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This major cruise line is giving loyalists new freebies, including cabin upgrades

Nov. 07, 2024
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3 min read
KRISTY TOLLEY/THE POINTS GUY
This major cruise line is giving loyalists new freebies, including cabin upgrades
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MSC Cruises fans will soon receive more perks for their loyalty.

The line announced Thursday it will add another tier to its MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program. The new Blue Diamond level will be the highest tier frequent MSC cruisers can obtain, requiring 25,000 points or more.

The Blue Diamond membership tier brings embarkation-day benefits such as flexible check-in times, priority embarkation and luggage drop-off service at the MSC Yacht Club check-in desk. On board, top-tier members can access My Choice dining, which allows them to dine anytime during their assigned main dining room's open hours (regardless of the accommodation experience they have purchased).

Perks also include a free Browse Wi-Fi package for one device per member, free shuttle service in port (where offered), a complimentary Behind the Scenes tour (on select ships), a private meet-and-greet with the captain and priority access to tender boats when the ship is anchored near a port of call.

Additionally, if unsold cabins are available, Blue Diamond members will receive the highest priority for a cabin upgrade.

MSC Cruises' existing MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program levels are Classic, Silver, Gold and Diamond, and Blue Diamond members will receive all the perks eligible to lower-tier members, too. These include a complimentary bottle of Champagne, early access to shows, a complimentary specialty restaurant tasting menu, a free one-hour Thermal Spa session and a late checkout option.

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The number of MSC Voyagers Club points you can earn is based on the length of your cruise and which MSC Cruises "experience" you book. (The line offers four experiences — Bella, Fantastica, Aurea and MSC Yacht Club — each with different inclusions and price points.) You can also earn points by prepaying for things like spa services and dining packages.

To reach the new Blue Diamond level with a Bella experience (the line's most basic package), you would need to take roughly 36 nine-night cruises (earning 700 points for each cruise). Longer cruises or more expensive experiences will help you reach the new tier more quickly.

Another new MSC Voyagers Club perk is that the program has extended membership expiration dates from three to five years. You only have to cruise once every five years to maintain your current membership level and earn points toward higher membership tiers.

The revamped loyalty program is available immediately, and U.S.-based passengers booking through U.S. reservation portals will automatically be enrolled. If you aren't already an MSC Voyagers Club member, you can sign up without a current booking. Enrollment will unlock immediate access to discounts of up to 20%.

It's important to note that you can only earn Blue Diamond status by sailing with the line and cannot gain Blue Diamond status through the MSC Voyagers Club Status Match Program.

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Featured image by KRISTY TOLLEY/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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