How about some reviews about MSC's loyalty program

[American Bear]

I'm big on loyalty programs, and MSC's site shows this;

1 day= 1 pt., for every $200. spent on board ship=1 pt.

1 pt.-21 pts.=5% off a future cruise.(Classic)

22 pts. -42 pts. = 8% off a future cruise.(Silver)

43 pts. - 99 pts. = 10% off a future cruise.(Gold)

100+ pts.= 20% off a future cruise.(Black)

I have to think Black members are very happy campers! 20% off!

There are other parts to each levels, but I only list the % off a future cruise.

So what do others think?

[moomoocow]

I'm big on loyalty programs, and MSC's site shows this;

1 day= 1 pt., for every $200. spent on board ship=1 pt.

1 pt.-21 pts.=5% off a future cruise.(Classic)

22 pts. -42 pts. = 8% off a future cruise.(Silver)

43 pts. - 99 pts. = 10% off a future cruise.(Gold)

100+ pts.= 20% off a future cruise.(Black)

I have to think Black members are very happy campers! 20% off!

There are other parts to each levels, but I only list the % off a future cruise.

So what do others think?

 

Best loyalty programme on the high seas.

[tigger89]

Best loyalty programme on the high seas.

 

Hi

This will be our first cruise with MSC we have booked 14 nights in the Yacht Club. Not sure how the loyalty club works do we gain points for our first cruise or is it only after you cruise with you can get the card do they combine the points as a family or are they for each individual.

 

Thanks

Judith

Edited February 4, 2014 by tigger89

[jessabella]

If you sign up and add this cruise you will get the points for this one ..you must sign everyone up and you all will get individual points.

 

Im just trying to get my discount as it wasnt added to my price when I booked my second cruise and of course no contact back from emails. :confused:

[tigger89]

If you sign up and add this cruise you will get the points for this one ..you must sign everyone up and you all will get individual points.

 

Im just trying to get my discount as it wasnt added to my price when I booked my second cruise and of course no contact back from emails. :confused:

 

Thanks do you sign up onboard for it or online.

 

Judith

[jessabella]

I signed up on the ship when I did mine for the first time ..mind you this was in 2009...so Im sure you can just do it online..that way your cards can arrive before you go...dont quote me on this ...but maybe give it a go. Not sure if you need to have already finished the voyage though:confused:

[cruiseguys2009]

Okay, so help me out here.

 

We pre-ordered The Allegrissimo Premium Package at $399 pp for the week. Three nights at Specialty Restaurants and a shore excursion.

 

Now, my question is, I am charged all these wonderful things when I get on board the ship, and I cannot cancel them after 9 days prior. So is this considered ON BOARD SPENDING? It amounts to over a thousand dollars!

 

Okay, so I also know that the alcohol package is 15 percent higher if I wait. Is that my penalty? No points?

[Skier52]

Hi

This will be our first cruise with MSC we have booked 14 nights in the Yacht Club. Not sure how the loyalty club works do we gain points for our first cruise or is it only after you cruise with you can get the card do they combine the points as a family or are they for each individual.

 

Thanks

Judith

You have to complete 3 nights crising before you are eligible to apply for the club.. So as it's your first cruise with MSC you will be able to sign up on board or online upon your return.

 

eveybody will get the points for their nights on board but only the person, or persons (if more than one registers to pay an account) gets the onboard spend. So two people sharing a cabin can have a jiont account, in which case 1 person gets the points for the total spend; Or. they each can have account so that they each get points for their own spend.

 

Incidentally the compulsory service charge counts in the onboard spend total, as do preordered (but not paid for in advance) packages (drinks, spa etc.) and excursions.

 

 

PETE

Edited February 4, 2014 by Skier52

[Skier52]

Okay, so help me out here.

 

We pre-ordered The Allegrissimo Premium Package at $399 pp for the week. Three nights at Specialty Restaurants and a shore excursion.

 

Now, my question is, I am charged all these wonderful things when I get on board the ship, and I cannot cancel them after 9 days prior. So is this considered ON BOARD SPENDING? It amounts to over a thousand dollars!

 

Okay, so I also know that the alcohol package is 15 percent higher if I wait. Is that my penalty? No points?

1) Yes your preordered packages are counted in onboard spend

 

2) $1000 dollars gives you 5 points; $1150 gives you 5 points, but puts you closer to the 6th point.

