How do I use my loyalty points with MSC Cruises?

Cruising with MSC Cruises is more than just a vacation at sea. As one of the world’s leading cruise lines, MSC makes travel rewarding through its MSC Voyagers Club, a loyalty program designed to recognize and reward repeat passengers. Members not only collect points but also unlock meaningful benefits that enhance their cruise experience.

However, one of the most common questions travelers have is: “How do I use my loyalty points with MSC Cruises?”

Unlike some loyalty programs where points directly convert into cash credits or free cruises, MSC Voyagers Club operates differently. Points earned determine your membership tier and grant access to a wide range of benefits, discounts, and privileges. Understanding how to leverage these points is the key to making the most of the program.

This article will explain in detail how MSC loyalty points work, how you can use them, and smart strategies to maximize your benefits.

1. Understanding MSC Voyagers Club Points

Before exploring how to use your loyalty points, it’s essential to understand how they function.

• Points Are Tier-Based: MSC Cruises loyalty points do not act as currency to “spend.” Instead, they determine your tier level within the Voyagers Club program.

• More Points = Higher Status: The higher your tier, the more benefits and privileges you enjoy.

• How You Earn Them: Points are awarded based on cruise fares, length of voyage, cabin category, and onboard spending.

In short, your loyalty points act as a status indicator rather than a cash alternative.

2. MSC Voyagers Club Membership Tiers

Your loyalty points place you into one of five membership tiers. Each tier comes with increasing perks:

2.1 Welcome (Entry Level)

• Free to join

• Access to exclusive promotions

• No points required

2.2 Classic (1–2,199 points)

• 5% cruise booking discount

• Exclusive member offers

• Early embarkation in some ports

2.3 Silver (2,200–4,299 points)

• Complimentary welcome gift in cabin

• Fruit basket delivery

• Invitations to special onboard events

2.4 Gold (4,300–9,999 points)

• Priority boarding and disembarkation

• Complimentary gifts and invitations

• Member cocktail party

• Discounts on onboard purchases

2.5 Diamond (10,000+ points)

• 5% cruise discount plus additional offers

• Priority embarkation, tender services, and luggage delivery

• Free specialty restaurant dinner

• Exclusive Diamond party and gifts

• 15% discount on shore excursions

Each tier unlocks more ways to use your points—not in spending but in privileges and recognition.

3. How to Earn Points

To use your MSC loyalty points effectively, you first need to accumulate them.

3.1 Cruise Fare and Cabin Category

Points are awarded based on the type of cruise booked and the package chosen (Bella, Fantastica, Aurea, or Yacht Club). Higher categories bring more points.

3.2 Length of Cruise

Longer voyages yield more points since the program rewards based on days spent at sea.

3.3 Onboard Spending

Spending money onboard—whether at specialty restaurants, spas, boutiques, or bars—earns you additional points.

3.4 Voyagers Exclusives Promotion

Sometimes MSC offers “double points” or bonus points when booking certain sailings, allowing members to accelerate their status climb.

4. How Loyalty Points Are Used

MSC Cruises loyalty points are not redeemed in the traditional sense. Instead, they determine your tier status, which directly unlocks benefits you can use.

Here’s how you “use” your points:

4.1 Unlock Discounts on Cruises

All tiers starting from Classic receive at least 5% off every cruise booked. Higher tiers often get additional promotions and access to exclusive discounts.

4.2 Enjoy Priority Services

Your points grant you priority privileges: early embarkation, faster disembarkation, and priority tendering when ships anchor offshore. These time-saving benefits enhance convenience and reduce waiting.

4.3 Access Exclusive Onboard Events

Higher-tier members are invited to cocktail parties, receptions, and exclusive gatherings, all thanks to the loyalty points that placed them in that tier.

4.4 Receive Complimentary Perks

From fruit baskets and welcome gifts to specialty dining experiences and chocolates with champagne, points determine the rewards you qualify for.

4.5 Discounts on Excursions and Services

Diamond members, for example, enjoy a 15% discount on shore excursions—a direct way points save you money.

4.6 Recognition and Special Treatment

Crew members recognize your membership tier, giving you priority service and a more personalized cruising experience.

5. Practical Examples of Using Loyalty Points

Let’s illustrate how loyalty points work in real situations.

Example 1: Silver Member (2,500 points)

• Books a Mediterranean cruise.

