Are everybody Black card members?

[sandpiper35]

When reading the posts in this forum it seems like everybody are black card members. I understand that you all wants all the privileges you can get, even if you haven't cruised with MSC before. I would do the same, but frankly, I feel like MSC treat the rest of us as second rank customers.

 

I can live without a free meal and priority boarding, but my loyalty to MSC is gone. This is just our second cruise and because we were very pleased with MSC from the first one we booked with them again. Next time I will go for best price and itenary instead of only booking with MSC.

 

Does all lines match status or is it only when you reach black card status or equally?

 

 

What specifically did MSC do to make u feel like second class? Why would dealing with others diminish your cruise experience?

 

Chees

[Bollinge]

We are Platinumballs on several lines, giving us upgraded Blackballs status on MSC. We have sailed MSC a few times, and we are going again in December.

 

The Blackballs perks are minimal compared to other lines. Freebie dinner is OK, I drink Champagne not Prosecco, but on Celeb we get free internet, laundry, drinks for two hours every night, two cocktail parties, etc., etc.

 

We have got free drinks and tips on Orchestra included in our booking, so the Blackballs benefits, such as they are, do not amount to much!

 

 

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[Dorset Cruiser]

We are Platinumballs on several lines, giving us upgraded Blackballs status on MSC. We have sailed MSC a few times, and we are going again in December.

 

The Blackballs perks are minimal compared to other lines. Freebie dinner is OK, I drink Champagne not Prosecco, but on Celeb we get free internet, laundry, drinks for two hours every night, two cocktail parties, etc., etc.

 

We have got free drinks and tips on Orchestra included in our booking, so the Blackballs benefits, such as they are, do not amount to much!

 

 

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Discount off booking. Free meal, free dance class, free hour in the Spa, free slippers, free chocolate ship, free sparkling wine, free chocolate strawberries, free gift, Captains cocktail party. Seems a good lot of perks to me and we got most of them twice during our 14 day cruise.

 

 

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[DMH15]

I got a status match from NCL

and I just got off NCL Epic in an owners suite. I am not independently wealthy but I budget for cruises in suites. I am not jazzed that NCL has become the "priceline of cruises" and people next door paid half if what I did. So I plan to shop around. The fact that MSC offered me a match makes me definitely want to put them at the top of my maybe list for the yacht club.

 

I think that a lot of people jumped on the MSC match bandwagon. But I think a lot of people will fall off if they don't book their first cruise within those three years.

 

After my first MSC cruise I'll see if I'm going to start trying to build up my points like I did on NCL.

 

 

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[nikkiw60]

I got a status match from NCL

and I just got off NCL Epic in an owners suite. I am not independently wealthy but I budget for cruises in suites. I am not jazzed that NCL has become the "priceline of cruises" and people next door paid half if what I did. So I plan to shop around. The fact that MSC offered me a match makes me definitely want to put them at the top of my maybe list for the yacht club.

 

I think that a lot of people jumped on the MSC match bandwagon. But I think a lot of people will fall off if they don't book their first cruise within those three years.

 

After my first MSC cruise I'll see if I'm going to start trying to build up my points like I did on NCL.

 

 

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If you got matched to Black the 3 years resets after each cruise. As in the status match isn't just valid for one cruise only.

 

 

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[Addict]

I got a status match from NCL

and I just got off NCL Epic in an owners suite. I am not independently wealthy but I budget for cruises in suites. I am not jazzed that NCL has become the "priceline of cruises" and people next door paid half if what I did. So I plan to shop around. The fact that MSC offered me a match makes me definitely want to put them at the top of my maybe list for the yacht club.

 

I think that a lot of people jumped on the MSC match bandwagon. But I think a lot of people will fall off if they don't book their first cruise within those three years.

 

After my first MSC cruise I'll see if I'm going to start trying to build up my points like I did on NCL.

 

 

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We did status match to black. Did one cruise and liked it so booked two more. But they need to up their customer service game if they want to keep us. When I book a certain cabin I don't expect it to be pulled from us. I have yet to see if they are going to resolve that situation. A chocolate ship and a free meal doesn't outweigh choosing and keeping a cabin you have selected for a reason.

I got a status match from NCL

and I just got off NCL Epic in an owners suite. I am not independently wealthy but I budget for cruises in suites. I am not jazzed that NCL has become the "priceline of cruises" and people next door paid half if what I did. So I plan to shop around. The fact that MSC offered me a match makes me definitely want to put them at the top of my maybe list for the yacht club.

 

I think that a lot of people jumped on the MSC match bandwagon. But I think a lot of people will fall off if they don't book their first cruise within those three years.

