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Transform your iris into a masterpiece. Iris Galerie offers a wonderful experience that is a singular and complete package, to give as a gift or to share. A unique creation: the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant colours of your iris on your individual Iris photo. You will discover the beauty of your iris by yourselves, as a couple, among friends or family. This new and innovative work of art concept transforms your iris into a masterpiece.

Available on:  MSC Meraviglia ,  MSC Bellissima , MSC Grandiosa , MSC Virtuosa , MSC Euribia , MSC Seaview , MSC Seashore , MSC Seascape , MSC Seaside , and MSC World Europa .

Type of service: Charges apply

A dedicated Studio Photographer will provide you with a unique photo opportunity to capture the special moments of your cruise. During a private consultation you will be presented with the best locations around the ship so you can choose where your photoshoot will take place. Every photo will be taken with top of the line equipment by our highly-skilled, studio photographer using creative lighting techniques. Pictures are printed on premium photo paper. After your session choose from our different packages and take home lasting memories. Timeless Studio photos are only available to purchase onboard during your cruise. They can not be download online or purchase after your cruise ends. Available on: MSC World Europa , MSC Euribia , MSC Fantasia ,  MSC Seashore , MSC Seascape , MSC Seaside , MSC Meraviglia , MSC Preziosa , MSC Divina , MSC Orchestra , MSC Musica , MSC Poesia  and MSC Magnifica Type of service: Charges apply

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MSC Cruises

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3,326 Msc Cruise Ship Stock Photos & High-Res Pictures

Browse 3,326 msc cruise ship photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images.

Don’t forget to explore the All-Inclusive Digital Photo Package, which includes digital files of all the photos taken by our professional photographers on board. Digital photos are available for download only during your cruise. Keep in mind, once you disembark, downloading your photos won't be possible.

Available on: all MSC Ships Type of service: Charges apply

Transform your iris into a masterpiece. Iris Galerie offers a wonderful experience that is a singular and complete package, to give as a gift or to share. A unique creation: the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant colours of your iris on your individual Iris photo. You will discover the beauty of your iris by yourselves, as a couple, among friends or family. This new and innovative work of art concept transforms your iris into a masterpiece.

Available on:  MSC Meraviglia ,  MSC Bellissima , MSC Grandiosa , MSC Virtuosa , MSC Euribia , MSC Seaview , MSC Seashore , MSC Seascape , MSC Seaside , and MSC World Europa .

Type of service: Charges apply

A dedicated Studio Photographer will provide you with a unique photo opportunity to capture the special moments of your cruise. During a private consultation you will be presented with the best locations around the ship so you can choose where your photoshoot will take place. Every photo will be taken with top of the line equipment by our highly-skilled, studio photographer using creative lighting techniques. Pictures are printed on premium photo paper. After your session choose from our different packages and take home lasting memories. Timeless Studio photos are only available to purchase onboard during your cruise. They can not be download online or purchase after your cruise ends.

Available on: MSC World Europa , MSC Euribia , MSC Seashore , MSC Seascape , MSC Seaside , MSC Meraviglia , MSC Preziosa , MSC Divina , MSC Orchestra , MSC Musica , MSC Poesia  and MSC Magnifica Type of service: Charges apply

Thank you for visiting MSC Cruises

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

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5,017 Msc Cruises Stock Photos and High-res Pictures

Browse 5,017 msc cruises photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images.

Msc Seashore: complete photo album

MSC Seashore , new ship of MSC Cruises , in the complete photo album of Cruising Journal. Many new features in the Seaside Evo project but also well-known lounges and great classics of the MSC fleet.

Discover all the interiors of the ship, the services, the restaurants on board and the beautiful outdoor spaces, with swimming pools and solariums. But also a look at the Yacht Club and the art on board.

