MSC Casino - Free Cruise Program

[dbrown84]

On 6/28/2024 at 8:30 PM, BirdTravels said:

Sorry, because you have to tell them which certificate you want. US only or international... unless you are a high roller and just get the top certificate. 

I'm just getting off the seashore.  You didn't have to request it.  On the first night they ask for your information and said that was all that was needed.  And that was from two different hosts 

[GPPhilly]

On 6/30/2024 at 10:10 AM, dbrown84 said:

I'm just getting off the seashore.  You didn't have to request it.  On the first night they ask for your information and said that was all that was needed.  And that was from two different hosts 

The issue is that you do have to remember to tell them which tier you want.  Whether it is a US only sailing or a worldwide. 

[dbrown84]

On 7/1/2024 at 12:15 PM, GPPhilly said:

The issue is that you do have to remember to tell them which tier you want.  Whether it is a US only sailing or a worldwide. 

well, I can only speak for the Seashore three days ago, and you didn't have to tell them which one you wanted.  

[CruisnDeb]

7 hours ago, dbrown84 said:

well, I can only speak for the Seashore three days ago, and you didn't have to tell them which one you wanted.  

I didn’t have to request a specific one either for the Seascape in October or the Meraviglia last month.
 

When I booked my cruise using the October certificate, when I called the casino booking number the CSR was able to tell me all my options. I had earned 10,000+ points but my certificate only stated OV cabin but I was actually eligible for others so make sure you ask. 

[BirdTravels]

On 6/30/2024 at 10:10 AM, dbrown84 said:

I'm just getting off the seashore.  You didn't have to request it.  On the first night they ask for your information and said that was all that was needed.  And that was from two different hosts 

On the first night, did you specify whether you wanted a US short, US long, or Worldwide certificate since they have different thresholds? On "check out" night from the casino, that is the only question they asked.... they had got my personal information earlier. I suppose the default would be worldwide, but you may get a lower class room in the US than you would of with a US certificate. 

 

 

 

[dbrown84]

17 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

On the first night, did you specify whether you wanted a US short, US long, or Worldwide certificate since they have different thresholds? On "check out" night from the casino, that is the only question they asked.... they had got my personal information earlier. I suppose the default would be worldwide, but you may get a lower class room in the US than you would of with a US certificate. 

 

 

 

I did not.  Honestly, it doesn't make sense to me why they would have you choose up front.  Seems like you can just choose whatever cruise you want and your points get you whatever you qualify for at that level.  I also never paid much attention to us vs worldwide.  For me it is the days.  I know I'm going to want a 10 day cruise.  I actually prefer inside cabins, but since it's a bella experience you get what you get.

[Até]

I don't use the casino but am interested to know.  Points are not cumulative but only good for the current sailing, correct?  I always thought the points chart above was showing points required for the sailing type you were currently on.  Showing the level of points you need to accumulate on that length/area sailing for each corresponding level of reward certificate.  Then whatever reward you've earned can be used on any sailing.   But on that next sailing you need to meet the corresponding length/area level of play points requirements in the same chart to get your next certificate reward level that can be used on any next sailing.

 

There's no selection of the length/area you want, it's the length/area you are currently sailing.  And you must meet the chart's requirements to get the corresponding reward that's good for your next sailing anywhere. 

 

I don't remember it possible to be on a 10 night sailing and to only play for 5000 points but ask for a certificate for an inside cabin based on the desire to use the points for a four night US sailing.  It seems some are suggesting you can pre select or post select the certificate length/area type you desire and play to those length/area requirements regardless of your current sailing.  That doesn't make sense.

 

Is my understanding of the program incorrect? 

[Best Cat Mom]

40 minutes ago, Até said:

I always thought the points chart above was showing points required for the sailing type you were currently on.

We're mildly interested in knowing how the casino program works so I'm trying to follow this thread pretty closely.

 

Question: if the points listed are for the cruise you are currently sailing, where is USA sailings over 8 nights? We regularly sail 11-night Caribbean itineraries when we can and that isn't even on the list posted by @BirdTravels.

