MSC’s casino rewards program can feel confusing at first, especially if you’ve cruised with other lines or tried to piece together answers from Reddit. The rules aren’t complicated, but they are very different from traditional cruise loyalty programs.
This guide explains how MSC Casino Dream Points work, how rewards are earned and issued, and why the experience can differ depending on whether you’re sailing from the U.S. or Europe.
The Big Picture: How MSC Casino Rewards Actually Work
MSC operates a casino-specific rewards program, completely separate from its cruise loyalty program. Casino rewards are earned based on gambling activity during a single sailing, not accumulated over multiple cruises.
Dream Points are awarded based on how much you wager, not how much you lose. Most rewards come in the form of onboard certificates or future cruise offers issued through the casino’s Signature Rewards (UChoose) program.
There is no sign-up process. As soon as you use your cruise card in the casino, tracking begins automatically.
How Dream Points Are Earned
Slot Machines and Video Poker
Slot machines and video poker use a fixed formula that is the same across the fleet. You earn 1 Dream Point for every $3 or €3 wagered, regardless of whether you win or lose.
What matters is coin-in, meaning the total amount cycled through the machine. If you bet $3, win $3, and bet that $3 again, you’ve earned two points. Re-bets always count.
Video poker earns points the same way, though experienced players should be aware that cruise ship video poker often uses slightly tighter pay tables than land-based casinos.
Table Games
Table games work differently. There is no visible point-per-dollar formula. Instead, points are awarded by the pit staff based on your average bet, the amount of time you play, and the specific game.
To ensure your play is tracked for Dream Points at table games, you must hand your Cruise Card to the dealer as soon as you sit down so they can scan it or log your “buy-in” on their tablet. Since table points are manually entered by the pit boss based on your average bet and time played, it is a good habit to politely confirm with the dealer or pit boss that your play is being “rated” before you leave the table.
Games That Do Not Earn Points
Not every type of wager or game earns Dream points. Bingo and lottery-style games generally do not earn Dream Points. Same story for sports betting on ships that have it. If it isn’t a casino wager, it usually doesn’t count toward casino rewards.
MSC Casino Rewards Tiers (UChoose Program)
Once you reach certain Dream Point thresholds during a single cruise, you may qualify for reward certificates. These are typically issued onboard or shortly after the sailing ends.
While offers can vary by market and promotion, typical 2026 benchmarks look like this:
- Around 500 to 1,200 points may trigger discount certificates for a future cruise
- 2,500 to 5,000 points often unlock Free Play or reduced-rate interior offers
- 7,000 to 10,000 points may qualify for a free cruise certificate, usually Interior or Oceanview
- 15,000 points and above can generate higher-tier offers, sometimes including balconies or premium categories
Exact cabin types, blackout dates, and sailing availability always apply.
US vs Europe: Why Rewards Feel Different
This is a critical but rarely explained distinction.
Market-Specific Redemption Charts
MSC uses market-specific reward matrices, meaning the number of points required for certain certificates can change depending on where you earn them and where you redeem them.
On U.S.-based sailings, especially in the Caribbean, it’s often easier to earn a free or reduced-rate cruise certificate. MSC frequently runs promotions where relatively modest point totals unlock “local” certificates valid only for Caribbean itineraries.
On European sailings, point thresholds for similar rewards are often higher or more tightly tiered. Many cruisers find it easier to earn a free cabin on a Caribbean sailing than during peak Mediterranean season.
Deposits and Post-Cruise Offers
After a U.S. sailing, casino offers sent by email often require a deposit, usually in the $500–$1,000 range. That deposit is typically refunded as non-redeemable Free Play once you board.
European offers more often follow a discount-based model, such as 50–70% off a cruise fare, sometimes with a smaller deposit. This reflects a different marketing approach, as European markets are generally less casino-comp focused than the U.S.
Currency Differences
U.S. sailings operate in U.S. dollars, while European sailings operate in Euros. Since Dream Points are earned at one point per three units of currency, a strong Euro can mean slightly higher real-world cost to reach the same point thresholds.
Using your cruise card avoids manual exchange issues, but the value difference is still worth understanding.
Casino Rewards vs Voyagers Club (Do Not Mix These Up)
Casino rewards are handled through the Signature Rewards program, while MSC’s cruise loyalty program is called Voyagers Club.
Casino play does not earn Voyagers Club points, and Voyagers Club status does not automatically generate casino rewards. These systems operate independently, even though they coexist onboard.
Status matching from land-based casinos may unlock Voyagers Club perks, but it does not grant free casino play.
Tracking Your Points and Using the Casino Host
You can check your Dream Point balance at any time by inserting your cruise card into a slot machine.
If you’re playing regularly or at higher limits, introducing yourself to the Casino Host early can be worthwhile. Hosts sometimes have discretion to offer specialty dining, WiFi, or drink privileges while you play, even if you haven’t reached a formal tier yet.
Do Points Carry Over?
No. Dream Points used to earn onboard certificates reset at the end of each cruise.
However, your player rating stays on file, and that long-term profile helps determine future casino mailers and offers. The points reset. The history does not.
A Note on Free Drinks and Certificates
Free drinks and free cruise certificates are real benefits, but they each come with rules and thresholds that deserve deeper explanation.
This page explains how the system works. Whether those perks are worth it depends on how, when, and where you play — topics best covered separately.
The Bottom Line
MSC casino rewards are straightforward once you understand the structure. Points are earned based on wagering, reset after each cruise, and are influenced heavily by market, itinerary, and timing.
If you’re going to gamble anyway, knowing how Dream Points work helps you make informed decisions and avoid common misunderstandings — especially when sailing between U.S. and European markets.