MSC Quietly Closed a Loyalty Shortcut in Several European Countries

MSC Cruises has stopped accepting new status match applications in several European markets. As of October 15, the line no longer takes new requests from Spain, France and Italy, according to Cruise Hive, and Cruise Critic reports that Portugal is affected as well. Applications submitted before the cutoff will still be processed.

A status match lets a cruiser who has earned elite tier benefits with a rival line receive a comparable tier in MSC Voyagers Club, skipping the slow climb that usually comes with loyalty points. MSC’s program had covered more than 75 competing loyalty schemes, including those run by Carnival, Disney, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian.

Nothing changes for guests who already hold a matched tier. Existing Voyagers Club levels stay valid, and the tiers, benefits and point-earning rules are unchanged. MSC’s own FAQ, translated from its Spanish site, describes the move as part of the ongoing evolution of its commercial and customer loyalty strategy.

Status matching remains available on MSC’s sites for the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and Austria, among others, though other countries could be affected later. Cruisers hoping to use a rival line’s status to unlock MSC perks should check their own country’s MSC website before planning around the offer.

Sources: Cruise Hive, Cruise Critic