Why Loyal Carnival Fans Are Jumping Ship to MSC, And How You Can Too

For years, Carnival cruisers have worn their loyalty badges with pride. Free drinks, priority boarding, and that sweet sense of status, all earned through countless nights at sea. But now, many of those hard-earned perks are sailing off into the sunset.

Carnival’s upcoming overhaul of its loyalty programme, set to launch in June 2026, has left loyal guests feeling like they’ve been thrown overboard. The move has sparked frustration and fury across cruise forums, and many longtime fans are eyeing the lifeboats. Enter MSC Cruises, ready and waiting with open arms and a status match programme that’s quickly becoming the talk of the ocean.

What’s Changing with Carnival’s Loyalty Programme?

Carnival’s current VIFP programme rewards cruisers based on the number of nights they’ve spent at sea, a system long seen as fair and straightforward. But from June 2026, that all changes. Instead of rewarding loyalty through time sailed, Carnival will now base status on how much you spend and how often you cruise.

The new programme introduces “stars” instead of cruise nights, and tiers will only last for two years unless you keep cruising and spending. That means even the most loyal cruisers could see their status disappear if they take a break. Unsurprisingly, many feel blindsided, especially those who believed their status was for life.

You can find out the details here: Carnival Changing Loyalty Status from Nights at Sea to Amount Spent on Cruises and Credit Card

Why MSC Cruises Is the Big Winner

While Carnival cruisers are still reeling, MSC Cruises has stepped in like a smooth-talking hero with a lifeline: their Status Match programme. It’s not new, but it’s suddenly gaining a lot of attention, and for good reason. MSC is offering to honour the loyalty status you earned elsewhere, no questions asked.

For frustrated Carnival fans, this means keeping many of the perks they’ve come to love without starting from scratch. In online forums and Facebook groups, cruisers are encouraging each other to “jump ship” and try MSC instead, and plenty already have. With one simple switch, guests can go from feeling let down to feeling like a VIP again.

What You Get with MSC’s Status Match

MSC’s Status Match isn’t just about recognition, it comes with real perks from your very first sailing. Once approved, you’ll get a 5% discount on all future cruises, plus onboard savings on Wi-Fi, spa treatments, professional photos, and more. You might even receive a complimentary welcome gift.

Crucially, MSC’s loyalty status doesn’t disappear quickly. As long as you cruise once every three years, you’ll keep your tier, a far more generous timeframe than Carnival’s new two-year rule. For many cruisers, that’s the kind of loyalty that feels truly rewarding.

When I went on my first MSC cruise, I took advantage of the status match myself. I’ve been lucky enough to cruise quite a bit with Royal Caribbean, and thanks to my Diamond status, MSC matched me to their Gold tier in the MSC Voyagers Club. Before my sailing, I simply filled out the online form, and it was approved quickly.

As a Gold member, I received a complimentary gift (a drawstring bag), onboard discounts, and even a one-hour thermal spa session. The spa session alone would have cost €80, so I was more than happy to take advantage. It was a fantastic perk, featuring two large jacuzzis, multiple saunas and steam rooms, and an ice room.

You can read about my experience here: I Tried One of the Cheapest MSC Euribia Cruises – Here’s What Happened

How to Apply

Signing up for MSC’s Status Match is refreshingly simple. All you need to do is fill out a quick online form on the MSC Cruises website, providing your name, contact details, and proof of your current loyalty status with another cruise line, like Carnival’s VIFP Club.

There’s no fee to apply, and many cruisers report getting approved in under 24 hours. Once accepted, your new perks kick in immediately, ready for your next MSC adventure. It’s a hassle-free switch that could save you money and elevate your onboard experience.

Other Cruise Lines Offering Status Matches

MSC may be leading the charge, but it’s not the only cruise line offering a status match. Virgin Voyages, the adults-only line known for its stylish ships and laid-back vibe, is running its own programme until 31 October 2025. Successful applicants are bumped up to the Blue Extras tier, which includes perks like complimentary laundry, priority Sailor Services support, and an exclusive cocktail event.

Luxury expedition line Ponant also offers a status match, with immediate discounts on bookings, free laundry, and even onboard credit depending on your tier. While not all cruise lines are jumping on board, the trend is growing, and it’s giving cruisers more options than ever.

Carnival’s Response to the Backlash

Carnival hasn’t ignored the outrage; it’s quite the opposite. Fleet Cruise Director Lee Mason took to Facebook with a heartfelt message, saying he believed the real loyalty came from shared memories, laughter, and connection between guests and crew. While sincere, it didn’t do much to settle the unrest.

Brand Ambassador John Heald also weighed in, assuring his 600,000+ followers that Carnival still cares and that the new programme was announced early to allow room for feedback and possible revisions. But for many cruisers, the trust has already been shaken, and they’re not sticking around to see if Carnival makes changes.

Final Word: Is It Time to Jump Ship?

If you’re feeling let down by Carnival’s loyalty overhaul, you’re not alone, and you do have options. MSC’s status match lets you keep enjoying loyalty perks without starting over, and it’s free and easy to apply. For many cruisers, it’s a smart move.

Of course, no cruise line is perfect. But if you’re after recognition, onboard discounts, and a fresh start with your cruise perks intact, jumping ship to MSC might be your best move yet.

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