 

Your service charge will also count for onboard spend and earn you points.

 

 

Pete

Edited February 4, 2014 by Skier52

[tigger89]

Hi Pete

 

So as a family we are as well to just have one onboard account so all the points go to one card? Can that card holder then use there card for discounts for future bookings?

 

Thanks Judith

[Skier52]

Hi Pete

 

So as a family we are as well to just have one onboard account so all the points go to one card? Can that card holder then use there card for discounts for future bookings?

 

Thanks Judith

The discount can be applied to other people sharing your cabin, i'm not sure if it extends to family members in other cabins.

 

 

In one word about geting all points on one card , it does make sense to do that, but I'm not sure any of the other perks can shared, eg, priority board and tendering for Black, so if one person is black and their OH is gold I don't think they would get 2 priority tickets.

 

Pete

[tigger89]

Thanks Pete

[riclop]

Best loyalty programme on the high seas.

Totally agree.

[GrandyMandy]

The scheme is good, but will it change with the new booking levels coming in ?

Edited February 5, 2014 by GrandyMandy

[Skier52]

The scheme is good, but will it change with the new booking levels coming in ?

Yes.

 

I have been told, by a reliable source who should know, that a new top level (Platinum?),will be introduced in the next 6 to 12 months.

Last time they did this, with the Black card introduction, a number of perks were removed, eg discounts on shore excursions.

 

 

Pete

[AmoMondo]

I love this programme. I'm black so love the 20% off the most. Preferential tender service and breezing onto the ship in minutes are good perks to. Always appreciate the chocolate dipped strawberries and the bottle of Moët. Free trip to the a la carte restaurant on the Musica class always gets used too. Never use my free casino chip and don't bother to go to the dinner with the captain or officers anymore. First one was special but I it's more of an ordeal than a perk now. So I politely decline that one. I only go to the cocktail party if there are other club members that I know onboard.

 

Looking forward to Platinum coming out to see what else I'll get. With well over 200 points I'm sure I'll automatically be on it.

[Beamafar]

1) Yes your preordered packages are counted in onboard spend

 

2) $1000 dollars gives you 5 points; $1150 gives you 5 points, but puts you closer to the 6th point.

 

Your service charge will also count for onboard spend and earn you points.

 

 

Pete

 

Pete, do you mean that you carry over any remaining balance which hasn't gone towards points to your next onboard spend? e.g. You say that the $150 over in your example puts you closer to the 6th point. I've been trying to calculate what my next onboard spend would be so I can insure that it will come to an amount which can be converted into points. My definite spend will be (premium Allegrissimo package + Hotel Charge) x2 + €4 "Unicef Donation" = €690. I thought I'd have to spend at least another €110 to make up the 4 points and, while I will have other costs (I always get clothes ironed on arrival, some souvenir shopping in the Logo shop, etc) I had assumed that any amount not qualifying for points was automatically lost.

[papcx]

Pete, do you mean that you carry over any remaining balance which hasn't gone towards points to your next onboard spend? e.g. You say that the $150 over in your example puts you closer to the 6th point. I've been trying to calculate what my next onboard spend would be so I can insure that it will come to an amount which can be converted into points. My definite spend will be (premium Allegrissimo package + Hotel Charge) x2 + €4 "Unicef Donation" = €690. I thought I'd have to spend at least another €110 to make up the 4 points and, while I will have other costs (I always get clothes ironed on arrival, some souvenir shopping in the Logo shop, etc) I had assumed that any amount not qualifying for points was automatically lost.

 

 

Non-qualifying spend is lost.

 

I think Pete was referring to buying the drinks package onboard so the 15% service charge is onboard spend (even though you'll be paying more overall for the package.)

[Beamafar]

I love this programme. I'm black so love the 20% off the most. Preferential tender service and breezing onto the ship in minutes are good perks to. Always appreciate the chocolate dipped strawberries and the bottle of Moët. Free trip to the a la carte restaurant on the Musica class always gets used too. Never use my free casino chip and don't bother to go to the dinner with the captain or officers anymore. First one was special but I it's more of an ordeal than a perk now. So I politely decline that one. I only go to the cocktail party if there are other club members that I know onboard.

 

Looking forward to Platinum coming out to see what else I'll get. With well over 200 points I'm sure I'll automatically be on it.

