The Wait Is Over – Carnival Cruise Line Reveals New Loyalty Program
After years of growing congestion particularly with the upper tiers of the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program, first launched in 2012, Carnival Cruise Line has finally created a new program for eager guests.
Coming in June 2026 will be the new Carnival Rewards program, featuring a duel-earning structure based on both on sailings as well as spending through the Carnival Rewards Mastercard.
The new program is designed to help travelers better customize the rewards they prefer, truly providing added value and rewarding loyalty in multiple ways.
“The evolution of our loyalty program to Carnival Rewards represents our commitment to creating more meaningful recognition for our valued guests,” said Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line’s president.
“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 number of Platinum VIFP guests has doubled since 2022, while the number of Diamond guests has quadrupled in that same time period.
The new system will be points-based in a way to reward not only frequency of travel with the cruise line, but also how much travelers spend onboard. Guests will earn three points for every $1 spent on eligible Carnival purchases (with limited exclusions).
Points can also be earned through casino play, and even when guests make non-cruise purchases with their Carnival Rewards Mastercard.
“This transition honors our past while building a future where loyalty is recognized through both cruising frequency and overall engagement with the Carnival experience,” explained Duffy.
Guests will be able to redeem their earned points for onboard extra-charge activities, spa treatments, drinks, specialty dining, shore tours, and even credit them toward future Carnival cruise vacations.
Simultaneously, guests will earn “stars” that determine their loyalty tier, which will remain for two years. The “lifetime” status of cruise line loyalty is being eliminated.
The new program is being introduced in a phased approach. Current VIFP members will stay with their current loyalty level through May 31, 2028 (once the new program launches on June 1, 2026).
Diamond members, however, will have six years – until May 31, 2032 – to acclimate to the new program.
This will give everyone time to adjust to the changes and the launch of the Carnival Rewards program while still building loyalty – both stars and points – on booked cruises and any new sailings they enjoy in the interim.
Guests should note that, for now, there are no changes to the current VIFP program – at least for the next year.
“For the time being, there is no impact to the existing VIFP Club program, guest status, account, or how we will deliver our existing onboard experience. The preview of the changes is the start of a conversation about how Carnival Rewards will deliver guest benefits and recognition when it formally launches in June 2026,” the Carnival website confirms.
This new program comes after years of hints and sly suggestions that updates were in the works. Such as been the inevitable delay with the announcements that some loyal guests even believed the updates might never be made.
Will the Changes Be Happily Accepted?
Of course, it is not easy to craft a loyalty program covering millions of cruise guests, hundreds of annual sailings, and a fleet of nearly 30 vessels sailing all over the world.
Different benefits, of course, are organized by different cruise line departments, but must have all been meshed together into the new, cohesive program. Balancing levels, providing good value, and above all, ensuring guests feel welcome and valued are all key aspects of any cruise line loyalty program.
Read Also: Loyalty Programs – Should You Stay Loyal to One Cruise Line?
While time will tell whether or not every aspect of the Carnival Rewards program remains intact – perks do come and go over time and some tweaks are likely inevitable – many Carnival cruisers will undoubtedly be eager to set sail with their new benefits in the coming years.
The Wait Is Over – Carnival Cruise Line Reveals New Loyalty Program