Wednesday, July 22, 2015

MSC Cruises Launches New Guest Loyalty Program

MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and, according to the just-published 2015-2016 Cruise Industry News Annual Report, the number one cruise line in Europe, has announced the launch of MSC Voyagers Club, the company’s new loyalty program, that provides increased benefits to members. MSC Voyagers Club replaces MSC’s former loyalty program, MSC Club, and is designed to reward MSC’s repeat customers and reinforce the company’s consistent commitment to offer guests an exceptional all-around experience before, during and after their cruise.

Joining the MSC Voyagers Club is free of charge, and guests are now able to join a “Welcome Level” before taking their first cruise—all that is needed is a confirmed booking. Other levels of the five-tiered membership program include Classic, Silver, Gold and Black. Personalized cruise cards will be provided to MSC Voyagers Club members directly on board at the beginning of each sailing with their membership level.

As part of the new program, MSC has revamped its points structure so that guests now earn points according to the inclusive experience booked (Bella, Fantastica, Aurea, or MSC Yacht Club) as well as length of stay. In addition, points are rewarded for onboard spend as well as pre-paid services, such as shore excursions, spa treatments and beverage packages.

Another major benefit of the new program is that all MSC Voyagers Club members will have exclusive access to significant discounts on future cruises. Starting July 20, 2015, members will receive a 5 percent discount on all cruise departures (with the exception of the Welcome level). In addition, MSC will make available a broad array of select cruises, called Voyages Selection, that offer an extra 15 percent off, meaning that all members could receive up to a total of 20 percent off future cruises. And to sweeten the deal for higher-tier members, when booking a cruise from the Voyages Selection, Silver, Gold and Black level members will receive $50 of onboard credit per person. A complete list of Voyages Selection cruises can be found here.

The range of other privileges extended to MSC Voyagers Club members includes, among others, an invite to a welcome back cocktail party, complimentary basket of fresh fruit in the stateroom, and exclusive onboard offers with discounts on items such as internet packages, spa treatments, logo shop items, in-stateroom movies, photos, and the minibar.

Top tier members also enjoy added benefits such as priority boarding, priority disembarkation in ports where a tender boat is required, late stateroom check out when the ship returns to port, an invite to a private Black Card member party, complimentary spumante with chocolate-dipped fruit in the stateroom, increased onboard discounts, free one-hour thermal area session in MSC Aurea Spa, and complimentary dining in a specialty restaurant. A full list of onboard privileges by level can be found at msccruisesusa.

Loyalty Match
Recognizing that many travelers have built up loyalty with other travel reward programs, MSC Cruises is also launching a unique loyalty match program in which frequent travelers who have a rewards card from another travel land or sea program can now receive instant status and perks with MSC. After signing up for MSC Cruises’ Voyages Club, guests who participate in other leisure travel programs will automatically acquire similar or higher status with MSC and be enrolled in the Classic, Silver, Gold, or Black level. In addition, these travelers will automatically receive the 5 percent discount on any booking given to MSC Voyagers Club members and can also take advantage of the discounts associated with Voyages Selection. Now, THAT is a real bonus!

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