MSC Pulled a Loyalty Shortcut in Four European Countries

MSC Cruises has ended its Status Match program in four European markets: Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. The change took effect October 15, according to Cruise Critic, and applications submitted before that date will still be processed under the rules that applied at the time.

Status Match let cruisers bring loyalty status from other cruise lines, hotel chains and tour operators and receive matching benefits through MSC’s Voyagers Club. For travelers who had been counting on a fast track to higher tiers, the door has now closed in those four countries.

MSC said the decision applies exclusively to those four markets. The program remains available elsewhere, including the United States and Canada, and Voyagers Club membership already granted through Status Match stays valid under the club’s standard rules.

No official reason was given, and the report mentions no replacement program. Some forum members guessed the program had already done its job of attracting new cruisers, but that is speculation rather than MSC’s explanation. If you are based in one of the affected countries, check your Voyagers Club status and your booking market before assuming a match is possible.

Sources: Cruise Critic