Msc Seashore Atrium

Msc Seashore Interiors

Msc Seashore Seashore Bar

Msc Seashore Emotions Immersive Gallery

Msc Seashore Msc Foundation

Msc Seashore Msc Future Cruises

Msc Seashore Central Park Restaurant

Msc Seashore Times Square

Msc Seashore Venchi 1878 Chocolate Bar

Msc Seashore Shine Bar

Msc Seaside Shine Bar

Msc Seashore Tribeca Restaurant

Msc Seashore Le Cabaret Rouge

Msc Seashore Msc Signature Casino

Msc Seashore Champagne Bar

Msc Seashore Shops

Msc Seashore Watches and Sunglasses Shop

Msc Seashore 5th Avenue Restaurant

Msc Seashore Boulevard du Cabaret

Msc Seashore Msc Aurea Spa

Msc Seashore Spa

Msc Seashore Gym

Msc Seashore Barber Shop

Msc Seashore Pool Room

Msc Seashore Sports Bar

Msc Seashore Brooklyn Cafè

Msc Seashore Hola Tapas Bar y Cantina

Msc Seashore Art Gallery

Msc Seashore Cocktail Bar

Msc Seashore The Wine Cellar

Msc Seashore Butcher’s Cut Restaurant

Msc Seahore Ocean Cay Restaurant

Msc Seashore Kaito Teppanyaki

Msc Seashore Kaito Sushi Bar

Msc Seashore Uptown Lounge

Msc Seashore Infinity Pool

Msc Seashore

Msc Seashore Bridge of Sights

Msc Seashore Sky Bar

Msc Seashore Jungle Pool

Msc Seashore Pirates Cove Aquapark

Msc Seashore Hall of Games

Msc Seashore Long Island Pool

Msc Seashore Yacht Club

Msc Seashore Aft Suite

Do not miss all the MSC Seashore Reviews on Cruising Journal, with tips, opinions, photos and videos of the MSC Cruises fleet .

Cruising Journal

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MSC Meraviglia Decks and Cabins

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Built in 2017, the MSC Cruises MSC Meraviglia cruise ship weighs 168K tons and has 2244 staterooms for up to 5386 passengers served by 1400 crew . There are 18 passenger decks, 11 with cabins. You can expect a space ratio of 31 gross tons per passenger on this ship. On this page are the current deck plans for MSC Meraviglia showing deck plan layouts, public venues and all the types of cabins including pictures and videos.

MSC Cruises MSC Meraviglia

Last Drydock: Apr 2022

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STATEROOM CABINS COMPLETE LIST BELOW

YACHT CLUB ROYAL SUITE

Floor Diagram

Sleeps up to: 4 2 Cabins Cabin: 700 sqft (66 m 2 ) Balcony: 430 sqft (40 m 2 )

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Deck locations, stateroom cabin features, stateroom cabin perks, more diagrams of this cabin type.

YACHT CLUB DELUXE SUITE

Sleeps up to: 4 78 Cabins Cabin: 307 sqft (29 m 2 ) Balcony: 57 sqft (5 m 2 )

 Accessible Info [+/-]

YACHT CLUB INTERIOR

Sleeps up to: 2 15 Cabins Cabin: 178 sqft (17 m 2 )

YACHT CLUB DUPLEX SUITE

Sleeps up to: 4 8 Cabins Cabin: 397 sqft (37 m 2 ) Balcony: 242 sqft (23 m 2 )

BALCONY SUITE

Sleeps up to: 4 10 Cabins Cabin: 295 sqft (28 m 2 ) Balcony: 280 sqft (26 m 2 )

Sleeps up to: 4 1282 Cabins Cabin: 161 sqft (15 m 2 ) Balcony: 44 sqft (4 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Important Size Information

FAMILY BALCONY

Floor Diagram Family Balcony

Sleeps up to: 6 24 Cabins Cabin: 180 sqft (17 m 2 ) Balcony: 56 sqft (5 m 2 )

Sleeps up to: 6 122 Cabins Cabin: 161 sqft (15 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

FAMILY OCEANVIEW

Floor Diagram Family Oceanview

Sleeps up to: 4 14 Cabins Cabin: 180 sqft (17 m 2 )

Sleeps up to: 4 657 Cabins Cabin: 178 sqft (17 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

SINGLE INTERIOR

Sleeps up to: 1 32 Cabins Cabin: 131 sqft (12 m 2 )

MSC Meraviglia Deck Page Menu

Click deck pictures to go to individual cruise deck plan pages where you can see all the public areas, venues and stateroom cabins categories for each deck.

MSC Meraviglia Quick Stats

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MSC Meraviglia Links

• PDF of all the decks
• PDF (choose your own decks)
• MSC Meraviglia DECK DRAG
• MSC Meraviglia Cabin Check

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Everything I Ate on my MSC Cruise (Photos and Menus) – Food Review

If you are taking a cruise with MSC , you may be wondering what the food will be like. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are all included at no extra cost on an MSC cruise.

I’ve just disembarked a cruise on the MSC Seaview and in this post we will look at everything I ate in the main dining room, buffet and room service. Menus are also provided.

I took my first MSC cruise in 2012 and the quality has increased dramatically in my opinion.

