge on embarkation day.
- My Choice Dining: Top-tier loyalty members will be allowed to dine at any time during their cruise, as long as the main restaurant is open for service.
- Complimentary Internet: Blue Diamond members will receive a free Browse Wi-Fi package for one device during their cruise. This is available per member.
- Free Shuttle Tickets: If a port provides shuttle service, Blue Diamond members will receive one complimentary shuttle ticket in selected ports.
- Captain Meet and Greet: Blue Diamond members will receive an exclusive invitation to meet the ship’s captain or officers during their cruise.
- Priority Tendering: When required, Blue Diamond guests will receive priority access to the ship’s tenders to go ashore.
- Priority Disembarkation: Blue Diamond members will receive exclusive privileges even on the final day of their cruise with late cabin checkout.
- Cabin Upgrades: Both Diamond and Blue Diamond loyalty members will receive the highest priority for a cabin upgrade, should one become available.
Of course, Blue Diamond members will receive all of the benefits that Diamond status receive, such as priority booking assistance, complimentary one hour thermal spa session, early access to theatre production shows, free one hour in the F1 Simulator, an invitation to the MSC Voyagers Club Diamond Party, and priority cabin upgrades.
Other benefits include one dinner in the specialty restaurant, one free photo, in-cabin sweets and treats, courtesy bathrobe and slippers, complimentary birthday cake, and onboard discounts.
However, it’s important to note that MSC’s new Blue Diamond status can only be attained by sailing with MSC Cruises. This means that guests cannot earn top-tier status through the MSC Voyagers Club Status Match Program. With this restriction, Blue Diamond status “truly rewards the line’s most loyal guests.”
Read more: Why I left Royal Caribbean for MSC Cruises
In addition, the revamped loyalty program now only requires members to cruise once every five years to maintain their status. Prior to these changes, MSC Voyagers Club members needed to cruise every three years to stay active in the loyalty program.
MSC Cruises states, “This means guests have more time to move through the membership tiers to access more benefits, only needing to cruise once every five years to retain their membership.”
The cruise line also announced that guests can join the MSC Voyagers Club easier than before. Now, anyone can sign up for the loyalty program, even if they do not have a current booking with MSC Cruises. This gives guests immediate access to the MSC Voyagers Selection departures, along with discounts of up to 20% for selected itineraries.
“This unlocks new savings opportunities for anyone planning a vacation, whether they are searching for a quick Caribbean cruise getaway, a bucket-list Mediterranean cruise vacation, or one of the company’s new Alaska cruises,” states the cruise line.
Additionally, U.S. residents who book a cruise through the U.S. reservation channel are automatically enrolled in the MSC Voyagers Club. This provides easier access to loyalty benefits without the burden of enrolling.
MSC Cruises describes the Voyagers Club as an invitation to exclusive benefits that will elevate every cruise. “This is our way of honoring the loyalty of those who share our passion for discovery and choose to continue sailing with us,” states the cruise line.
After just one cruise, Voyagers Club members will start receiving exclusive discounts on selected sailings, complimentary luggage tags, onboard discounts (including the Logo Shop, photos, Wi-Fi packages, F1 Simulator rides, and spa services), a personalized cruise card with status level, and an invitation to special members-only events.
Allie Hubers
Allie Hubers has been cruising since she was a tiny toddler. What started as a yearly vacation with family quickly turned into a passion for travel, cruising and adventure. Allie's been on over 45 cruises all over the world. She even studied abroad on Semester at Sea, sailing the world on a ship while taking courses for college and visiting 4 continents.
