MSC Cruises has stopped accepting new Status Match applications in France, Italy and Spain, closing a shortcut that allowed travelers to bring loyalty status from another travel company into MSC Voyagers Club.
The change took effect on October 15, 2026, according to the FAQs on MSC’s French, Italian and Spanish websites. It is a closure to new applications in those markets, not an announcement that previously matched members are losing their status.
Existing matched status is not being removed
MSC’s Italian FAQ says status already obtained through Status Match remains valid under the usual rules for maintaining, renewing and upgrading membership.
For confirmed bookings, benefits tied to that status remain available provided the member’s status is valid at the time of sailing and the applicable terms are met. That is an important distinction for anyone who already received a match and has a cruise booked.
Applications submitted before October 15 will still be processed
MSC’s Spanish FAQ says requests submitted before October 15, 2026, will continue to be evaluated under the rules in place when they were submitted. Applicants with a pending request do not need to take additional action simply because the program has closed to new applications.
Processing does not mean automatic approval. As a practical precaution, keep your original submission confirmation and check your membership account before your cruise. Contact MSC if your booking or account does not reflect an approved match.
The U.S. website still offers Status Match
As of October 19, 2026, MSC’s U.S. Status Match page continued to advertise the program and display an application form. That is evidence of a different position on the U.S. site, not a guarantee of any individual application’s eligibility or approval.
The three European notices should not be read as a worldwide cancellation. They also do not announce a ship-specific change or say that embarking in France, Italy or Spain automatically cancels an existing matched tier. Travelers with cross-border booking questions should confirm the rules for their own market with MSC.
What affected cruisers should do now
If you had not applied before the cutoff in one of the affected markets, do not plan a booking around receiving a new match. MSC Voyagers Club itself continues, including its normal points and membership structure.
MSC describes the decision as part of changes to its commercial and loyalty strategy. Its notices do not give a reopening date.
For background on how matching works where it remains available, see our MSC Status Match guide. Check the current MSC page for your market before applying, as availability can change.
Status Match Now
Check out our Status Match Guide for pointers on how to submit and what to expect once you do submit.