Buffet – Included

The buffet on the MSC Seaview was open from early in the morning until late at night. During our cruise, only half of the buffet was open due to the reduced capacity of the ship but we still had lots of choices.

The buffet at dinner time consisted of:

• Freshly Cooked Pizza
• A Grill Section (Burgers, Hot Dogs, Steaks etc.)
• Wellness Section
• Family Dining
• Ethnic Corner (Usually Indian)

The sections would be different for breakfast and lunch.

The above photo is of one lunch I had in the buffet. The great thing about the buffet is that you can combine anything that you think looks interesting.

The above photo is of my breakfast, they did have cooked breakfasts available as well as cold options but I always prefer a cold breakfast.

Most of the breakfast doughnuts we had were good and they also had waffles and pancakes.

In the grill section, they had example food which I liked. All of these burgers/steaks were cooked freshly so this made it easy to see what you were ordering.

There wasn’t a vegetable burger on show here but I asked the crew and they happily cooked me one from fresh. It was tasty.

We would often pick up a slice of pizza or a little box of chips.

There were multiple types of pizza available and they were constantly being replenished.

They also had things like bruschetta and garlic bread.

There was a big outdoor seating area outside the buffet where we would usually eat.

There was waiter service here too and we never had to wait in order to order a drink.

The above shows one of my dinner combinations. They also had sandwiches and other items for dinner.

MSC bake all of their own bread and they usually have lots of choices.

There were lots of little desserts available throughout the day. I did wish that they served the breakfast doughnuts later in the day but we would usually just have a little cake or cookie.

The below is a kind of sugared pineapple dessert pizza, it was SO TASTY. I could have eaten a full-sized pizza of this.

The cookies were small but good, they were more like shortbread biscuits than cookies, but I think it still counts.

Main Dining Room – Golden Sands – Included

There are multiple main dining rooms on board the MSC Seaview. Our cruise was sailing at 23% capacity so only one main restaurant was open.

We were assigned late dining (9 pm) but we were able to change this to early dining (6.30 pm). We went to the dining room during the lunch opening hours and they were able to change our table for us.

There are no fixed dining times for breakfast or lunch. Guests are able to eat in the main dining room whenever it is open for breakfast or lunch.

Menus can be viewed in advance on the MSC app.

The food was all very good and we never had any problems with anything.

The great thing about a cruise is that you can order as many things from the menu as you’d like for no extra charge.

MSC make all of their own pasta onboard and it’s probably the thing that MSC do best. If you are in doubt about what to get, I’d always recommend the pasta.

The potatoes were also always nice!

Our second dinner was the ‘elegant’ dinner. On this night guests are invited to dress to impress if they would like to.

The dress codes are suggested.

To learn more about the dress codes on MSC cruises, check out this post: MSC Dress Code Photo Guide – 96% Agree The Dress Codes are Relaxed

The Lasagna Portofino may not look like much but it may be my favourite meal that I had on board.

I hadn’t ever had a Lasagne Portofino before the cruise and that’s what’s great about cruising, you can try new things and might find something you love (like I did here).

The After Eight Dessert is always good, if you see it and like chocolate and mint, definitely order it.

The Black Bean Chowder isn’t very photogenic but it was tasty, as were the calamari rings.

I thought it was a little odd that the baked potato arrived still in its foil but it was well cooked and the steak was nice too.

I had pasta which was very good again and I also enjoyed the dessert.

The oriental roll was probably my favourite starter from the cruise.

It was something I’d never usually have at home and I enjoyed it.

My only criticism of the dessert was that it could have done with some more cream, but I’m sure they would have given me some had I asked.

Speciality Restaurant – Asian Fusion (Cost €0 But Normally €39)

I have diamond loyalty status with MSC which means that I get a free meal in a speciality restaurant.

I achieved the diamond loyalty status by matching my NCL loyalty status to MSC.

MSC are the only cruise line that will match loyalty statuses from other cruise lines. It’s pretty easy to do and it is well worth taking advantage of the freebies.

If you are cruising with MSC are do have a loyalty status with another cruise line, or some hotel brands, make sure you match your status. My guide as to how to do it is here: MSC Status Match – Step by Step Application Guide and Chart .

We went to the Asian Fusion restaurant and the loyalty status perk entitled us to a free dining experience, worth €39 each.

We dined quite early (6 pm) and for a while, we were the only guests in the restaurant!

We loved our meal in the speciality restaurant, everything was tasty and because there were only a few guests in the restaurant it was like having our own waiters and private chefs!

Room Service – Cost: €11

We embarked the MSC Seaview late at night so decided to order room service.

