MSC Cruises has been making waves in the US Market over the past several years. They’ve worked hard to steal market share from the big established cruise players and continue to expand their domestic footprint. The line’s Voyagers Club Loyalty Program is designed to keep cruisers coming back and competes directly with other cruise lines. In fact, on November 7, 2024, the line introduced an entirely new level called Blue Diamond to encourage and attract the most loyal cruisers. This post covers all of the benefits that come with this new level of loyalty.
Voyagers Club Loyalty Program
MSC Cruises has six distinct levels of the Voyagers Club Loyalty Program. In fact, just by joining the club, you reach the first level: Welcome Membership! Below are the six levels and the points required for each level:
- Welcome Membership: 0 Points
- Classic Membership: 1 to 2,199 Points
- Silver Membership: 2,200 to 4,2999 Points
- Gold Membership: 4,300 to 9,999 Points (we are here!)
- Diamond Membership: 10,000 to 24,999 Points
- Blue Diamond Membership: From 25,000 Points
While the first five levels have been around for some time, Blue Diamond was introduced by the cruise operator in a November 7 Press Release. MSC Cruises shares that, in addition to Blue Diamond, changes to the MSC Voyagers Club will “make cruising with the line even more rewarding.”
More rewarding? Hmmmm. While we won’t cover each of the levels and inclusions in this post, check back in the future to see: Is the MSC Voyagers Club Loyalty Program Worth It? We’ll do a deep-dive into the program, benefits, and how to earn points. For now, let’s dig into Blue Diamond!
Blue Diamond Perks
In addition to a shiny new card, Blue Diamond Membership comes with some pretty awesome perks. According to the press release and the MSC Voyagers Club website, at this highest level, you can expect:
Flexible check-in times
We love the idea of not being locked into a specific check-in time! No stress of setting an alarm 16 days before your cruise just so you can score the check-in timeslot you desire. Instead, simply arrive when you want on the day of your cruise to check in!
Disclaimer: MSC makes it clear in the fine print: “The respect of ship operation timings is still mandatory.” So, Blue Diamonds, they won’t hold the ship for you!! Even the top tier must arrive prior to final boarding.
Dedicated luggage drop-off service via the MSC Yacht Club check-in desk
Having sailed in the Yacht Club, we’ve used this perk. It’s a nice touch to add for Blue Diamond members, as it allows them to skip the chaos of porters and bag drop. Simply head over to the MSC Yacht Club check-in desk to drop your luggage and then head over to maybe our favorite perk…
Access to the Yacht Club for Check-In
We LOVE the Yacht Club Check-In experience. In fact, we shared the entire Yacht Club Check-In experience on YouTube; it’s truly next level. Instead of waiting in the long queues with everyone else boarding the ship, Blue Diamond members simply head on over to the dedicated Yacht Club Check-In area for personal, stress-free service. MSC states that “there might be some limitations depending on the port of embarkation,” in their Terms and Conditions, so we’ll keep you posted on how this process works in a future post.
Priority Embarkation
Get onto the ship before the masses as you zoom through boarding with Priority Embarkation. Be among the first people to board the ship to get the fun started sooner! This perk is best for those who arrive at the port early in the day. Having experienced the peaceful boarding process of Priority Embarkation via the Yacht Club versus the cattle call of general boarding… Trust me when I say: You want this perk!
My Choice dining
This perk allows guests to dine anytime within the main restaurant’s hours of service. The coolest part? According to the Terms and Conditions, “Members do not need to give info about the preference, they will have the flexibility to go at a dedicated restaurant with time flexibility.” No more stressing about whether you’ll be able to snag early dining, late dining, or Flex Dining. As a Blue Diamond, dinner is on YOUR schedule. You eat when you want to eat which gives you more flexibility with your evening plans.
A free Browse Wi-Fi package for one device per member
Need to stay connected during your cruise? Blue Diamond members receive a free Browse internet package on board. For those that need a higher level of service (working from the ship, perhaps?), Blue Diamond members can upgrade, simply “paying a supplement.”
While we think this is an awesome perk (and we’ve been begging Carnival to add this for years!), all of our MSC bookings to date have included Wi-Fi as part of our package. As a result, your mileage may vary on how much benefit you receive on this one.
Behind the Scenes Tour
Another awesome perk for frequent cruisers and us cruise nerds: Blue Diamond members receive a complimentary behind the scenes tour of the ship! MSC shares the details of the tour will be available once on board. Note: this tour may not be offered on all ships or sailings.
Private meet and greet with ship’s captain or officer
Who wouldn’t love a private meet and greet with the Captain of the ship?! This is another perk that we absolutely love. It’s far more intimate than the Welcome Back Cocktail Party as “Members will receive an invitation to enjoy a special private meet & greet with Captain or MSC Officer.”
This perk is not available on cruises that are 4 days or less. In those situations, you’ll just have to say hello to the Captain at the Welcome Back Cocktail Party. 😉
Free shuttle bus tickets in selected ports
MSC lists this perk as “One Free Shuttle Bus Ticket (excursion)” in the Terms and Conditions and has this to say, “Free shuttle bus transfer ticket is available for Blue Diamond members only. The benefit can be used once per cruise per member. Member will receive the free ticket just for the first available port. Transfer ticket is sent directly in cabin.”
When we first saw this perk announced, we thought it was related to an airport shuttle, so it’s good to know that this perk will be delivered to your stateroom for the first available port. Since shuttle buses are only available in select ports, your mileage may vary on how much benefit you receive on this one.
Priority access to tender boats in port
For those cruises that require the use of tender boats to bring guests ashore, Blue Diamond members will receive priority. In fact, we love how MSC is implementing this perk: “Priority Tender Access tickets will be delivered to the members’ cabin. Using the ticket, members will be able to jump the line and get immediate priority.”
On other lines, you’re required to meet EARLY in the morning – usually before the tender operation has even begun! – if you want to take advantage of your priority tender status. On MSC? Simply jump the line and get on board for fun.
We’re really curious to see how this rolls out and what the reception from general passengers is as you skip the line in front of them.
All the Other Perks and Benefits
In addition to the unique Blue Diamond perks and benefits listed above, Blue Diamond members also receive all of the perks assigned to lower levels in the MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program.
Earning Blue Diamond Membership
We’re going to break down what it takes to earn Blue Diamond Membership in our next post in the MSC Voyagers Club series, so be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss any of our updates!
Overall Thoughts About Blue Diamond
We are excited that MSC Cruises has decided to add a new level to reward their most loyal cruisers. And considering the fact that we’ve almost reached the Diamond membership, we needed Blue Diamond to keep us motivated!
We think this is a smart move by the cruise line to encourage regular cruisers to keep booking – and spending – with the cruise line. As MSC works to secure more market share in the US market, having a compelling top tier level in their loyalty program will certainly cause frequent cruisers to give this program another look.
What do you think about Blue Diamond membership? Are you close to the 25,000 points required to reach this level? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!