Healthcare Discount

[thesnoopster2]

Anyone have any info about the healthcare discount recently?

 

It says it is combinable with other promotional rates, just wondering how quickly they respond and how it all works out.  I'm looking at taking 2 adults and 2 kids.  The sailing has a free balcony upgrade, kids free, + $200 credit OR free drinks and wifi.  I'm hoping to do the free drinks and wifi plus free kids that comes with the healthcare discount.  The second rate is $250 higher with the kids fee removed, but I figure the value of the free drinks and wifi is better deal overall since I was going to buy those packages anyways.

 

Anyone deal with this discount recently and/or combine it with other discounts/promotions?

 

https://www.msccruisesusa.com/cruise-deals/promo-terms-and-conditions  

 

• Up to 10% OFF ALL Cruises (except World Cruises)
• 5% for Inside and Oceanview categories, 10% for Balcony, Suite, and Yacht Club categories.  Subject to availability.  See Terms & Conditions for details. 
• Must call to book: 833-774-3239
• Eligible healthcare workers: All doctors, nurses, front line and back office workers employed in hospital facilities, other related hospital services (ie. cleaning staff - only if directly hired by the hospital, excluding private companies), family doctors, pharmacists (operating during pandemic), private doctors and medical figures not employed in hospital facilities ONLY if specializing in directly related COVID-19 diseases (doctors who specialize in pneumology, virologists), healthcare volunteers (ambulance, social services) who offered their support during COVID-19 emergency, firefighters, retired doctors who were called back to service to give support during pandemic, research lab employees (only if you've specifically performed COVID-19 tests)
• Guests will be required to provide a certification to show proof of eligibility at time of booking as well as at embarkation
• Is combinable with promotional rates and MSC Club discount (excluding brochure and group rates)
• Kids 17 and under sail free on select cruises when sailing as 3rd/4th guest
• Healthcare worker must be booked and must cruise (If two or more staterooms are booked, the discount will only be applied to the stateroom the healthcare worker occupies)
• Healthcare worker can book more than one cruise
• Single supplement will apply if traveling alone

 

Ask for "Healthcare Heroes" when booking.

[Acrobatu2]

My wife got her discount only one time, it was combinable with the voyager club discount.

She had to send an e mail with her license, her badge and 2 recent paystubs, I believe one of the requirements is not necessary (I don't remember which). anyway we got approved after one week and the final price cut down of 30% back then, now the discount is less.

 

Their email is: mschealthcarehero@msccruisesusa.com

 

But 2nd and 3rd time she was rejected because 2 time we had the casino discount, and 3rd time we had the "future cruise deal". 

 

About the future cruise deal I'm a little skeptical of their decision to reject, please if everybody knows more info about that, share your experience.

 

Sorry for my grammar English is my second language.

[Ryan82]

In the UK market we've had the NHS (Healthcare) discount applied alongside Voyagers Club discount on all three cruises booked recently. 1st time was given automatically second and third time we had to ask but got it. You only get 10% discount where "you're paying for the balcony" the guy told us for future reference and where its a free balcony upgrade you only get 5%. This was booking through MSC directly.

[Tierun]

We send my wife’s badge and it takes a couple of days to get back. We’ve used it on 3 of our 4 sailings. The other was discounted more than the healthcare discount so didn’t need it.

[Kruizin'Kath]

I have used it 3 times, but when I booked for 6/2023, they told me it wasn't combinable! 🤬

[thesnoopster2]

18 minutes ago, Kruizin'Kath said:

I have used it 3 times, but when I booked for 6/2023, they told me it wasn't combinable! 🤬

that is my dilemma.  Right now I can get free kids and free balcony and $200 credit, OR free wifi and free drinks.  Since Healthcare Discount includes free kids, I would love to do promo #2 and add the free kids.  I just don't want to get tied to that promo as it is more expensive and then they say its not combinable. 