There is a charge for each room service item and also a delivery fee.

In total this pizza came to just under €11.

After 17 hours of travelling it was worth every Euro.

This is the same pizza that you can get in the buffet, we paid basically to have a whole pizza to ourselves and to have it delivered. I wouldn’t usually do this, I’d normally go to the buffet to get the pizza myself, but in this situation, it was well worth it.

To learn more about everything that is included in an MSC cruise, check out this post next: Do MSC Cruises Include Meals? (Firsthand Experience) – Your Guide To What is Included

MSC do differ to the American and British cruise lines but I like them, to find out why they’re so different, check out this video:

Free Insiders Cruise Line Guide

Ever wondered how the mainstream cruise lines compare? Cruise lines won’t tell you this, but I will.

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Photo & Video

Don’t forget to explore the All-Inclusive Digital Photo Package, which includes digital files of all the photos taken by our professional photographers on board. Digital photos are available for download only during your cruise. Keep in mind, once you disembark, downloading your photos won't be possible. Available on: all MSC Ships Type of service: Charges apply

Transform your iris into a masterpiece. Iris Galerie offers a wonderful experience that is a singular and complete package, to give as a gift or to share. A unique creation: the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant colours of your iris on your individual Iris photo. You will discover the beauty of your iris by yourselves, as a couple, among friends or family. This new and innovative work of art concept transforms your iris into a masterpiece.

Available on:  MSC Meraviglia ,  MSC Bellissima , MSC Grandiosa , MSC Virtuosa , MSC Euribia , MSC Seaview , MSC Seashore , MSC Seascape , MSC Seaside , and MSC World Europa .

Type of service: Charges apply

A dedicated Studio Photographer will provide you with a unique photo opportunity to capture the special moments of your cruise. During a private consultation you will be presented with the best locations around the ship so you can choose where your photoshoot will take place. Every photo will be taken with top of the line equipment by our highly-skilled, studio photographer using creative lighting techniques. Pictures are printed on premium photo paper. After your session choose from our different packages and take home lasting memories. Timeless Studio photos are only available to purchase onboard during your cruise. They can not be download online or purchase after your cruise ends. Available on: MSC World Europa, MSC Euribia, MSC Seashore, MSC Seascape, MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Divina, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Poesia , MSC Magnifica and MSC Fantasia. Type of service: Charges apply

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MSC Cruises

Mon - Fri 9 - 19 | Sat 9 - 18 | Sun 10 - 16

Transform your iris into a masterpiece. Iris Galerie offers a wonderful experience that is a singular and complete package, to give as a gift or to share. A unique creation: the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant colours of your iris on your individual Iris photo. You will discover the beauty of your iris by yourselves, as a couple, among friends or family. This new and innovative work of art concept transforms your iris into a masterpiece.

Available on:  MSC Meraviglia ,  MSC Bellissima , MSC Grandiosa , MSC Virtuosa , MSC Euribia , MSC Seaview , MSC Seashore , MSC Seascape , MSC Seaside , and MSC World Europa .

Type of service: Charges apply

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MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises’ MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know

Compared to some of its closest rivals, MSC Cruises has a relatively modest loyalty program.

Unlike the frequent cruiser programs at Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line , the MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program doesn't offer its members a free cruise after reaching the top tier. It does not offer a massive discount on the single supplement charge for solo travelers, as Royal Caribbean offers its top-tier members, nor does it grant priority access to onboard shows.

For more cruise guides, reviews and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Still, the MSC Cruises loyalty program offers several valuable perks at higher levels, including a complimentary meal in an extra-charge specialty restaurant once per cruise and priority access to tenders in ports.

The MSC Voyagers Club program also allows you to status match your way into one of its top tiers — something that no other major cruise line loyalty program offers.

Ways to earn points

The points-earning system for MSC Voyagers Club is a bit convoluted, as the number of points you earn on any given cruise depends on various factors.

For starters, you earn points based on the length of the cruise you take and which MSC Cruises "experience" you book. As regular MSC Cruises customers know, the line offers four onboard experiences, each with different inclusions and price points. Bella is the most basic — and least expensive — experience available. MSC Yacht Club is the top experience available. Experiences called Fantastica and Aurea are in between.

