John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador, reported on his Facebook that Priority Boarding has returned for VIFP Platinum and Diamond guests beginning November 3, 2022.
Cruisers with priority boarding have special lines during embarkation which provides faster check-ins no matter when they arrive for their cruise. It also allows boarding as soon as the ship is ready to begin embarkation instead of waiting with later boarding groups. Online check-in is also available two days earlier for VIFP Platinum and Diamond guests allowing them to choose their arrival appointment times before other guests.
Carnival does stress the importance of arriving during your appointment time: “Given our focus on meeting the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) requirement and implementation of our new health and safety protocols, VIFP Platinum and Diamond guests must adhere to their arrival appointment time.”
VIFP Platinum and Diamond guests also receive a debarkation letter giving them a choice of how they would like to disembark the ship. It is no wonder Priority Boarding has been one of the most sought-after benefits of the VIFP program. Cruisers are excited to take advantage of these benefits again as it saves them time and provides a more stress-free vacation.
In his social media post, Heald also stated that Faster to the Fun would be returning “soon” as well, but he did not know when.
Carnival Cruise Line has gradually restarted many of its VIFP benefits that had been placed on hold due to the pandemic in an effort to minimize crowding. One such benefit is the commemorative pins and Carnival-branded gifts that VIFP Platinum and Diamond guests receive. Guests still receive these but need to visit the ship’s photo gallery to collect them at their convenience. Carnival also restarted its past guest parties on sailings of 5+ nights.
VIFP guests are part of the “Very Important Fun Person” loyalty program and achieve Platinum or Diamond status by accruing points for each day they sail with Carnival Cruise Line. Each level offers exclusive benefits such as priority spa reservations, complimentary laundry service, and other priority features and lines.
How about you? Are you a VIFP Platinum or Diamond guest? Are you excited about the loyalty program’s return?