I love it when travel companies offer status matching! That’s how I originally got my Hyatt Diamond status, which eventually got me to MGM Gold status and free cruises on Carnival and Holland America.
I just completed my 10th cruise on Disney Cruise Line and became a Platinum Castaway Cay member. That is currently the highest status on Disney Cruise Line. Unfortunately, DCL decided to add an even higher status, Pearl, beginning May 1, 2023. Dang it! But for the next 6 weeks, I still have the highest DCL status.
MSC Cruises offers a status match from other cruise line loyalty programs. According to this chart from Frequent Floaters, DCL Platinum matches to MSC Cruises Voyager’s Club Diamond status (MSC’s highest tier). So, the time was right to match that status to MSC Voyger Club. (Note: You can also match hotel status to MSC, although very few equate to MSC Diamond status. Any Hyatt Globalists out there? That also matches to MSC Diamond).
MSC Status Match–Why would I do it?
To be clear, this status match is not for a free cruise or for casino status. This status match is to get on-board benefits on MSC.
I had already booked an MSC cruise for 2024 (more on that in another post). By matching my DCL Platinum status to MSC Diamond status, I will receive several Diamond benefits including:
- Priority embarkation and disembarkation
- Free dinner for two at a specialty restaurant
- Diamond party on-board
- Sweet chocolate gift (in the shape of a ship)
- Late stateroom check-out on disembarkation day
In addition, all of the perks of the lower statuses also apply, including:
- $50 stateroom credit
- 5% off cruise fare
- Priority tenders at tender ports
- Complimentary photo
- Complimentary birthday cake
- Free one-hour session in spa thermal suite
See this page for all of the on-board benefits by tier.
MSC Status Match–How to do it
Matching my DCL status to MSC was very easy. I clicked on this form on MSC’s webpage. I filled in all my info and sent a screen shot of my new DCL Platinum status.
I received an email in less than 24 hours that I was successfully matched to MSC Diamond status.
As long as I sail at least once on MSC every three years, I will maintain that status. You can only status match one time, so make sure you pick your best status to match.
Bottom Line
MSC status matching is free, and all of the MSC Voyager Club tiers have some on-board benefits. If you have status at another cruise line or hotel brand, it makes sense to get the match. For anyone who has current DCL Platinum status but not enough cruises to make the new DCL Pearl status, I recommend you status match before the end of April. I would assume that once DCL Pearl status is live, MSC will no longer give Diamond status to DCL Platinums.
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
Just wondering how you ended up with 2 free cruises on carnival? Were you able to book an outside and a balcony from same MGM match?
@Lynn My first offer email was for an inside room. I waited a day and then received the free balcony room offer. I booked the balcony room, and then a few days later I saw that my inside room offer was still available. So, I booked a different cruise with that offer.
Good for you! I didn’t even think about trying that.