Carnival Cruise Line announced it will launch a new loyalty program next year called Carnival Rewards.
Carnival Cruise Line guests will continue to earn status in the cruise line’s current Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program which focuses on the number of nights a passenger sails. The new Carnival Rewards program, coming in June 2026, offers awards and higher status levels based on dollars spent which includes cruise fares and onboard spending. Additionally, guests can earn points and status quicker by using the co-branded Barclays Carnival Rewards Mastercard on everyday spending.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, stated, “The evolution of our loyalty program to Carnival Rewards represents our commitment to creating more meaningful recognition for our valued guests. Our current VIFP program has served us well for many years and while we’ve enjoyed truly extraordinary growth in our loyal customer base, it has become challenging to deliver the exceptional experience our Diamond and Platinum members deserve.”
The new Carnival Rewards program will have a dual structure. As members book cruises, make onboard purchases, and take excursions, they will earn Carnival Reward points and “status qualifying stars.” The more members spend, the more points and stars they will earn.
Status-qualifying stars will allow Carnival Rewards members to unlock a higher status. The four tiers under the new program are Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Each status is earned over two years and is good for the following two years. Points can be banked and redeemed for onboard Carnival items like spa treatments, specialty dining, and more.
Duffy added, “By introducing a points-based system, we’re enabling greater flexibility so guests can personalize their rewards in ways that matter most to them. This transition honors our past while building a future where loyalty is recognized through both cruising frequency and overall engagement with the Carnival experience, bringing Carnival Rewards into the top tier of travel loyalty programs that provide our guests with ways to earn status and points through their everyday spending on the Carnival Rewards Mastercard.”
Members current status will be transitioned into the new Carnival Rewards program through May 31, 2028. However, Diamond members’ status will transition through May 31, 2032. Additionally, each members balance of Fun Points will convert to Carnival Rewards points in members’ accounts.
Edit: With the amount of (negative) feedback Carnival has received and La Lido Loca is hearing, Tony voiced his take on the rewards program on Sunday.