How about some reviews about MSC's loyalty program

[AmoMondo]

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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:

 

No never. Then again I'm usually booked in a fairly high category anyway as I want to be sure to get a balcony.

[Beamafar]

After my next cruise which will be my 4th (with MSC) I reckon I'll be just one point away from Gold so I'm almost matching your achievement. In my case, though, it's because one was an 11 nighter and I was able to add all the onboard spend to my card unlike your early experience.

Some of the major changes you've illustrated won't really impact on me. I tend to do my own thing at ports and I don't ever feel the need to eat at themed restaurants (although if I make Black in the (far distant) future and the 100% discount still applies, I'll certainly be checking one out).

As I said earlier, the priority boarding is something I'm going to miss. I suppose there are so many with club membership now that it may become something of a joke if the queue for preferential boarding is slower than the normal line.

Edited February 5, 2014 by Beamafar
This was in reply to Pete

[Beamafar]

No never. Then again I'm usually booked in a fairly high category anyway as I want to be sure to get a balcony.

I thought that maybe if you booked a B3 there'd be a chance of getting jumped up to YC?

[American Bear]

I can say that other cruise lines like NCL and RCL offer extra points for their Suites, and NCL used to offer extra points for 14 nights or longer cruises, not sure if they still do, as RCL discontinued this a couple years ago.

I would also suggest MSC can learn from the other cruise lines in the American market by starting a casino club. MSC doesn't have one. We belong to RCL's casino club, and frequently get offers for free cruises. Carnival and NCL also have casino clubs that return money/comp for play whether you win or lose.(most likely lose)

I read on a blog that if you lose $100. on the last night of a MSC cruise, you'll receive a $100. credit, good for 12 months for a future cruise, not sure if this is true.

 

I would agree with what everyone seems to be saying so far, getting to Black seems to be the idea with the current perks offered.

I also don't know of any other line offering points for spending on board ship, seems to be a good idea for us, and them.

[Cruisergal1208]

I can say that other cruise lines like NCL and RCL offer extra points for their Suites, and NCL used to offer extra points for 14 nights or longer cruises, not sure if they still do, as RCL discontinued this a couple years ago.

I would also suggest MSC can learn from the other cruise lines in the American market by starting a casino club. MSC doesn't have one. We belong to RCL's casino club, and frequently get offers for free cruises. Carnival and NCL also have casino clubs that return money/comp for play whether you win or lose.(most likely lose)

I read on a blog that if you lose $100. on the last night of a MSC cruise, you'll receive a $100. credit, good for 12 months for a future cruise, not sure if this is true.

 

I would agree with what everyone seems to be saying so far, getting to Black seems to be the idea with the current perks offered.

I also don't know of any other line offering points for spending on board ship, seems to be a good idea for us, and them.

 

It is true about the $100 credit good for 1 year. I have a letter to prove it and will be using in on our March Cruise.

 

I would like to see MSC give double points for a suite like HAL does.

[Beamafar]

Is it worthwhile to do the web check-in? I'm not familiar with it and don't want to mess up as I will be travelling with elderly parents who may find the long waiting period for embarkation taxing.

I'm posting this on this thread as it relates to the fact that the preferential check-in benefit has been withdrawn from our Silver Card status which I only discovered thanks to this topic.

[Skier52]

Is it worthwhile to do the web check-in? I'm not familiar with it and don't want to mess up as I will be travelling with elderly parents who may find the long waiting period for embarkation taxing.

I'm posting this on this thread as it relates to the fact that the preferential check-in benefit has been withdrawn from our Silver Card status which I only discovered thanks to this topic.

WEb check -in is very easy; it basically asks your Name, Address, D.o.B., male/female and passport information and gives you a form to print out which also has your cabin number booking number sailing date and ship printed on it. as well as the info you put in. One other piece of info which is n/a to uk nationals is ID number, but it is very easy and well worth the 5 minutes it takes.

 

 

Pete

[Beamafar]

WEb check -in is very easy; it basically asks your Name, Address, D.o.B., male/female and passport information and gives you a form to print out which also has your cabin number booking number sailing date and ship printed on it. as well as the info you put in. One other piece of info which is n/a to uk nationals is ID number, but it is very easy and well worth the 5 minutes it takes.

 

 

Pete

Cheers, Pete. I'll have a look at that tomorrow, hopefully. I'm having trouble accessing MSC website tonight.

 

I just popped over to another "place" and discovered the date of your 2012 Splendida sailing. I embarked the day after you disembarked for my first Yacht Club experience.

Enjoyed reading about your experience - lovely big cabin, too.

Edited February 5, 2014 by Beamafar

[American Bear]

I was talking to MSC today about another issue, and I asked them as this is our first time on MSC, and we are doing a back to back 14 days, when can we sign up, and when will the benes start?

