MSC Status match program: Unexpected Perks and benefits!

Summary

Aaron and Tracy share their experience with MSC's status match program, which allows passengers to match their loyalty status from other brands like Hilton and Royal Caribbean to earn MSC rewards. Tracy explains the benefits of Gold and Diamond status, including perks like free spa access, priority disembarkation, complimentary gifts, and special events like a diamond party. Aaron highlights their surprise at receiving Diamond status during their cruise and the additional luxury treatments it offers, including free dinners and macaroons. They encourage viewers to explore the MSC status match process for a delightful cruise experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 MSC offers a **Status Match** program where they match your loyalty status from other cruise lines and hotel chains like Royal Caribbean, Hilton, and Marriott.
• 😀 If you match to **Gold** status, you receive several perks, including a complimentary **thermal spa** session, priority disembarkation, and a birthday cake.
• 😀 **Gold** status also includes access to the **Voyager Club** photo and a complimentary gift.
• 😀 The **Diamond** status, which Aaron achieved through Hilton, provides more exclusive perks like a **specialty restaurant** tasting dinner for two.
• 😀 **Diamond** members also enjoy a **diamond party**, a **dance class**, plush bathroom items, and **Prosecco** as a welcome gift.
• 😀 **Diamond** status comes with priority disembarkation and late cabin checkout (up to two hours after arrival).
• 😀 When applying for a status match, you need to provide proof of your current status by uploading a photo of your loyalty card.
• 😀 MSC is one of the only cruise lines that offers such a comprehensive status match program.
• 😀 The **MSC Status Match** program is not limited to just cruise lines; hotel loyalty statuses (like Hilton Honors) can also be matched.
• 😀 To apply for a status match, simply visit the MSC website, fill out the form, and submit the required proof of your loyalty status.

Q & A

What is MSC's status match program?

MSC's status match program allows passengers to match their current loyalty status from other cruise lines or hotel chains to an equivalent status within MSC's Voyagers Club. This gives them access to perks and benefits on MSC cruises.

What are the perks of being matched to MSC's Gold status?

Gold status with MSC comes with several perks, including a complimentary one-hour thermal spa access, a Voyager Club photo, a free gift, priority disembarkation, and a complimentary birthday cake.

How did the speaker obtain Diamond status with MSC?

The speaker obtained Diamond status by submitting a status match request with their Hilton Honors membership. After initially not hearing back, they were pleasantly surprised to find that their status had been upgraded to Diamond once onboard the cruise.

What benefits come with MSC's Diamond status?

Diamond status provides perks such as a complimentary specialty restaurant tasting menu for both the Diamond guest and their travel companion, a Diamond party (which was still uncertain), plush bathroom amenities and slippers, a complimentary dance class, a sweet chocolate gift, priority disembarkation, and a late cabin checkout.

What does MSC provide as part of the Diamond status experience, aside from the dining benefits?

MSC offers a special treat for Diamond members, including macaroons, a chocolate gift branded with MSC Voyagers Club, and chilled Prosecco, creating a more personalized and luxurious cruise experience.

How does the MSC status match process work?

To take advantage of MSC's status match, passengers need to fill out an online form on MSC's website. They must submit proof of their current status with another loyalty program, such as a hotel chain or cruise line, typically by uploading a photo of their membership card.

What types of loyalty statuses can be matched with MSC's program?

MSC's status match program can accept various loyalty statuses, including those from cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival, as well as from hotel chains such as Hilton and Marriott.

Is there a specific status required to match to MSC's Gold or Diamond levels?

While MSC does not specify an exact status requirement, passengers who have a high loyalty status with other cruise lines or hotel programs, such as Platinum or Diamond, are eligible for matching to MSC's Gold or Diamond levels, respectively.

Does MSC offer a status match for airline loyalty programs?

The speaker wondered if MSC's status match could be applied to airline loyalty programs, though they did not confirm it. Based on their experience, it seems MSC may not currently accept airline statuses, but it could be worth checking for updates.

Why is MSC's status match program considered special compared to other cruise lines?

MSC's status match program is unique because it is one of the few cruise lines that offers this benefit. Other cruise lines may not provide similar opportunities to match status from non-cruise loyalty programs like hotels.