The days of cruise lines only having that special invitation to a Captain’s cocktail party or discount on a future cruise for guests returning onboard are long gone.
They’ve moved into a new era, with different tiers of membership, along with providing more diverse, higher end perks for returning guests. And now MSC Cruises is taking loyalty rewards to new levels. With the launch of their MSC Voyagers Club (replacing their previous loyalty program, MSC Club) along with their innovative Loyalty Match, MSC Cruises is taking the loyalty recognition to new heights.
The New MSC Voyagers Club
With the newly launched MSC Voyagers Club, guests can now earn points according the length of the cruise/stay as well as the cruise experience they book – Bella, Fantastica, Aurea, or MSC Yacht Club. Points are also rewarded for prepaid services, such as beverage packages, shore excursions and spa treatments along with onboard spending.
Cafe Italia Coffee Bar on the MSC Divina: Photo Courtesy of MSC Cruises
In addition, MSC Voyagers Club members have exclusive access to discounts on future cruises. In addition, members receive a 5 percent discount on all cruise departures, with the exception of the “Welcome level.” MSC Cruises also has their “Voyagers Selection” cruises – these select cruises offer an additional 15 percent off. And for higher-tiered members, when they book a cruise from the “Voyagers Selection” cruises, they receive an additional $50 of onboard credit per guest.
Among other privileges for MSC Voyagers Club members? A special invitation to a welcome back cocktail party, complimentary basket of fresh fruit in their stateroom, as well as exclusive onboard offers. And there are additional benefits for top tier members of the MSC Voyagers Club.
An Industry First – Debut of MSC Cruises’ Loyalty Match
MSC Cruises also recently launched a new loyalty match program that provides several reciprocal benefits offered by other rewards programs within the travel industry. For instance, frequent travelers who have a rewards program card from another land, travel or sea program can now receive instant status and perks with MSC Cruises.
MSC Divina Head Butler Vishesh Bundhoo: Photo Courtesy of MSC Cruises
These frequent travelers simply have to join the MSC Voyagers Club, which is free of charge, and then are able to join the “Welcome Level” before taking their first cruise on MSC Cruises. After signing up with documentation and approved, they automatically receive similar or higher status with the MSC Voyagers Club and are enrolled in the equivalent level of membership.
Steps Involved for Loyalty Match
MSC Cruises has a Loyalty Match registration form for these frequent travelers to complete and sign. Then they submit this form along with a copy their existing benefit card (membership card from another land, travel, or sea program) to MSC Cruises via email, voyagersclub@msccruisesusa.com. An email confirming successful completion of needed documentation is sent to that traveler which includes their new MSC Voyagers Club membership number. Based on membership, MSC Cruises will match that person’s existing travel benefit card to the most equivalent level among their 4 categories – Classic card, Silver card, Gold card, and Black card.
One Sail Lounge in the MSC Yacht Club on MSC Divina: Photo Courtesy of MSC Cruises
Also, MSC Cruises will only consider and accept benefit card from other cruise companies, hotels and tour operators. (Excluded are airline companies.)
This cruise industry first is another way for experienced travelers who’ve not sailed on MSC Cruises to receive benefits, including a 5 percent discount on any booking given to MSC Voyagers Club members, for instance.
“Wonder & Being Amazed” with the new MSC Meraviglia
Part of MSC Cruises’ major expansion with its two new generation of ships (the MSC Seaside launches in November 2017) includes the debut of the MSC Meraviglia, the first of their Vista project ships. In summer of 2017, she’ll be spending her inaugural summer sailing the Mediterranean. In English, “Meraviglia” translates into “wonder” – the feeling of being amazed. The MSC Meraviglia brings that and more when she sets sail. At 1033 feet long with 2,250 guest staterooms and accommodations for up to 4,500 guests, the MSC Meraviglia will also have new family staterooms (combining 2 to 3 staterooms).
MSC Meraviglia: Photo Courtesy of MSC Cruises
She’ll have an “Enhanced” MSC Yacht Club, providing a new level of luxury of their “ship within the ship” concept. The MSC Yacht Club will have entirely self-contained restaurants, a private lounge, a solarium with its own pool, and fascinating suites with private whirlpool baths. Also their renowned private butler service and special details are part of this remarkable, luxury service.
And the MSC Meraviglia brings even more onboard technological advances onboard. One is “Near Field Communication” technology. Guests will be able to access their staterooms, access their onboard accounts, “geo-locate” their friends, children along with onboard locations simply by using their smartphone, cruise card or cruise bracelet.
Another technology industry first is the LED screen, which forms the entire ceiling of the ship’s interior promenade. It will act as “a digital sky beaming out compelling images and vistas throughout the day.”
More about MSC Cruises and Expansion
MSC Cruises has grown 800% in its first ten years, becoming the fourth largest cruise company in the industry. The family owned company is set to double its fleet capacity by 2022, through a $5.5 billion dollar investment plan.
MSC Cruises’ wide range of partnerships, including Lego Group and Chicco are part of the company’s commitment to creating memorable and unforgettable vacations for families. Another is their partnership with the well-known restaurant brand Eataly, which brings high end Italian cuisine for guests to enjoy. The varied and wide range of spectacular shows, including Broadway and Las Vegas style theatrical performances, live music along with the diverse choices as far as dining brings the fleet’s rich Mediterranean and international ambiance onboard.
MSC Seaside: Photo Courtesy of MSC Cruises
Their ships sail internationally, and the MSC Seaside’s debut November 2017 also launches a new first –she’ll be christened in the USA, at PortMiami. And with the new innovative Loyalty Match program? It gives your group another option to look into if some of your members have not sailed on MSC Cruises.
