This major cruise line is giving loyalists new freebies, including cabin upgrades

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MSC Cruises fans will soon receive more perks for their loyalty.

The line announced Thursday it will add another tier to its MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program. The new Blue Diamond level will be the highest tier frequent MSC cruisers can obtain, requiring 25,000 points or more.

The Blue Diamond membership tier brings embarkation-day benefits such as flexible check-in times, priority embarkation and luggage drop-off service at the MSC Yacht Club check-in desk. On board, top-tier members can access My Choice dining, which allows them to dine anytime during their assigned main dining room's open hours (regardless of the accommodation experience they have purchased).

Perks also include a free Browse Wi-Fi package for one device per member, free shuttle service in port (where offered), a complimentary Behind the Scenes tour (on select ships), a private meet-and-greet with the captain and priority access to tender boats when the ship is anchored near a port of call.

Additionally, if unsold cabins are available, Blue Diamond members will receive the highest priority for a cabin upgrade.

MSC Cruises' existing MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program levels are Classic, Silver, Gold and Diamond, and Blue Diamond members will receive all the perks eligible to lower-tier members, too. These include a complimentary bottle of Champagne, early access to shows, a complimentary specialty restaurant tasting menu, a free one-hour Thermal Spa session and a late checkout option.

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The number of MSC Voyagers Club points you can earn is based on the length of your cruise and which MSC Cruises "experience" you book. (The line offers four experiences — Bella, Fantastica, Aurea and MSC Yacht Club — each with different inclusions and price points.) You can also earn points by prepaying for things like spa services and dining packages.

To reach the new Blue Diamond level with a Bella experience (the line's most basic package), you would need to take roughly 36 nine-night cruises (earning 700 points for each cruise). Longer cruises or more expensive experiences will help you reach the new tier more quickly.

Another new MSC Voyagers Club perk is that the program has extended membership expiration dates from three to five years. You only have to cruise once every five years to maintain your current membership level and earn points toward higher membership tiers.

The revamped loyalty program is available immediately, and U.S.-based passengers booking through U.S. reservation portals will automatically be enrolled. If you aren't already an MSC Voyagers Club member, you can sign up without a current booking. Enrollment will unlock immediate access to discounts of up to 20%.

It's important to note that you can only earn Blue Diamond status by sailing with the line and cannot gain Blue Diamond status through the MSC Voyagers Club Status Match Program.

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