The agent stated we'd have to wait until our first cruise was completed, technically we could sign up in the port while waiting to re-board the ship for our second 7 days.

I then asked the agent if our first cruise onboard spending would receive extra points if we went over $200.? She said no on the first cruise, we'd only get the 7 points when the account was completed in about 2-3 weeks.

I then asked her if we could get the extra points on week 2 for every $200. we spend, and she said yes, as long as its bought on the ship, not pre-cruise, such as a drink package, or excursions!

Was the agent correct, you have to buy on the ship, not online pre-cruise to get the extra points?:confused:

[Skier52]

I was talking to MSC today about another issue, and I asked them as this is our first time on MSC, and we are doing a back to back 14 days, when can we sign up, and when will the benes start?

The agent stated we'd have to wait until our first cruise was completed, technically we could sign up in the port while waiting to re-board the ship for our second 7 days.

I then asked the agent if our first cruise onboard spending would receive extra points if we went over $200.? She said no on the first cruise, we'd only get the 7 points when the account was completed in about 2-3 weeks.

I then asked her if we could get the extra points on week 2 for every $200. we spend, and she said yes, as long as its bought on the ship, not pre-cruise, such as a drink package, or excursions!

Was the agent correct, you have to buy on the ship, not online pre-cruise to get the extra points?:confused:

If you pre-order , but not prepay, then the cost will appear on your onboard account and get counted in towards your points. Your onbord spend for your first cruise should count, it's just that it will be post cruise that it all gets sorted out.

 

 

Pete

Edited February 5, 2014 by Skier52

[Beamafar]

I was talking to MSC today about another issue, and I asked them as this is our first time on MSC, and we are doing a back to back 14 days, when can we sign up, and when will the benes start?

The agent stated we'd have to wait until our first cruise was completed, technically we could sign up in the port while waiting to re-board the ship for our second 7 days.

I then asked the agent if our first cruise onboard spending would receive extra points if we went over $200.? She said no on the first cruise, we'd only get the 7 points when the account was completed in about 2-3 weeks.

I then asked her if we could get the extra points on week 2 for every $200. we spend, and she said yes, as long as its bought on the ship, not pre-cruise, such as a drink package, or excursions!

Was the agent correct, you have to buy on the ship, not online pre-cruise to get the extra points?:confused:

 

I know you addressed your query to Pete who is very knowledgeable but if I could just add to his comments that there's usually an MSC Clubcard stand on board - you should check that out when you first embark and hopefully the rep can sort you out.

[gskimmel]

You have to complete 3 nights crising before you are eligible to apply for the club..

 

PETE

 

I'm a little confused. When I read the terms and conditions on the point system online, the 3+ nights was mentioned for adding points from previous cruises. I am currently booked on a 7 night in January 2015 but am thinking about hopping on the 2 night in May 2014. Will the May sailing give me 2 points or do I get nothing at all?

 

Thanks

[Skier52]

Originally posted by Beamafar

I know you addressed your query to Pete who is very knowledgeable but if I could just add to his comments that there's usually an MSC Clubcard stand on board - you should check that out when you first embark and hopefully the rep can sort you out

Good idea!!!

 

Maybe you could ask acounts if you could run your acount for both weeks as one single event then you will only have one residual amount after points have been awarded, not two sets of "lost" spend

[Skier52]

You have to have 3 nights aboard before you can apply for membership so the two nights will count but if you go on that one first you will have to wait until the second 7 nighter to apply.

 

The first level "CLASSIC" is for 3 - 21 points. Not 1 - 21 as stated in the OP

 

The 3 night qualifying condition is in the 3rd para on this link

 

http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/MSC-Club/MSC-Club-Become-A-Member.aspx

 

Pete

Edited February 6, 2014 by Skier52

[marcoigna]

You have to have 3 nights aboard before you can apply for membership so the two nights will count but if you go on that one first you will have to wait until the second 7 nighter to apply.

 

The first level "CLASSIC" is for 3 - 21 points. Not 1 - 21 as stated in the OP

 

The 3 night qualifying condition is in the 3rd para on this link

 

http://www.msccruises.co.uk/uk_en/MSC-Club/MSC-Club-Become-A-Member.aspx

 

Pete

 

On the USA site, it clearly states - Classic - 1 to 21 Points, so yes, after you complete your 2 night cruise, the benefits will kick in......

[Skier52]

On the USA site, it clearly states - Classic - 1 to 21 Points, so yes, after you complete your 2 night cruise, the benefits will kick in......

Here are the eligibility criteria, NOT POINTS but NIGHTS (they are not the same thing)

 

You could get 3 points by a 2 night cruise and onboard spend but that does not match the critera layed out

 

As ever I give you documentary evidence

 

 

 

 

 

Pete

Edited February 6, 2014 by Skier52

[gskimmel]

On the USA site, it clearly states - Classic - 1 to 21 Points, so yes, after you complete your 2 night cruise, the benefits will kick in......