 

You certainly deserve to qualify with that number of points - WOW!!

Have you ever been in receipt of the complimentary upgrade that the Black Card entitles you to. I know it's "subject to availability" so how often is it "available"? I've always wondered about that. I'm quite close, now, to a Gold Card and my goal has always been to reach the Black. Now I hear they may be introducing this new Platinum level. I think I'll have to do a lot of cheaper cruises, in steerage even! to attain that level:eek:

[Beamafar]

Non-qualifying spend is lost.

 

I think Pete was referring to buying the drinks package onboard so the 15% service charge is onboard spend (even though you'll be paying more overall for the package.)

 

Thanks. I thought about it afterwards and figured he meant that another $50 spend would get you to that extra point. As I'm very close to qualifying for the Gold Card, I'm looking at the quickest way to getting there and I was probably grasping at straws in my haste:o

[Skier52]

Thanks. I thought about it afterwards and figured he meant that another $50 spend would get you to that extra point. As I'm very close to qualifying for the Gold Card, I'm looking at the quickest way to getting there and I was probably grasping at straws in my haste:o

You quite right, I did mean that you only needed to spend $50 to get the 6th point.

lookimg at your posts And assuming you are on a 7 night cruise

the points you will get are 7 for 7 nights

 

plus spend Allegrisimo premium (which I believe is €44 pppd) , service charge of €7pppd and Unicef donation of €2pp

 

7 + ((€44 x 7 x 2) + (€7 x 7 x 2) + (€2 x 2))/ 200

 

so get 7 + (€616 + €98+ €4)/200

 

giving 7 + 718/200 = 7 + 3 = 10 points with a remainder of €118. so another €88 will get the 11th point. I can recommend using the laundry if they have one of their "bundle" offers, eg 25 items for €20. So goimg on one excursion of €44pp will get the extra point.

 

BUT , bear in mind what you are stiving for is in fact only an extra 2% discount on the cruise price over and above what you get as a Silver member

 

 

The other benefits you will get as a Gold rather than a Silver are

 

1) discount on Photographs:- 8% (5% for silver)

2) discount on Spa teatments:- 15% (10% for silver)

3) discount on laundry:- 30% (20% for silver) I don't think that applies to the special offers

4) discount in logo shop:- 15% (10% for silver)

5) discount in a speciality restaurant:- 30% (20% for silver) ( the discount on beverages in the speciallity restaurants won't be applicable if you have the Allegrissimo premiium)

6) internet discount:- 20% (10% for silver)

 

Not a lot of advantage of Gold over Silver IMHO as I don't use items 1, 2, 5 or 6.

 

Your bigger picture target should be getting to Black and the 20% discount on the cruise price.

 

I've just done the calculation backwards on your figure of €690 which I worked out would be the result of having the drinks package for €42pppd.

 

Pete

Edited February 5, 2014 by Skier52

[Beamafar]

You quite right, I did mean that you only needed to spend $50 to get the 6th point.

lookimg at your posts And assuming you are on a 7 night cruise

the points you will get are 7 for 7 nights

 

plus spend Allegrisimo premium (which I believe is €44 pppd) , service charge of €7pppd and Unicef donation of €2pp

 

7 + ((€44 x 7 x 2) + (€7 x 7 x 2) + (€2 x 2))/ 200

 

so get 7 + (€616 + €98+ €4)/200

 

giving 7 + 718/200 = 7 + 3 = 10 points with a remainder of €118. so another €88 will get the 11th point. I can recommend using the laundry if they have one of their "bundle" offers, eg 25 items for €20. So goimg on one excursion of €44pp will get the extra point.

 

 

BUT , bear in mind what you are stiving for is in fact only an extra 2% discount on the cruise price over and above what you get as a Silver member

 

 

The other benefits you will get as a Gold rather than a Silver are

 

1) discount on Photographs:- 8% (5% for silver)

2) discount on Spa teatments:- 15% (10% for silver)

3) discount on laundry:- 30% (20% for silver) I don't think that applies to the special offers

4) discount in logo shop:- 15% (10% for silver)

5) discount in a speciality restaurant:- 30% (20% for silver) ( the discount on beverages in the speciallity restaurants won't be applicable if you have the Allegrissimo premiium)

6) internet discount:- 20% (10% for silver)

 

Not a lot of advantage of Gold over Silver IMHO as I don't use items 1, 2, 5 or 6.

