Carnival President Explains Why Major Loyalty Program Changes Are Coming
Carnival Cruise Line is giving its loyalty cruisers plenty of time to prepare for its much-publicized shift in its VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) loyalty program.
But that doesn’t mean loyalty members haven’t been upset.
Now, President Christine Duffy is addressing the changes directly to try to ease the building tension that has resulted in passengers jumping ship for competitor loyalty programs.
The changes, which were first announced mid-June 2025, will take effect on June 1, 2026.
“We want to be transparent, and we want to be sure everyone understands, the program,” Duffy said during a visit on Carnival Vista on July 14.
“While we knew this change and this announcement was going to be difficult, the lifetime status benefits just cannot be delivered in the right way.”
Duffy cited exponential growth as a key factor in the decision. Since Carnival Cruise Line was founded in 1972, it will carry 110 million guests by the end of 2025 – 65 million of them in just the past 13 years.
With a growing fleet, including two more Excel-class ships and three Ace ships on the horizon, Duffy says the program’s original structure is no longer feasible.
“I really just want to reassure people that it is not our intention at all for people not to maintain their status, just lifetime status is not feasible given the number of people and the growth in the highest tiers,” said Duffy.
Carnival has already confirmed that the current VIFP credit card, issued through Barclays, will transition to a new version. “Any points you have today or on May 30, 2026, will automatically transfer to the new card,” Duffy added.
She also addressed concerns for top-tier Diamond guests. While lifetime benefits will end, existing Diamond members will have six years to maintain their status.
And although full point values and redemption details haven’t been announced yet, Duffy assured guests that points will accrue through both cruise purchases and everyday spending on the new credit card.
Duffy also noted that kids under 18 will no longer be eligible to join the new rewards program, as it aligns with legal guidelines and new program requirements.
However, kids will be treated to the status of the parents while in the cabins, and those turning 18 when the new program launches will have the ability to opt in at the status they were under their parents.
Credit card laws are different in Canada and Australia, and the cruise line is in active discussions to add them to the program, albeit slightly different.
For anyone who has earned a Milestone before the new program launch, Duffy has assured that they will have the ability to use what they have earned for up to 5 years. A new Milestone program is also being developed.
What We Do Know
Carnival Cruise Line’s current VIFP Club will be fully replaced by Carnival Rewards effective June 1, 2026. The updated structure introduces two new systems, points and stars, designed to replace the traditional cruise day-based tracking.
Guests will earn 3 points per $1 spent on cruise fare, onboard extras such as spa treatments, drinks, specialty dining, and casino play, as well as everyday purchases using the Carnival Rewards Mastercard.
Those points can then be redeemed for perks, including future cruise credits and onboard amenities, offering greater flexibility than the current program.
Read Also: Which Cruise Lines Match Loyalty Programs?
At the same time, guests will also earn “stars,” which will determine their loyalty tier. These stars must be earned with a rolling two-year cycle, and status will now be based on spending activity rather than cumulative cruise history.
Full point-to-tier thresholds have not yet been disclosed, but Carnival Cruise Line has said details will arrive before the end of the year.
To honor VIFP loyalty, all current tiers remain in effect until May 31, 2028. Diamond members receive an extended grace period through May 31, 2032. After that, maintaining loyalty status will require ongoing participation under the new system.
Carnival President Explains Why Major Loyalty Program Changes Are Coming