When it comes to cruise ship casino programs, MSC Cruises presents an interesting paradox. On the one hand, MSC offers some of the most generous tier-earning rates at sea, especially for video poker and roulette players. On the other hand, they require significantly more dollars cycled to earn free cruise certificates compared to the competition.
After applying my comprehensive 6-pillar rating methodology to MSC’s casino program, here’s how they stack up for the value-conscious cruiser.
The Bottom Line First: MSC Cruises' Casino Score
MSC Casino Program Score: 68/100
MSC’s casino program offers solid value in most areas but falls short in others. The benefits include excellent tier earning rates, unique tax reporting advantages, and transparent cruise certificate thresholds. However, the high cycle requirements for instant rewards and the lack of discounted gift card options hold them back from achieving a top-tier rating.
Breaking Down MSC's Casino Program
Tier Earn Rate: 20/30 Points
MSC starts strong with generous tier-earning rates of 1 point per $3 wagered on slots and video poker, and 1 point per $5 wagered on electronic roulette. While the slot rating is pretty average, the video poker and electronic roulette ratings are very generous. In addition, MSC occasionally offers point multiplier events where players earn double tier rewards.
The value proposition becomes more complex when you examine what those points get you. While the earning rate is excellent, MSC requires substantially more play to achieve instant rewards compared to competitors.
For example, earning a free interior cruise certificate on MSC requires cycling $15,000 (5,000 tier points) for US sailings up to 5 days. Compare this to Princess Cruises, where the same interior certificate requires only $5,000 cycled in slot play but unlocks cruises up to 16 days, covering both US and European itineraries.
This disconnect between generous earning rates and high redemption thresholds prevents MSC from achieving full marks in this category, despite having one of the better point-per-dollar ratios at sea.
Instant Rewards Transparency: 8/10 Points
MSC earns partial credit in this category. On the positive side, they publish clear guidelines showing exactly how many tier points are needed to earn cruise certificate rewards. This transparency allows players to track their reward progress and make informed decisions about their play.
I removed a couple of points here because of the relative complexity of the free play rewards. It’s not difficult to understand, but it’s more complicated than it needs to be.
Separate Casino Loyalty Program: 10/10 Points
I decided to give MSC full points here, despite not having a traditional separate casino loyalty program. MSC provides two massive benefits that add serious value for casino players:
No Taxes and Fees on Casino Bookings: When you book a cruise using casino rewards, MSC pays all government taxes and port fees. This saves hundreds of dollars per booking.
No W-2G Forms on MSC Cruises: This is a nice value-add for US players. MSC doesn’t issue W-2G tax forms for gambling winnings, which eliminates the hassle of dealing with paperwork on wins over $1200. Players are still responsible for reporting the win on their tax returns.
These two benefits have enough value that they essentially function as a premium casino loyalty program, earning MSC full points despite the lack of a traditional separate system.
No Fee Credit Cards: 20/20 Points
MSC achieves a perfect score in this category. You can charge casino play directly to your room with no additional fees, making it easy to use your preferred travel rewards credit card for casino spending.
This seamless integration allows players to earn credit card rewards, points, or cash back on their casino budget. The system works smoothly with all major credit cards, and there are no restrictions or complications that would prevent you from maximizing this benefit.
Gift Card Availability: 0/20 Points
This is MSC’s biggest weakness in terms of value maximization. Unlike some cruise lines that offer discounted gift cards through third-party retailers, MSC doesn’t provide this money-saving opportunity.
Discounted gift cards can represent an instant 5-10% return on your casino budget before you even place your first bet. The absence of this option means MSC players miss out on a nice value-add that’s available with other cruise lines.
Complimentary Drinks for Players: 10/10 Points
MSC nails this category with a well-executed complimentary beverage program for active casino players. I found the service to be good, with dedicated bar staff in the casino ensuring minimal wait times. The presence of a dedicated casino bar is also a nice perk, making it easy to grab a drink between gaming sessions.
For players who don’t typically purchase drink packages, this benefit adds real value to the casino experience.
The Final Verdict on MSC Cruises' Casino Program
MSC’s casino program scores 68/100 using my comprehensive rating methodology. This places them in the “good value” category – not the best at sea, but certainly not the worst.
What MSC Does Right:
- Excellent tier earning rates, especially for video poker players
- Unique casino booking advantages that provide substantial real-world value
- Transparent cruise certificate thresholds
- No fees to use credit cards
- Well-executed complimentary drink program
Where MSC Falls Short:
- High cycling requirements for instant rewards compared to competitors
- No discounted gift card options
Who Should Consider MSC’s Casino Program:
- Video poker and roulette players who can take advantage of the generous earning rates
- Players who value tax simplification and fee savings over raw cruise earning potential
- Cruisers who prefer transparent redemption thresholds
- Those who don’t mind higher spending requirements in exchange for unique benefits
MSC’s casino program represents a solid option. While it won’t be the top choice for bargain hunters seeking maximum instant rewards, it offers unique advantages that can provide substantial value for the right type of player. The casino booking benefits alone make it worth considering, especially for frequent casino cruisers who book multiple sailings per year.
This review is based on my comprehensive 6-pillar cruise ship casino program rating methodology. For more detailed information about my rating system and reviews of other cruise lines, visit the complete methodology guide.
