MSC Ends Status Match Applications in Spain, France and Italy
Status Match has accepted applications tied to more than 75 cruise, hotel, airline and casino loyalty programs, including Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line.
MSC Cruises stopped accepting new Status Match applications in Spain, France and Italy on October 15, 2026, closing a route for travelers to obtain MSC loyalty status based on membership in another travel program. Previously submitted applications will still be processed, and tiers already awarded through matching remain valid.
The application remains available on MSC’s websites for the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and Austria, among other markets. MSC has announced no changes to Voyagers Club tiers, benefits or opportunities to earn points.
MSC published the cancellation details in FAQs on its Spanish Voyagers Club webpage, with substantially similar notices appearing on its French and Italian sites. In the Spanish FAQ, the company attributed the decision to changes in its “commercial and customer loyalty strategy,” according to a translation, while reiterating its commitment to rewarding customers through the club and other loyalty initiatives.
Existing members keep their awarded tiers
Status obtained through a match remains subject to the club’s normal requirements for maintaining and renewing membership levels, as well as its rules for upgrades. Previously approved members do not need to reapply.
Matching is free but requires approval; submitting an application does not guarantee that MSC will grant the requested status.
Benefits within the six-tier Voyagers Club include a standard 5% cruise discount for Classic members and above, extending to other occupants of the member’s cabin under MSC’s terms. Diamond benefits include a specialty-restaurant tasting-menu dinner for two. Individual benefits remain subject to itinerary, ship, market and availability restrictions.
A first-cruise route to loyalty recognition
Status Match allows travelers to seek recognition of loyalty status earned elsewhere, including before they have sailed with MSC. The scheme has accepted applications based on membership in more than 75 cruise, hotel, airline and casino loyalty programs. Eligible cruise programs have included those operated by Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Travelers considering an application should check the MSC website for their own country to establish whether submissions are still being accepted. MSC has not issued a broader announcement about ending Status Match applications. Whether the closures will extend to additional countries remains unconfirmed.
Compare MSC Cruises sailings by price on Cruise Lookup.
