Happy Monday!
Let’s talk about Cruise Loyalty Programs. These programs would be the equivalent of frequent flyer or hotel reward programs where repeated business equals perks and bonuses.
Cruising is no different. Each cruise line has some kind of loyalty program that offers onboard perks and bonuses–everything from free drinks to free cruises.
Let’s start this weekly feature with Carnival Cruise Line’s VIFP Loyalty Program. Guests become a VIFP Member with Carnival Cruise Line simply by signing up. This can be and should be done before you ever take your first cruise. While you will not earn any points by signing up, you will begin receiving member-only fares and promotions. Once you take your first cruise, you will start earning benefits.
Currently, the cruise line has a tiered reward system that features five tiers starting with the Blue tier on your very first sailing. Leveling up through the tiers happens each night you spend on a cruise. For example, a five-night sailing = 5 points.
The Blue Tier gives guests:
- Members-only offers
- Member e-newsletter
The Red Tier begins with a second sailing to 24 points and adds:
- A complimentary 1.5 liter bottle of water
The Gold Tier is from 25 to 74 points and adds:
- A complimentary beverage on 5+ day cruises
- A Gold VIFP pin on every sailing
The Platinum Tier is from 75 to 199 points and adds:
- Priority check-in and boarding on embarkation day
- VIFP Party of 5+ day sailings featuring complimentary beverages
- Welcome Treat on 5+ day cruises
- A Unique, collectible VIFP pin (instead of the Gold Tier pin) on every sailing
- Priority spa reservations
- Priority water shuttle ship to shore boarding
- $5 arcade credits (guests under 18)
- VIFP logo gift
- Priority Guest Services assistance by phone
- Priority Line at onboard Guest Services desk
- Priority debarkation
- Priority Main Dining Room and Specialty Restaurant reservations
- Complimentary Wash & Fold Laundry Services
The Diamond Tier begins at 200 points and adds:
- Guaranteed Main Dining time preference for dinner
- Unlimited Wash & Fold Laundry Service
- A special event invitation from the Captain
- One-time free cabin upgrade or 3rd, 4th, and 5th guests sail free
- One-time complimentary Specialty Restaurant meal for two
- VIFP Club luggage tag set
- A dedicated toll-free number for sales and service
It is important to know that Carnival Cruise Line is revamping this entire loyalty program and will launch Carnival Rewards on September 1, 2026. The cruise line says it will “offer a more valuable and more rewarding experience for its guests.”
You can read more about the initial Carnival Rewards announcement and changes that have been made following guests feedback. In November, Carnival Cruise Line announced more updates to the program. One change gave guests through August 31, 2026, to earn their highest loyalty status, while the other highlighted Carnival Rewards Mastercard Benefits and how they can be earned.