 

Your bigger picture target should be getting to Black and the 20% discount on the cruise price.

 

I've just done the calculation backwards on your figure of €690 which I worked out would be the result of having the drinks package for €42pppd.

 

Pete

 

Thanks, Pete. The laundry "bundle" offer only applies to items being laundered - not ironed. I found that out when I requested it before. I'm hoping to convince them to apply the offer next Monday when I hand them my suitcase-ful for attention.:D

I agree with you about aiming for the Black Card which was my ultimate goal 'til I heard they may be introducing a Platinum one! By the time I reach Black, the benefits will have been trimmed back as was the case when the Black card was introduced.

It's true there isn't much of a muchness between Silver & Gold. When I was making my September next booking, I was advised that I wouldn't qualify for the 10% discount as, although I'm within achieving Gold, I haven't "earned" the points yet but I was offered onboard credit to make up for it - thought that was a very nice gesture. I was going to wait 'til I actually have the points before booking but, as there's a good rate for Yacht Club at present, I didn't want to lose out for the sake of as you say - 8% v 10%.

I don't use those services either but I have experienced priority boarding even though it seems from some posts that it's only Black Card holders who are entitled to it. I can't remember seeing a separate line for this category - only one for general clubcard members but I'm not saying it doesn't exist. As it doesn't apply to me I wouldn't be watching for one. I know where to look when I'm Yacht -Clubbing I can assure you! Where's my butler??:rolleyes:

One issue I have with the awarding of points is the fact that you're only allocated a point for every night on board regardless of category of cabin you've opted for. I feel it's unfair to only receive the same number of points when paying for e.g. YC as someone who's paid a lot less for an inside cabin on the same cruise. I've read on other threads that other companies award extra points for higher category bookings. It would be nice if MSC considered offering one or two bonus points per higher category cabins.

I've seriously considered doing a lot of cheaper cruises in inside cabins just to build up the points but I experienced an inside cabin once and found it claustrophobic. I get very uncomfortable in places where there are no windows so I have to have a balcony cabin every time and budget accordingly.

By the way, the Premium Allegrissimo is €42pppd

Edited February 5, 2014 by Beamafar

[Skier52]

Thanks, Pete. The laundry "bundle" offer only applies to items being laundered - not ironed. I found that out when I requested it before. I'm hoping to convince them to apply the offer next Monday when I hand them my suitcase-ful for attention.:D

I agree with you about aiming for the Black Card which was my ultimate goal 'til I heard they may be introducing a Platinum one! By the time I reach Black, the benefits will have been trimmed back as was the case when the Black card was introduced.

It's true there isn't much of a muchness between Silver & Gold. When I was making my September next booking, I was advised that I wouldn't qualify for the 10% discount as, although I'm within achieving Gold, I haven't "earned" the points yet but I was offered onboard credit to make up for it - thought that was a very nice gesture. I was going to wait 'til I actually have the points before booking but, as there's a good rate for Yacht Club at present, I didn't want to lose out for the sake of as you say - 8% v 10%.

I don't use those services either but I have experienced priority boarding even though it seems from some posts that it's only Black Card holders who are entitled to it. I can't remember seeing a separate line for this category - only one for general clubcard members but I'm not saying it doesn't exist. As it doesn't apply to me I wouldn't be watching for one. I know where to look when I'm Yacht -Clubbing I can assure you! Where's my butler??:rolleyes:

One issue I have with the awarding of points is the fact that you're only allocated a point for every night on board regardless of category of cabin you've opted for. I feel it's unfair to only receive the same number of points when paying for e.g. YC as someone who's paid a lot less for an inside cabin on the same cruise. I've read on other threads that other companies award extra points for higher category bookings. It would be nice if MSC considered offering one or two bonus points per higher category cabins.

I've seriously considered doing a lot of cheaper cruises in inside cabins just to build up the points but I experienced an inside cabin once and found it claustrophobic. I get very uncomfortable in places where there are no windows so I have to have a balcony cabin every time and budget accordingly.

By the way, the Premium Allegrissimo is €42pppd

On RCI I usually have a Grand suite and you definitely get double points for nights on board. In fact all cabins from Junior suite upwards get double points. But the climb through the SIX grades is very slow. I've reached the 4th level, DIAMOND, and it's only there that any decent perks are given eg 3 hrs free drinks in the diamond lounge every day!! But then again only MSC give points for onboard spend , well of the lines I've been on.