 

Thank you. I see you are going to be in the Sophie Loren suite. I'm curious to hear what you think of it. In January, our friends will be in that suite and we will be in the other royal suite.

 

I'm surprised to see that membership conditions differ between the countries. In the UK, the membership application does state that you can only apply after 3 nights. But in the US, the application language is different:

 

Being a loyal MSC Cruises guest means entering an exclusive club: a world of

thrills

,

pleasures

and

privileges

that multiply with every journey! To be eligible for this benefit you must be at least 14 years of age and have sailed with MSC previously.

[Skier52]

Thank you. I see you are going to be in the Sophie Loren suite. I'm curious to hear what you think of it. In January, our friends will be in that suite and we will be in the other royal suite.

 

I'm surprised to see that membership conditions differ between the countries. In the UK, the membership application does state that you can only apply after 3 nights. But in the US, the application language is different:

 

Being a loyal MSC Cruises guest means entering an exclusive club: a world of

thrills

,

pleasures

and

privileges

that multiply with every journey! To be eligible for this benefit you must be at least 14 years of age and have sailed with MSC previously.

Same as para 1 on my image , but look at para 3 underlined in red

 

 

Pete

PS i'm a little reluctant to point out that marcoigna doesn't list any past cruise on MSC, only a future one, so may not have actually met the vagaries of the Italians and their dodgy translations and non Italian web sites missing vital info

Edited February 6, 2014 by Skier52

[marcoigna]

Thank you. I see you are going to be in the Sophie Loren suite. I'm curious to hear what you think of it. In January, our friends will be in that suite and we will be in the other royal suite.

 

I'm surprised to see that membership conditions differ between the countries. In the UK, the membership application does state that you can only apply after 3 nights. But in the US, the application language is different:

 

Being a loyal MSC Cruises guest means entering an exclusive club: a world of

thrills

,

pleasures

and

privileges

that multiply with every journey! To be eligible for this benefit you must be at least 14 years of age and have sailed with MSC previously.

 

Very much looking forward to the suite the agent at MSC was wonderful - told me to get some DVD on board with Sophia Movies - have the yacht club deliver some wine and just take it all in!!!!

[gskimmel]

Same as para 1 on my image , but look at para 3 underlined in red

 

 

 

 

 

Pete

 

PS i'm a little reluctant to point out that marcoigna doesn't list any past cruise on MSC, only a future one, so may not have actually met the vagaries of the Italians and their dodgy translations and non Italian web sites missing vital info

 

 

The US application doesn't have the verbiage you underlined.

[gskimmel]

Very much looking forward to the suite the agent at MSC was wonderful - told me to get some DVD on board with Sophia Movies - have the yacht club deliver some wine and just take it all in!!!!

 

 

Sounds wonderful!

[Skier52]

The US application doesn't have the verbiage you underlined.

I hate to say they may well stick by the rules that HQ set up, I know I had to fight for my 100th point (it took me 6 emails, goimg higher up the chain of command, and 2 emails and 3 phone cals from my TA before it was granted, they kept quoting HQ rules as an attempt to prevent me getting my point and black card.

Their web sites are full of errors and ommisions and it is difficult to get the correct info from them,

I now have a high up contact who is usually helpful.

 

I hope you are correct and you get the points and membership straight away

 

GOOD LUCK

 

Pete

[American Bear]

I was talking on the phone yesterday with MSC about something else, and asked them about ordering, paying, and the $200 per point for on board spending, and you were right, anything 'paid' for before the cruise does not count towards the $200. on board spending to get additional points.

[Skier52]

I was talking on the phone yesterday with MSC about something else, and asked them about ordering, paying, and the $200 per point for on board spending, and you were right, anything 'paid' for before the cruise does not count towards the $200. on board spending to get additional points.

Thank you for that vote of confidence, it's nice to know that I'm getting it right, which to me is very important.

 

I try, as much as possible, to have some sort of documentary evidence for any info I post but that is not always possible.

 

I try to be as factual as possible and hope that i have never knowingly given out wrong infornmation. I know only too well how misinformation given out can lead to disappointment for the recipients.

 

Occasionally people ask for opinions; which when I give them out I try to give a balanced view in the information I impart,, but inevitably it will not conincide always with other views of the same events/feelings/impressions etc. as these can be subjective. This is going to happen on impressions of food, entertainmant and such like .

 

 

Pete

Edited February 10, 2014 by Skier52

[American Bear]

Check out the Oct prices on the Divina,

(inside-$199.)

(outside-$349.)

(balcony-$499.)

That's building loyalty!

Edited February 13, 2014 by Russian Bear
sp