Carnival Cruise Line is revamping its loyalty program, introducing Carnival Rewards, a new system launching in June 2026. This updated program will offer more ways for guests to earn status and redeem rewards, moving beyond the current “Very Important Fun Person (VIFP)” program’s focus solely on nights sailed.
Key Changes with Carnival Rewards
The new Carnival Rewards program will feature a dual-earning structure:
- Carnival Rewards Points: These points can be redeemed for various Carnival purchases, including onboard activities, spa treatments, specialty dining, and even future cruises.
- Status Qualifying Stars: These stars will determine a guest’s tier status, with four new tiers: Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.
- New Tiers & Status Retention: The program will retain the familiar tiers: Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. However, status will now be earned over a two-year period and retained for the following two years. To reach Gold, guests will need 10,000 stars; Platinum requires 50,000 stars, and Diamond will require 100,000 stars.
- Earn based on Spend: Unlike the VIFP program, which solely rewarded based on the number of nights cruised, Carnival Rewards will allow guests to earn points and stars based on their total spend, including cruise fares and onboard activities like shore excursions, specialty dining, spa treatments, and even casino play. Guests will earn 3 stars for every $1 spent on eligible Carnival purchases, and 1 Carnival Rewards Point for every Casino Point earned.
- Milestone Recognition: The program will continue to recognize milestone cruises. For their 50th night sailed, passengers will receive 5,000 Carnival Rewards points and a commemorative Sail & Sign Card. At 100 nights (and every hundredth night thereafter), the line will award 10,000 points, a special gift, and a milestone Sail & Sign card
Unlike the current program, Carnival Rewards will allow guests to earn both points and stars based on their overall spending, including cruise fares and onboard activities. This means your loyalty will be recognized for more than just the number of nights you spend at sea.
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,”
“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.”
Accelerated Earnings with the Carnival Rewards Mastercard
Carnival is also enhancing its co-branded credit card with Barclays, the Carnival Rewards Mastercard. Cardmembers will have the opportunity to earn points and status even faster through their everyday spending, providing another avenue to boost their loyalty benefits. More details about the updated credit card will be announced soon.
Seamless Transition for Current Members
Current VIFP members will find their existing status seamlessly transferred into the new Carnival Rewards program when it launches in June 2026. This transferred status will be valid for a two-year period, through May 31, 2028. Diamond members will receive an extended status of six years, lasting until May 31, 2032. This ensures that loyal guests maintain their current benefits while becoming familiar with the new system. Guests will continue to earn VIFP status as usual until the new program takes effect.
Furthermore, existing and new Carnival Rewards Mastercard holders will have their current “Fun Points” converted into Carnival Rewards points in their new accounts upon the program’s launch.
Acknowledging and Enhancing Guest Experience
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, stated that this evolution reflects Carnival’s commitment to providing more meaningful recognition for their guests. She emphasized that the new points-based system offers greater flexibility for guests to personalize their rewards. This transition aims to recognize loyalty through both cruising frequency and overall engagement, placing Carnival Rewards among the top travel loyalty programs.
Stay Informed
For more information about Carnival Rewards and to track updates, guests can visit carnivalrewards.com. Current Carnival loyalty members will also receive emails throughout the transition process leading up to the June 2026 conversion. Carnival will provide detailed information, tools to track status, point balances, and tips to maximize rewards under the new system.
Guests can visit carnivalrewards.com for more information, and current members will receive email updates throughout the transition.
