Janan

4 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

I think that the problem was the OP's wording.

 

The OP doesn't like the "...3 year..." stipulation (many people also do not) but the wording used in the post seems more like "...what MSC did to me was wrong...".

 

If the wording was more like "...MSC's loyalty program is crap...MSC needs more variety in their itineraries...even if you book within 3 years, you lose your status if the cruise ends a few days after 3 years...", I think that most people would agree. 

 

I've had my own issues with VC but since loyalty status/points don't really mean much to me on any line, I don't let these things bother me. I hope that the OP has a great cruise. 

The only thing I can address is what they have done to me....Do I agree with most your points....yes. but MSC did take my Loyalty points...I felt violated because "in my mind" I did nothing to warrant their behavior. Certainly it is their business and they can do what they want; However, at one time I felt that MSC was rewarding my loyalty, and even though you may feel there are better loyalty programs out there I was happy with it...plus it felt good be recognized for loyalty which does not happen often in this world anymore. As I have said before I will deal with this and MSC will most certainly get less of my cruising business in the future, which I imagine is how other people will deal with this betrayal.

Andy

By No means am I saying I am the only one who has gotten "the short end of the stick" but it seems that I am the only one who is outraged by this behavior. I feel that perhaps if MSC knew how this policy was affecting their loyal customer base it may nor repeal the policy but they may try to "tweak" the policy so it is mutually beneficial to all involved. That may be naive but I feel if companies are to achieve longevity and good will with the customers that things may change. Let's face it there is really no difference in the product that cruiselines offer (perhaps the size of ships, the amenities on board; bowling alley, ice rink, water slides, etc) it all comes down to how they treat their customers. I think MSC has made a "BIG" mistake in how they are treating their customers and if they have their attention called to it the policy may change.

Andy

4 minutes ago, Nic6318 said:

 

 

 

If you restrict yourself because of loyalty programs, then you are doing yourself a disservice. If you turn your back on what you feel is a good product just because of how they manage their loyalty program, then you are doing it again to yourself. 

 

 

 I agree with he point you made above...as far as thinking MSC did wrong that is my opinion with what I know works in business, treating loyal customers (yes if you read the thread you know I have an upcoming cruise on MSC  in a month) I feel I was blindsided because I tried to adhere to their edict. I booked this cruise just under a year ago....showing my loyalty to not only MSC but to the ship and her crew as well (this is my 3rd time on the Diviina), U thought that MSC was better than just pursuing cruisers for the almighty dollar but I admit I was wrong. Therefore I think your above suggestion is helpful!

Andy

I sincerely hope that your never put in a position where someone discounts your thoughts and feelings but i think that ship has already sailed (no pun intended) because of your significant lack of empathy and focus.

This thread was to point out what MSC did wrong, by discounting my loyalty to them as much as it could be, (with the limited itinerary I was offered due to my financial constraints) and by the same token (since I do not feel that my financial situation is unique or that I am special in anyway) many of their cruisers that may find themselves in the same position. I think what they are doing is wrong. If you feel by denigrating me and my thoughts and Yes feelings as well that this makes you the BIG man on campus then I have accomplished my mission by feeding your delusion.

Andy

3 minutes ago, ebonybee said:

My points will expire while I'm on-board a ship but before the completion of the cruise within the required time period.  I think the contract requires the cruise to be completed.  I guess I will be out of luck.

I am feel bad for you....as someone said in the supportive posts above (I'm being sarcastic...in case someone wasn't familiar that type of speech). It is more a problem that they don't think of me as a loyal customer #1 and #2 they (MSC) would rather reward people who have not necessarily shown them any loyalty by giving the match in status. It's my problem and I will have to deal with it, but I do wish that MSC would hire someone that knows what they are doing (again I am talking about corporate).

again, I feel your pain

Andy

1 hour ago, electro said:

You could have cruised lots of places that are not in the Caribbean if you wanted variety.

I have cruised 6 time with MSC and have 2 more booked ( all ports I haven't been to yet) and none of them were Caribbean.

There is a whole big world out there.

 

I think I'll reply to you....You obviously make more money than I do...I cannot afford to fly to Europe and then cruise plus the arrangements I need to make. If I could then I agree with you but since i can;t I reject your premise

Andy

I sailed with MSC before this policy  (look at my signature block 2007 on the orchestra, I think it was 2007).  I also missed the cutoff by 3 months....but I had booked in 2019...doesn't matter which I feel is wrong! I leave in less than 1 month....that shows you how unloyal I am!

Andy

sorry you feel that way,it would not matter but I thought MSC was different that's why I've kept sailing with them....I like the cruise line but not what the pencil pushers feel is the best way to make ends meet. Treating your loyal customers with courtesy and respect is the way to achieve longevity in any business

Andy

BTW see no caps, also anthropomorphizing a post on a board is a bit strange...don't ya think! The caps were to get someones attention, preferably someone at MSC

I hope someone from MSC (corporate) is monitoring these Boards:

IF MSC WOULD VARY THEIR ITINERARIES IN THE CARIBBEAN I WOULD HAVE NOT HAD TO GO TO OTHER CRUISE LINES FOR VARIETY; THEREFORE I WOULD NOT BE IN THIS SITUATION BUT BECAUSE OF MSC'S LACK OF IMAGINATION, CUSTOMER SERVICE (CORPORATE NO THE SHIPS) AND LACK OF BUSINESS ACUMEN, I AM NO LONGER CONSIDERED A LOYAL CUSTOMER!!!

PERHAPS I WILL SEE IF THERE IS A THREAD FOR THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM AND IF NOT MY VOICE WILL BE HEARD ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.

Andy