[hamrag]

14 hours ago, Kruizin'Kath said:

I have used it 3 times, but when I booked for 6/2023, they told me it wasn't combinable! 🤬

Indeed, and that is the key change as voyagers discount cannot now be combined. Up until they changed the healthcare discount to 10% maximum, the basic (5%) voyager discount could also be applied. Mostly, the healthcare discount now provides nothing extra!

 

TBF, it was introduced because of the pandemic impact on healthcare staff and said impact is now minimal. I speak as one who has availed of said discount on 5 occasions since cruising recommenced, and enjoyed discounts between 30-50% plus 5% voyagers. It's over, but clearly could not be sustained.

[SirWolf]

14 minutes ago, hamrag said:

Indeed, and that is the key change as voyagers discount cannot now be combined. Up until they changed the healthcare discount to 10% maximum, the basic (5%) voyager discount could also be applied. Mostly, the healthcare discount now provides nothing extra!

 

Question for @hamrag :

Healthcare Heroes Discount (10%) can not be combined with Voyagers Club Discount (5%) ?

 

It says “Is combinable with promotional rates and MSC Club discount” in Terms & Conditions of Healthcare Heroes Offer.

 

.. it’s confusing when Terms & Conditions didn’t match the booking condition ..

 

 

[Ryan82]

As I said above in UK when calling up they offer NHS discount and Voyagers club if you ask. Booked just 3 weeks ago.

[EllieinNJ]

Both myself and my husband are healthcare workers and only got 5+5 percent off. Voyagers and healthcare workers.

[cruiseguyinorl]

On 11/12/2022 at 12:25 PM, SirWolf said:

Healthcare Heroes Discount (10%) can not be combined with Voyagers Club Discount (5%) ?

 

It says “Is combinable with promotional rates and MSC Club discount” in Terms & Conditions of Healthcare Heroes Offer.

The wording there is old verbiage. It is no longer combinable as it was in the beginning. The term Healthcare Heroes Offer was the original discount plan. Terms have changed.

Bret

[SirWolf]

Based on my recent experience with MSC customer service .. please pay attention to “Subject to availability” in terms & conditions of Healthcare Worker Discount.

I called MSC to inquire the price for a booking with Healthcare Worker Discount. The MSC representative told me the price and advised me to make the booking online since I wasn’t sure which cabin/location I wanted in Yacht Club.

I made the booking online and submitted the documents for Healthcare Worker Discount as required.

The response came within 24 hours. They declined the Healthcare Worker Discount based on the clause “Subject to availability”.

They said that Healthcare Worker Discount is not on this sailing and apologized that the other MSC representative told me different.

This is misleading advertising and failure in disclosing which cruise/date/itinerary qualifies for Healthcare Worker Discount.

 

How should a guest know when it’s not disclosed during the booking process ?

 

The deposit for Yacht Club booking is non-refundable, so cancellation is not an option.

 

”Subject to availability” gives MSC the right to deny any kind of discount they advertise in BOLD letters .. only to get bookings .. and not grant the discount as promised.

 

I am kind of disappointed.. but with a smile on my face.

 

Bottom line is that companies with this business attitude will lose their client/guest/passenger base sooner or later.

First: The number of Yacht Club passengers is important for MSC because of the “Exclusivity” status they try to keep up. Like everywhere in business .. MSC needs to get more passengers into the Yacht Club if established passengers decide to leave MSC.

Second: Explora Journeys is a new company of MSC Cruises.. catering to passengers who want to sail with a luxury brand. MSC Yacht Club passengers would be the first group to target as future Explora guests. Passengers not satisfied with Yacht Club will probably not book $$$$ Explora sailings.

 

That said.. my recommendation to MSC is to put more effort into customer satisfaction..

 

Finally.. it’s not about the few hundred dollars Healthcare Worker Discount.. it’s about business ethic and treating guests respectful. 

At the end it’s the guest who makes the decision where he/she spends the money.

[Tierun]

That sucks.