For sailings of four nights or fewer, each passenger in the cabin will earn the following number of points depending on experience type:

• Fantastica: 400
• MSC Yacht Club: 800

For sailings of five to nine nights, every guest will earn the following number of points depending on experience type:

• Fantastica: 700
• Aurea: 1,000
• MSC Yacht Club: 1,500

For sailings of nine or more nights, they'll earn the following number of points depending on experience type:

• Fantastica: 1,000
• Aurea: 1,500
• MSC Yacht Club: 2,000

In addition to the above, you can also earn points for extras when spending money on MSC Cruises ships or when booking in advance of sailing. You'll earn 100 points for every $150 you spend on prepaid and onboard expenses.

One caveat: Only the MSC Voyagers Club member who makes the final payment for onboard expenses will receive those points. For expenses for prepaid services that apply to all cabin occupants (and not single occupants), points will be equally distributed among the cabin occupants.

For example, say the total amount of prepaid onboard services that apply to all cabin occupants before the cruise is $600. If there are four cabin occupants, the spending for the points calculation of each member will be $150, which is equal to 100 points.

Related: The ultimate guide to MSC Cruises ships and itineraries

The final way to earn points is by updating your contact details up to 72 hours before departure on your next cruise. This will earn you 100 points.

All points, including for the cruise, onboard spending and updating your profile, will pop up in your account about 10 days after the cruise is completed.

MSC Voyagers Club tiers and benefits

There are four tiers to the MSC Voyagers Club program:

• Classic : 1 to 2,199 points
• Silver : 2,200 to 4,299 points
• Gold : 4,300 to 9,999 points
• Diamond : 10,000 or more points

As is typical for cruise line loyalty programs, the entry-level tier (Classic) doesn't provide many truly valuable rewards. By far, the most alluring benefit at this level is the 5% discount members receive when booking future sailings. (This discount is not valid for MSC Grand Tours and when booking Tandem cabins, which are specially discounted cabins that parents can book for kids.) That's real savings every time you book a cruise.

Additionally, Classic members receive:

• An extra 5% discount on Voyagers Exclusives sailings made six to nine months before departure
• An MSC Voyagers Club e-newsletter
• MSC Voyagers Club personalized luggage tags for embarkation in the e-ticket
• An MSC Voyagers Club card
• An invitation to a "welcome back" cocktail party
• A dedicated number to call on board
• Discounts on many packages and amenities, including onboard pictures, digital accessories, Wi-Fi and spa and fitness offerings
• An MSC Shops discount (for each $50 spent in any onboard shops, you will receive a $10 discount)

Note that the MSC Shops discount has a lot of fine print. The discount is not combinable with promotions available on board and is not available for spending on tobacco products and electronics. It's also only valid on the first day of a cruise. That final point prompts us to downgrade the value of this perk considerably.

Upon reaching the second tier of the program, Silver, you get a couple of additional perks. The most notable to us is a $50 onboard credit per person, plus double MSC Voyagers Club points, for all bookings made more than 12 months before departure. (If you book nine to 12 months in advance, you get the $50 credit but not the double points.)

The Silver level also brings an unspecified milestone reward and all the perks of the lower-tier Classic level.

Related: Everything you need to know about MSC Cruises cabins and suites

You will be a member of the Classic level as soon as you take a single cruise, as it takes only 1 point to reach the Classic level. You also might be able to reach the Silver level in just one cruise if you take a long voyage of nine nights or more, pay for the top MSC Yacht Club experience and do a modest amount of onboard spending.

Still, a more typical cruiser sailing seven-night trips at a mid-tier Fantastica or Aurea experience level would need two or three cruises to reach the Silver level.

The elite level that makes a difference

Being loyal to MSC Cruises starts paying off in a more meaningful way once you reach the Gold level of the MSC Voyagers Club program. Even here, though, the rewards are still relatively modest.

The Gold level comes with one solid perk: priority disembarkation in ports where a tender boat is required. This can make a real difference in your cruising experience, as it means you can get off the ship much faster in some cases than the majority of other passengers. That will allow you to maximize your time in tender ports.

Additionally, Gold status brings all the perks of the tiers below it plus:

• A complimentary one-hour thermal area session once per cruise
• A complimentary gift
• A complimentary photo taken during the "welcome back" cocktail party
• A complimentary birthday cake when it's your birthday

It could take you as few as two cruises to reach the Gold level if you sign up for longer sailings and pay for the top MSC Yacht Club experience. Someone sailing seven-night trips at a mid-tier Fantastica or Aurea experience level would need four or five cruises to reach the Gold level.

The best elite perk with MSC Voyagers Club

Alas, there isn't a "wow" perk in the entire MSC Voyagers Club menu. As noted above, unlike some lines, MSC Cruises doesn't award top-tier members with truly high-value perks such as a free cruise. Still, MSC Voyagers Club's top Diamond status tier does come with a few enticing benefits.