 

After my first MSC cruise I'll see if I'm going to start trying to build up my points like I did on NCL.

 

 

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[hawkeyetlse]

After my first MSC cruise I'll see if I'm going to start trying to build up my points like I did on NCL.

If you've been matched to Black, there's no reason to build up points, since that is (currently) their highest level already. You just have to cruise once every 3 years to avoid losing all your points (and I think other cruise lines will eventually introduce something like that, instead of giving everyone status for life).

[DMH15]

If you've been matched to Black, there's no reason to build up points, since that is (currently) their highest level already. You just have to cruise once every 3 years to avoid losing all your points (and I think other cruise lines will eventually introduce something like that, instead of giving everyone status for life).

 

 

Great! Nice to have options.

 

 

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[CTBob]

It is absurd knowing that someone on their first MSC cruise as a black card holder is getting the same benefits as someone who has earned it!

I agree, but I guess MSC thought they had to do something to get traditional cruisers to try something different. I hope they succeed as I loved my Divina cruise (Before the Status Match program) and am really excited about my Seaside cruise in January 2018. Being in the Yacht Club I guess it doesn't matter but I'm only Gold level. Bob

[Beamafar]

For the benefit of the status match people this is what the real black card holders gave up in perks

 

...........................queues in the priority boarding lanes.

 

still think its a win-win for all?

 

Pete

 

Judging by the number of people on here who've status matched to Black, the regular queues must be looking more attractive in Miami these days!

[Skier52]

If you've been matched to Black, there's no reason to build up points, since that is (currently) their highest level already. You just have to cruise once every 3 years to avoid losing all your points (and I think other cruise lines will eventually introduce something like that, instead of giving everyone status for life).

I've been told by three on board cruise consultants/voyagers' club reps that a new tier is in the offing.

 

They have even ben asked to submit ideas for names for the new tier in an in-house competition

 

So there is every reason to be collecting points.

 

The three year rule was in force when they first introduced the MSC Club , so there is nothing new there.

 

Pete

[RealNorwegianCruiser]

Just booked our first MSC today, and I must admit that the loyality match was the final little kick that made decision even easier.

 

Looking forward to try MSC, after beeing more or less "loyal to Royal*" since our first cruise in 2009. Hopefull MSC and Meraviglia is as good as it looks!

 

 

 

* The Royal "family" that is. Celebrity included... (Cheated once with NCL. Did regret that..)

[DMH15]

Judging by the number of people on here who've status matched to Black, the regular queues must be looking more attractive in Miami these days!

 

 

I may be black like I am platinum on NCL but I think being in YC on MSC like HAVEN on NCL I assume there is another que than the 2 mentioned?

 

 

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[Beamafar]

I may be black like I am platinum on NCL but I think being in YC on MSC like HAVEN on NCL I assume there is another que than the 2 mentioned?

 

 

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Yes ................... YC has a separate area - usually under a tent - where a butler will meet you and lead you to check-in and a waiting area where refreshments are served before being escorted to the YC enclave.

[1fifthavenue]

I've not kept up with this discussion, but, logged in to our account and we are now black card members - we earnt this through the number of cruises, pre-cruise and onboard spend. We were discussing status match and what would have perhaps gone down better would have been for existing members to have had a boost, with the introduction of a new top-tier for existing black card members

[Tara Jane]

Back from my cruise on P & O Aurora to San Fran so it is time to sort out my MSC tier status.

We booked our cruise for September in January, at that time I knew nothing about status matching, so our choice of MSC was truly a decision made on itinerary and price, as we had time to fill in between land travel and a river cruise. As mentioned in my previous posts I am not loyal to any particular company.

I phoned several times and was advised that my celebrity- select status - was the best to use. I have been told select for gold and select for black. I signed us up a week or so ago and got our voyager club numbers. This week I did the status form which was a pain in the .............. took me all day and in the end i printed and posted to MSC as I am not good on the computer. Today I received an email confirming my status is now black. When I phoned one of the times I was told to contact my TA to give them my black status and they will arrange the 5% discount. Another person told me I got such a good price that I am not eligible.

So today I forwarded proof of my black status asking the TA to follow up on entitlements.

I will let you know what if anything I receive.

[CTBob]

Back from my cruise on P & O Aurora to San Fran so it is time to sort out my MSC tier status.

We booked our cruise for September in January, at that time I knew nothing about status matching, so our choice of MSC was truly a decision made on itinerary and price, as we had time to fill in between land travel and a river cruise. As mentioned in my previous posts I am not loyal to any particular company.