[Ryan82]

Why couldn't you just freeze the price get the option and then ring up for health care discount  @SirWolf?

 

That's what I've done each time.

 

I understand your disappointment.

[SirWolf]

3 minutes ago, Tierun said:

That sucks.

 

 

You are right..

you just summed it up in two words..

[SirWolf]

3 minutes ago, Ryan82 said:

Why couldn't you just freeze the price get the option and then ring up for health care discount  @SirWolf?

 

That's what I've done each time.

 

I understand your disappointment.

 

Based on your profile you are located in the UK.

I am dealing with MSC USA in Fort Lauderdale.. do I need to say more ? LOL

 

What is “freeze the price” ? .. never heard about.

 

The request for Healthcare Worker Discount need to be submitted via eMail for review and approval. MSC representatives in customer service can not make a decision and apply the discount.

 

We had no problems with 3 requests for Healthcare Worker Discount in the past.. everything went smooth on those sailings.

 

I am upset because the clause “Subject to availability” gives MSC basically the right to deny any request without giving a reason.

There is no disclaimer of any restrictionists during the booking process.

[Ryan82]

Good point. On the online booking in UK and other European markets you can freeze the price. This generates an option number which is emailed to you. Ring up quote this and ask if NHS discount applies. 

 

I understand your frustration. Does the MSC site tell you to ring to get discount? 

[SirWolf]

28 minutes ago, Ryan82 said:

Good point. On the online booking in UK and other European markets you can freeze the price. This generates an option number which is emailed to you. Ring up quote this and ask if NHS discount applies. 

 

I understand your frustration. Does the MSC site tell you to ring to get discount? 

 

It says on MSC USA website that the request for Healthcare Worker Discount with supporting documents must be emailed >after booking< to

MSChealthcarehero@MSCcruisesUSA.com .

They decide about the discount after the fact that the guest already made the booking and paid the deposit.

 

The “freeze the price” option is genius !

.. but I doubt MSC will implement this on their US website ..

 

I still don’t understand why the Healthcare Worker Discount is not available on certain cruises.. that’s the first time I hear about it.

 

We own a Clinical Laboratory and offer 10% discount to First Responders (police, firefighter, etc), healthcare workers, teachers and students.

The discount applied to all lab tests.. not only to a few selected tests.

The fact that we offer the discount is related to the profession or student status.. and not related to the service/test we are performing.

 

MSC is rewarding Healthcare Workers sailing in certain destinations and not in other regions.

[Ryan82]

That is frustrating. Are you going ahead with the booking?

[SirWolf]

1 hour ago, Ryan82 said:

That is frustrating. Are you going ahead with the booking?

 

I am not sure.. to be honest.

I paid the deposit and MSC confirmed the booking.

I will either lose my YC deposit or don’t get the Healthcare Worker Discount.

 

I received another eMail from the MSC rep who denied my request. She is now telling that me that the decision was made by management.. whatever management means..

She didn’t answered my question where it says on MSC USA website or in booking process that this sailing doesn’t qualifies for the Healthcare Worker Discount.

She is typing like a bot.. quoting standard phrases typically used in customer service.

 

MSC USA “lost” $6,498 due to the poor decision not granting the Healthcare Worker Discount..

I was looking into a holiday cruise on Seascape (Miami, 7-Nights, Caribbean) in Yacht Club ..but I will skip MSC this time.. and just booked a holiday cruise with VV (Rockstar category, Miami, 6-Nights, Caribbean).

I guess it’s time to browse and try other cruise lines.. looking forward to this new experience..

 

[Ryan82]

That's a shame mate. MSC's onboard experience, I've always found to be really good and the Seascape looks like a stunning ship. Definitely on my list.

 

Don't think they've treated you fairly. The headline summary for USA states - Available for all MSC Cruises’ sailings of any duration (MSC WORLD CRUISES excluded. There is no link to a caveat explaining any limitations of that offer meaning in the UK you could complain to advertising standards authority.