Edited July 6 by Best Cat Mom

[Até]

35 minutes ago, Best Cat Mom said:

Question: if the points listed are for the cruise you are currently sailing, where is USA sailings over 8 nights?

Some fall under Worldwide up to 10 nights.   I also don't remember about "Over 10 nights".   They're likely based on a per day play.

 

ETA:  But I don't know if my interpretation of the rules is correct. 

Edited July 6 by Até

[CruisnDeb]

1 hour ago, Até said:

I don't use the casino but am interested to know.  Points are not cumulative but only good for the current sailing, correct?  I always thought the points chart above was showing points required for the sailing type you were currently on.  Showing the level of points you need to accumulate on that length/area sailing for each corresponding level of reward certificate.  Then whatever reward you've earned can be used on any sailing.   But on that next sailing you need to meet the corresponding length/area level of play points requirements in the same chart to get your next certificate reward level that can be used on any next sailing.

 

There's no selection of the length/area you want, it's the length/area you are currently sailing.  And you must meet the chart's requirements to get the corresponding reward that's good for your next sailing anywhere. 

 

I don't remember it possible to be on a 10 night sailing and to only play for 5000 points but ask for a certificate for an inside cabin based on the desire to use the points for a four night US sailing.  It seems some are suggesting you can pre select or post select the certificate length/area type you desire and play to those length/area requirements regardless of your current sailing.  That doesn't make sense.

 

Is my understanding of the program incorrect? 

Points are earned on the current sailing and reset for the next one. 
 

The points on the matrix/chart are points you need to accumulate for the certificate you are trying to earn—they have nothing to do with the accommodations you are currently sailing in. 

 

I’ve earned 2 certificates and never had to select which one I wanted. The customer service rep will be able to inform you of all the offers you have when you call in to use it. 

[CruisnDeb]

9 minutes ago, Até said:

They fall under Worldwide up to 10 nights.   What I don't see is "Over 10 nights". 

If you want a longer sailing, there will be an up charge. 

[CruisnDeb]

When they email the certificate to you, they include this link to FAQs and upgrade fees that is very helpful. 
 

https://mcusercontent.com/3a0eebe09961d63bca8688ab8/files/ce94de62-1f6a-bd34-a6d2-ef8233dbc630/Ceritificate_FAQ_and_Upgrade_Fees_USA.02.pdf

[Até]

Does the matrix chart ever change based on the length of the sailing you are currently on?  It's much easier to get 5000 points on an 11 day sailing than on a four day.  Yet based on earning 5000 points I could select the certificate for free inside on a four day sailing regardless of which sailing I was currently on?  I  suppose that does makes some sense.

[dbrown84]

14 minutes ago, Até said:

Does the matrix chart ever change based on the length of the sailing you are currently on?  It's much easier to get 5000 points on an 11 day sailing than on a four day.  Yet based on earning 5000 points I could select the certificate for free inside on a four day sailing regardless of which sailing I was currently on?  I  suppose that does makes some sense.

I don't know if it's necessarily easier.  It takes the exact same play.  You're just able to spread it over more days.  I received the same chart as above during the first leg of a back to back.  That leg was three days.  There was not a separate chart during the 7 day.  It's totally possible that I was given the wrong card.  It's also possible that my memory is failing me and I got the card on the 2nd leg.  Either way, I was in the ship for 10 days and didn't have different point requirements 

[Cflcruise]

I found out it is $3 in slot play for 1 pt and here is the chart for points and casino free play

[dbrown84]

1 hour ago, Cflcruise said:

I found out it is $3 in slot play for 1 pt and here is the chart for points and casino free play

Whoa, I didn't know free play came with it.  So I got 14k points on my cruise.  So I'll get $150 free play if I choose a 10 day interior cabin?

[Cflcruise]

13 hours ago, dbrown84 said:

Whoa, I didn't know free play came with it.  So I got 14k points on my cruise.  So I'll get $150 free play if I choose a 10 day interior cabin?

