MSC Cruises Ends Status Match Applications in Spain, France, Italy

MSC Cruises has stopped accepting new status match applications in Spain, France, and Italy. The change took effect on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The cruise line posted details of the cancellation on its MSC Voyagers Club pages across the affected markets. Previously submitted applications will continue to be processed, but no new requests will be accepted in these three countries. The program's termination only affects the ability to submit new status match applications.

MSC Cruises stated the decision is part of the ongoing evolution of its commercial and customer loyalty strategy. No broad public announcement accompanied the program's discontinuation. Nearly identical details appeared on the France and Italy websites.

No impact on existing status or loyalty program structure

The termination of new applications does not affect already granted status matches, MSC Voyagers Club tiers, or point-earning mechanisms. Any MSC Voyagers Club level already granted through Status Match will remain valid. These matches continue to be subject to standard MSC Voyagers Club rules regarding maintenance, renewal, and level upgrades.

There is no indication that MSC Voyagers Club benefits will be adjusted or ended. The pathway to higher tiers through organic sailing remains fully intact. MSC Cruises remains committed to rewarding and retaining customers through the MSC Voyagers Club program and dedicated loyalty initiatives.

The club operates on a tiered system rewarding guests based on sailing history and spending. Members progress through levels offering perks such as priority boarding, complimentary internet packages, onboard credit, speciality dining experiences, and dedicated customer service. Point accumulation continues to function as before.

Program details and continued availability elsewhere

The status match program remains active in several other major markets. It served as a strategic tool to attract new guests with loyalty benefits from competing cruise lines or related travel sectors. The initiative allowed travellers with significant loyalty status in more than 75 other programmes to apply for equivalent recognition within MSC’s Voyagers Club.

Eligible programs included those from major cruise lines, hotels, airlines, and casinos. Enrollment in the program is free but subject to approval. Successful applicants received a matched tier granting immediate access to benefits that might otherwise take several cruises to earn.

As of press time, the application for status matching is still available on the cruise line’s US, Canada, UK, Germany, Austria, and other sites. The application process typically requires documentation proving status with an eligible loyalty programme, along with personal information for verification purposes. Processing times can vary.

Context of broader loyalty program shifts in the cruise industry

The change comes amid similar loyalty program updates at competitors. Carnival Cruise Line replaced its Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program with the spend-based Carnival Rewards program. The switch was first announced in June 2025 and officially began on September 1, 2026.

Disney Cruise Line is ending the prix-fixe menu at its Palo restaurants fleetwide from October 22, 2026. This alters the Platinum and Pearl benefit offered to guests in the Castaway Club loyalty program. Meanwhile, MSC's status match benefit remains available to cruise guests in other markets including the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.

Existing status matches granted through the program will remain valid and continue to be subject to standard MSC Voyagers Club rules regarding maintenance, renewal, and level upgrades.