I phoned several times and was advised that my celebrity- select status - was the best to use. I have been told select for gold and select for black. I signed us up a week or so ago and got our voyager club numbers. This week I did the status form which was a pain in the .............. took me all day and in the end i printed and posted to MSC as I am not good on the computer. Today I received an email confirming my status is now black. When I phoned one of the times I was told to contact my TA to give them my black status and they will arrange the 5% discount. Another person told me I got such a good price that I am not eligible.

So today I forwarded proof of my black status asking the TA to follow up on entitlements.

I will let you know what if anything I receive.

Interesting, my select on Celebrity went to Gold on MSC. I guess it all depends on who does the match.

[Addict]

Back from my cruise on P & O Aurora to San Fran so it is time to sort out my MSC tier status.

We booked our cruise for September in January, at that time I knew nothing about status matching, so our choice of MSC was truly a decision made on itinerary and price, as we had time to fill in between land travel and a river cruise. As mentioned in my previous posts I am not loyal to any particular company.

I phoned several times and was advised that my celebrity- select status - was the best to use. I have been told select for gold and select for black. I signed us up a week or so ago and got our voyager club numbers. This week I did the status form which was a pain in the .............. took me all day and in the end i printed and posted to MSC as I am not good on the computer. Today I received an email confirming my status is now black. When I phoned one of the times I was told to contact my TA to give them my black status and they will arrange the 5% discount. Another person told me I got such a good price that I am not eligible.

So today I forwarded proof of my black status asking the TA to follow up on entitlements.

I will let you know what if anything I receive.

 

We got the 5% discount when we booked direct with MSC. However, because many TAs do deals, they may not allow the further 5% discount. Ours doesn't. But when we work it out compared to MSC price minus 5%, the TA price still comes out on top.

 

I'm also surprised that they have given Black status for Select as there are at least 3 other tiers above Select on Celebrity. But hey, if they give it, don't refuse it. :)

[Tara Jane]

Exactly what I thought. I know I got a great deal so if I don't get the 5% I will still be well ahead than if I had booked direct.

Select - gold, select - black. Yes probably it is the person who processed it - my lucky day!!!

Actually I am not all that taken by the perks, it was the 5% disc if I get it and the other perk I am keen on is the priority disembarking on the last day. As we don't drink alcohol that;s not an attraction, We hope to do the self disembark on the last day and get off and into Rome as fast as possible. Staying in Rome but have a lot to fit into our time there.

[hawkeyetlse]

Most fares can be combined with the 5% discount, but you never know, your TA may have gotten you some weird rate. All you can do is ask your TA (I don't think there's any reason to keep calling MSC about this specific issue, because it has to go through your TA).

 

Like the previous replies, I'm kind of surprised that Celebrity Select matches to Black, but that's good news for you! Enjoy your chocolate ship :)

[Tara Jane]

Was only speaking to MSC as I was doing the sign up for voyager club and queries with the status match plus so much trouble trying to send via the internet. As I have sailed with many different lines I had to discuss with them which was the best to use for my status match. I am aware all now needs to be done through the TA, my reason for sending her my card and number to process as necessary today.

[Addict]

....... the other perk I am keen on is the priority disembarking on the last day. As we don't drink alcohol that;s not an attraction, We hope to do the self disembark on the last day and get off and into Rome as fast as possible. Staying in Rome but have a lot to fit into our time there.

 

Hope I don't burst your bubble, but the one thing we were disappointed with was the disembarkation. There seemed to be no such thing as priority anything, it was a free for all, pushing and shoving to get off the ship and the staff did nothing to stop it. Maybe it was just that sailing, but from now on we will just sit tight until the crowds have dispersed.

[Tara Jane]

Oh well, if that's the case then we will just deal with it. Reason why we don't have a flight the same day just in case. With a 9 am arrival into Rome and only flight available was 12.30 pm there is no way we would not stay in Rome. Staying at a convent near Termini then train to FCO the next day. Have been to Rome many times so its a wish rather than essential we do some sightseeing of our favourite places in Rome.

[Beamafar]

......... the other perk I am keen on is the priority disembarking on the last day.

 

Priority embarkation is a great perk. It's basically walking to the top of the queue.

 

Contact Customer Services when onboard to advise that you require priority disembarkation. You'll receive the specific coloured tags for your luggage which will then be first off the ship for collection in the terminal. A dedicated bar/lounge area and a time to attend to be escorted off the ship will be advised on your last Daily Planner sheet according to your luggage tag colour.

[Capricruiser]

The Black Card priority disembarkation merely gets your bags down to the terminal ahead of the others but it doesn't help you get through the line of disembarking passengers who all think they should be first off. The only real priorty disembark is for Yacht Club members who are escorted to their bags by their butler, bypassing all the others in line.