That is what it looks like, I got this from MSC’s website.  Hoping it is true lol

[Pizaz]

Matches up perfectly.  Nice chart, I got just over 24,000 last cruise and got the balcony plus $200 free play.  Upgraded to YC for cheap using 2 x certs for my August B2B cruise.

[Cflcruise]

43 minutes ago, Pizaz said:

Matches up perfectly.  Nice chart, I got just over 24,000 last cruise and got the balcony plus $200 free play.  Upgraded to YC for cheap using 2 x certs for my August B2B cruise.

That is fantastic!  I can’t wait for my cruise 🙂

[dbrown84]

The one question I have is do you get drinks in the casino?  A host told me everyone does, but the chart has only certain levels getting the casino drink package, unless that is something besides the basic drinks while gambling.  I was questioning why I would use the msc offer when I could use my land based offer which I know comes with drinks 

[GPPhilly]

 

On 7/6/2024 at 1:00 PM, Até said:

Some fall under Worldwide up to 10 nights.   I also don't remember about "Over 10 nights".   They're likely based on a per day play.

 

ETA:  But I don't know if my interpretation of the rules is correct. 

I just booked a European cruise by combining 2 certificates(1 mine 1 my partners) and the only thing we have to pay for were the 2 extra nights since the certificates are capped at 10 nights.  We were extremely happy with the room and extra fee.  

[GPPhilly]

The one thing that it seems the casino customer service is now doing when inquiring via email that has been different then the past is we just asked for a price and they actually sent a booking.  They said if we aren't good with the pricing after 48 hours the booking will autocancel if not paid for.  

 

This was all done via email.  

[CruisnDeb]

11 minutes ago, GPPhilly said:

 

I just booked a European cruise by combining 2 certificates(1 mine 1 my partners) and the only thing we have to pay for were the 2 extra nights since the certificates are capped at 10 nights.  We were extremely happy with the room and extra fee.  

@GPPhilly I didn't know about the combining of offers until recently.  Can you tell me what offers you both had, and what you got by combining them?  I'm very curious.

[dbrown84]

so I received my certificate via email today.  I disembarked on 6/30, so it took less than two weeks to arrive.  The one thing I didn't know was it would have a one year expiration.  I was looking to do a cruise December, 2025, but I won't be able to with this cert.  But I think maybe I'll try out the new ship, World America next summer.  I earned a balcony, and the upgrade price to Yacht Club is $2200.  When I do a mock YC booking for the same sailing, it's $6500, so maybe I'll splurge for the upgrade.  I've read post here that say YC is so much different.  At least I'll be able to eat when I want to and not get stuck with a 9:30 dinner time.  and If I'm reading correctly, it includes the premium drink package and the mini bar in the room is included.  Has anyone actually done this upgrade before?

[Pizaz]

9 hours ago, dbrown84 said:

so I received my certificate via email today.  I disembarked on 6/30, so it took less than two weeks to arrive.  The one thing I didn't know was it would have a one year expiration.  I was looking to do a cruise December, 2025, but I won't be able to with this cert.  But I think maybe I'll try out the new ship, World America next summer.  I earned a balcony, and the upgrade price to Yacht Club is $2200.  When I do a mock YC booking for the same sailing, it's $6500, so maybe I'll splurge for the upgrade.  I've read post here that say YC is so much different.  At least I'll be able to eat when I want to and not get stuck with a 9:30 dinner time.  and If I'm reading correctly, it includes the premium drink package and the mini bar in the room is included.  Has anyone actually done this upgrade before?

I upgrade every one of my certificates to YC as the price is unbeatable.  As far as the up to 10 days, you will pay a supplemental for each day over 10 which isn't bad at all.  And yes, you read correctly on amenities... Premium Drinks, Anytime Dining (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner), Private Lounge and One Pool deck which has breakfast/lunch buffet daily, and most importantly is MUCH less crowded.  Going from YC into Gen Pop feels like I have walked into the Thunder Dome or Mad Max.