Our favorite perk in the entire MSC Voyagers Club program is the complimentary dinner at a specialty restaurant that comes with Diamond-level status. That said, be warned that the complimentary dinner comes with a lot of fine print (so much fine print, in fact, that to use it verges on the ridiculous).

The complimentary dinner, in theory, is for you and a cabinmate. However, among the fine-print caveats is that two Diamond members staying in the same cabin don't get two free dinners.

If you and your spouse are both Diamond members, and you dine together using the perk, MSC Cruises counts that as you both using your perk for that one meal. That said, if you had two other people staying with you in the same cabin, you and your spouse could each use your perk to take one of them out for the free dinner, resulting in two free dinners for your cabin.

Additionally, the complimentary dinner privilege at specialty restaurants might not be available on all ship classes. Members under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at dinner. Also, drinks are not included with the complimentary dinner, nor are you allowed to bring outside drinks into the restaurant.

Related: The 6 types of MSC Cruises ships, explained

Should all that prove too confusing, MSC Voyagers Club Diamond status thankfully also offers two other solid perks:

• A priority line for boarding on embarkation day
• Priority disembarkation at the end of the cruise

Diamond level also provides all the perks of the tiers below it plus:

• Courtesy bathrobe and slippers available during the cruise
• A complimentary dance class
• An invitation to an exclusive Diamond Party
• Late cabin checkout on disembarkation day
• A chocolate gift

Someone sailing seven-night cruises at a mid-tier Fantastica or Aurea experience level would need to take about eight to 10 trips to reach the Diamond level, depending on onboard spending.

In contrast to every other major cruise line loyalty program, MSC Cruises customers do not get "forever status" once they reach a certain tier of the MSC Voyagers Club. Once achieved, your status is only good as long as you take a cruise at least once every 36 months.

If you don't take a cruise once every 36 months, you will see your points in the MSC Voyagers Club disappear and your entire account erased. You'll have to reenroll and start all over again.

This is a notable difference from other cruise line loyalty programs, as "forever status" is one of the great allures of such programs. Many airline frequent flyer programs, by contrast, require loyalty members to requalify for status each year.

MSC Voyagers Club status match

As noted above, the MSC Voyagers Club program allows you to status match your way to its top tiers — something other major cruise line loyalty programs don't offer.

If you show proof of a high loyalty program status level with a competing cruise line, a hotel company or even a booking site such as Expedia, you can catapult your way from no status to a top-tier status with MSC Cruises in a jiffy. A high status level at an airline, alas, won't get you a status match at MSC Cruises, with a handful of exceptions such as a high status level at Air China.

This MSC Cruises status match, to us, is a big deal. It's one thing that sets MSC Voyagers Club apart from other cruise line loyalty programs.

The status match process at MSC Cruises is simple. Go to the dedicated enrollment page for MSC Voyagers Club status matching at the MSC Cruises website. You'll find a short online form where you enter some personal details (including name, birth date and address) and details about your status level with another loyalty program. You'll then have to upload a picture of your membership card for that program (or, if you don't have a membership card, a screenshot of your online account page showing your name and status).

That's it. Within a few days, you'll get an email or text welcoming you into the MSC Voyagers Club program at a status tier that matches your status with the other brand.

The dedicated enrollment page lists more than 60 loyalty programs from which you can status match into the MSC Cruises loyalty program. They include such cruise line loyalty programs as Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society and Carnival Cruise Line's VIFP Club program . Your status in the loyalty programs run by such major hotel chains as Hilton , Hyatt and Marriott also can be submitted for a match.

MSC Cruises doesn't offer a chart showing which tier of its loyalty program you will receive based on your tier at each of the other brands. Our staff members at TPG have had luck matching into the top Gold or Diamond tiers of the MSC Voyagers Club program from high levels of competing programs. One TPG editor received top Diamond tier status in the MSC Cruises program as a match to World of Hyatt Globalist status, for instance. Another staffer received Gold status in the MSC Cruises program as a match to the Diamond level in Royal Caribbean's program.

You can enter your status in only one program when seeking a match, so pick the program in which you have the highest status level.

Bottom line

MSC Cruises offers some decent perks in its four-tier loyalty program, including discounts and onboard credits when you book additional cruises. It also allows cruisers to status match their way to the top tiers of the program.

Still, the MSC Voyagers Club program is not nearly as robust a frequent cruiser program as those offered by such rivals as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian.

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.