• Automatically receives 5% off the fare.

• Gets a welcome gift in their cabin.

• Attends exclusive Voyagers Club cocktail reception.

Example 2: Gold Member (6,000 points)

• Embarks on a Caribbean cruise.

• Uses priority embarkation to skip long queues.

• Receives discounts on onboard photography.

• Invited to a private party with complimentary drinks.

Example 3: Diamond Member (12,000 points)

• Books a transatlantic cruise.

• Receives a free specialty dining experience.

• Enjoys 15% off excursions, saving hundreds.

• Gets recognition at an exclusive Diamond member party.

In each case, the passenger is “using” their loyalty points by enjoying the benefits tied to their tier.

6. Status Match – A Shortcut to Benefits

MSC Cruises offers a status match program that allows you to use loyalty points from other travel brands.

If you’re a frequent flyer, hotel loyalty member, or part of another cruise line’s program, MSC may match your existing status into their Voyagers Club. This instantly gives you access to higher-tier benefits without having to start from zero.

For example:

• A gold-level member of a hotel loyalty program may receive MSC Gold tier directly.

• This means you can “use” your existing travel loyalty status to unlock MSC perks.

7. Expiry and Validity of Points

To effectively use your loyalty points, you need to maintain their validity.

• Points remain valid for 36 months after your last sailing.

• If you don’t cruise within three years, your accumulated points may expire.

• However, your membership remains active—you simply restart from your last valid tier after your next voyage.

This means you should plan cruises at least once every few years to keep benefiting from your points.

8. Tips to Maximize the Use of Your MSC Loyalty Points

Using points wisely requires some strategy. Here are proven tips:

8.1 Book Early

Early booking often comes with Voyagers Exclusives promotions, including double points and extra discounts.

8.2 Choose Longer Cruises

Sailing longer itineraries accelerates your points growth, pushing you into higher tiers faster.

8.3 Upgrade Cabin Experiences

Booking higher cabin experiences like Aurea or Yacht Club not only enhances comfort but also increases the number of points earned.

8.4 Spend Onboard Strategically

Purchases at spas, boutiques, and specialty restaurants contribute to points. If you were already planning to spend, make sure it counts toward your loyalty status.

8.5 Use Status Match

If you’re loyal to another brand, leverage status match to climb MSC tiers instantly.

8.6 Stay Active

Sail at least once every three years to prevent point expiration and to keep climbing tiers.

9. Comparison with Other Cruise Lines

MSC Cruises’ loyalty points are unique compared to competitors.

• Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society: Points are cruise-night based and work similarly to MSC’s tier system.

• Carnival’s VIFP Club: Rewards are based on number of cruises taken, not points.

• Norwegian’s Latitudes Rewards: Offers point-based tiers similar to MSC but with different redemption options.

MSC’s strength lies in its status match program and early-access discounts, making points usage more flexible and rewarding.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use MSC points as cash credits onboard?

No, points are not cash-based. They determine your tier level, which unlocks benefits.

Q2. How can I get the most from my loyalty points?

Book early, sail longer cruises, upgrade cabins, and use status match.

Q3. Do MSC loyalty points expire?

Yes, if you don’t sail within 36 months of your last cruise.

Q4. Can family members pool their points together?

No, each member earns points individually, but the whole family can join the program.

Q5. What’s the biggest advantage of having points?

Discounts on cruises, priority services, and exclusive perks like free dining and excursion discounts.

11. Why Using Loyalty Points Matters

The beauty of the MSC Voyagers Club is that even a single cruise unlocks immediate benefits. From discounts on bookings to personalized recognition onboard, the system is designed to make every guest feel valued. The more points you earn, the more rewarding your experience becomes.

Conclusion

So, how do you use your loyalty points with MSC Cruises? Unlike traditional point systems where points are spent like currency, MSC loyalty points work by elevating your membership tier within the Voyagers Club. Your tier status then grants you access to discounts, exclusive events, priority services, free gifts, and recognition throughout your journey.

Using points with MSC Cruises is all about maximizing the value of your membership. By booking early, choosing longer voyages, spending wisely onboard, and taking advantage of the status match program, you can climb tiers faster and unlock premium perks.

For travelers who love cruising, the MSC Voyagers Club turns loyalty into unforgettable benefits, making every voyage not only a journey at sea but also a step toward greater rewards.