 

As for MSC priority boarding It's now only Black card holders, it used to be all members, then went to Gold and Black,, now as I said it's only black card.

 

As for inside cabins take a look at post 23 of the thread below. Insides were the same price as B2 balcony!!!

 

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1968036&page=2

 

 

 

 

Pete

Edited February 5, 2014 by Skier52

[Beamafar]

On RCI I usually have a Grand suite and you definitely get double points for nights on board. In fact all cabins from Junior suite upwards get double points. But the climb through the SIX grades is very slow. I've reached the 4th level, DIAMOND, and it's only there that any decent perks are given eg 3 hrs free drinks in the diamond lounge every day!! But then again only MSC give points for onboard spend , well of the lines I've been on.

 

As for MSC priority boarding It's now only Black card holders, it used to be all members, then went to Gold and Black,, now as I said it's only black card.

As for inside cabins take a look at post 23 of the thread below. Insides were the same price as B2 balcony!!!

 

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1968036&page=2

 

 

 

 

Pete

Thanks for all the info, Pete. I hadn't noticed the changes to the benefits. I have an old copy of the benefits which includes the Black Card level which I often refer to. I've just checked out the MSC Club section of their site, not because I doubted you as you always provide evidence to back up any claims,

but your "copy" of the benefits list layout is different to the old one and I was curious to see if the Ireland website looks the same as yours, which it does. I had looked at this only very recently and hadn't noticed the changes.

Do you know when this benefit was removed for members other than Black Card holders? I know I received "preferential check-in" in Barcelona last February and I was looking forward to it next Monday. I'm not very happy with this development.

The more I follow these threads the more I realise I'll have to get more proactive about keeping myself informed with the constant moving of goalposts! I realise how people, especially those new to cruising, can depend heavily on guys like you for information. It's just that we're not all au fait or adept with internet search engines and I'm just so grateful for this site and the posters who can and do share their efforts with others.

[Skier52]

Thanks for all the info, Pete. I hadn't noticed the changes to the benefits. I have an old copy of the benefits which includes the Black Card level which I often refer to. I've just checked out the MSC Club section of their site, not because I doubted you as you always provide evidence to back up any claims,

but your "copy" of the benefits list layout is different to the old one and I was curious to see if the Ireland website looks the same as yours, which it does. I had looked at this only very recently and hadn't noticed the changes.

Do you know when this benefit was removed for members other than Black Card holders? I know I received "preferential check-in" in Barcelona last February and I was looking forward to it next Monday. I'm not very happy with this development.

The more I follow these threads the more I realise I'll have to get more proactive about keeping myself informed with the constant moving of goalposts! I realise how people, especially those new to cruising, can depend heavily on guys like you for information. It's just that we're not all au fait or adept with internet search engines and I'm just so grateful for this site and the posters who can and do share their efforts with others.

Sio you can see for yourself how the benefits have changed, here are the lists for 2009, the original first list (this was pre Black card), and 2010 (just after the Black card) and I'll include the current one for completeness sake

 

2009

 

 

2010

 

 

Current

 

 

 

 

major changes are:-

 

the change to priority boarding which was only last year

 

the loss of the discount on excursions

 

casino chip is now not complimentary but a match your stake

 

complimentary dinner in a themed restaurant is now a discount

 

and 7 bonus points for registering on the website (which was there in the very beginning, I got them, I don't if it was discontinued and reinstated or was always available but just not put on the chart) I guess they would have just about given you a Gold card.

 

Incidentally I got Gold after just 4 cruises with 7 bonus points plus 7 x 4 (28) for the cruises and 2 points per cruise (8) from spend; total 43. My wife got gold at the same time (She was credited with a ficticious cruise and so had a "free" 7 points) and so didn't need so much "spend"

I finally got to Black after 10 x 7 night cruises + 7 bonus points and the rest in onboard spend

 

 

In the early days we had to spread our on board spend as you only got the cruise discount for your own card so it was best to spread the points evenly,, which meant carefully watching both individual accounts and choosing who would pay the onboard spend on which cruise.

 

 

Pete

Edited February 5, 2014 by Skier52