 

Last suggestion- try asking for OBC - ive heard they're happier to give that out. 

[SirWolf]

6 hours ago, Ryan82 said:

The headline summary for USA states - Available for all MSC Cruises’ sailings of any duration (MSC WORLD CRUISES excluded. There is no link to a caveat explaining any limitations of that offer meaning in the UK you could complain to advertising standards authority.

 

You are right, that is exactly the point.

I asked in two eMails where it’s disclosed that a sailing is not eligible for Healthcare Worker Discount but the MSC representative didn’t answered.

The rep has no phone number in her eMail signature.

 

I am pretty sure that MSC has a few questionable clauses in their terms & conditions.. not complying with US consumer laws on federal and state level.

 

Like I said it’s not about the money. I don’t want OBC out of courtesy.. I want what MSC advertises.  They are not even providing a legit reason for denying my request.. just that the Healthcare Worker Discount is not available for this sailing.. no proof or disclosure anywhere on MSC USA website.

 

We have never sailed on Seascape but on Seaview and Seashore. We like these ships but prefer Meraviglia and Meraviglia-Plus Class ships (sailed on Meraviglia and Grandiosa).

[thesnoopster2]

this is so weird to me.  I booked the cruise, then I emailed them and asked them what they wanted.  I work as a Pharmacy Tech for an insurance company working on back-end paperwork.  They wanted badges to prove company and position and federal/state licensing.  Since my job is now a work at home job (home office is in San Diego and I'm in Portland, OR) I have no use or desire for a company ID badge.  I sent them copies of my federal and state info plus a pdf of a paycheck with company name on it and it was processed in 24 hours.  I did only get 8% vs 10% so that is a little weird, but hell, whatever.

[SirWolf]

1 hour ago, thesnoopster2 said:

this is so weird to me.  I booked the cruise, then I emailed them and asked them what they wanted.  I work as a Pharmacy Tech for an insurance company working on back-end paperwork.  They wanted badges to prove company and position and federal/state licensing.  Since my job is now a work at home job (home office is in San Diego and I'm in Portland, OR) I have no use or desire for a company ID badge.  I sent them copies of my federal and state info plus a pdf of a paycheck with company name on it and it was processed in 24 hours.  I did only get 8% vs 10% so that is a little weird, but hell, whatever.

 

The MSC representative never questioned our credentials (we both work in a Clinical Laboratory). We got Healthcare Worker Discounts applied to all of our sailings in 2021 and 2022 without a problem.

 

The reason for denying the Healthcare Worker Discount is (quote MSC eMail) :

”  Please note that the health care discount is not on this sailing. AS per terms and conditions the health care is Subject to availability. I apologize for the inconvenience. “ 

 

I feel misled by MSC advertising of Healthcare Worker Discount and sequence of booking & processing of Healthcare Worker Discount request.

MSC makes the guest commit to a booking with non-refundable Yacht Club deposit and denies Healthcare Worker Discount based on a reason which was not disclosed during online booking process. No disclaimer that this sailing doesn’t qualify for Healthcare Worker Discount. I asked two times where it’s stated that the discount doesn’t apply to this sailing but the MSC representative ignored my questions. She also ignored my request to escalate the issue to management.

Very disappointing..

 

 

[Tierun]

4 hours ago, thesnoopster2 said:

this is so weird to me.  I booked the cruise, then I emailed them and asked them what they wanted.  I work as a Pharmacy Tech for an insurance company working on back-end paperwork.  They wanted badges to prove company and position and federal/state licensing.  Since my job is now a work at home job (home office is in San Diego and I'm in Portland, OR) I have no use or desire for a company ID badge.  I sent them copies of my federal and state info plus a pdf of a paycheck with company name on it and it was processed in 24 hours.  I did only get 8% vs 10% so that is a little weird, but hell, whatever.

The discount is only applied to the cruise fare, not the total cruise cost. That could be the difference.