Cruise Line Expands Loyalty Program as Cruisers Jump from Carnival
Cruise passengers frustrated by recent loyalty programs at Carnival Cruise Line may find a new reason to jump ship.
Explora Journeys has just launched the second phase of its Explora Club loyalty program, offering members more ways to earn points and new onboard benefits, just as competitors struggle to retain their most dedicated guests.
The updated program now allows Explora Club members to track their points and loyalty status directly through their “My Explora Account.”
Points can be earned from nights sailed, onboard purchases, and Destination Experience bookings, with tiers offering an increased range of privileges.
The changes are well-timed. Carnival Cruise Line is facing heavy criticism for major revisions to its Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club loyalty structure.
Announced in June, the new rules, effective in 2026, eliminate lifetime status and instead impose a two-year window to qualify based on cruise nights and onboard spending.
The backlash has been fierce, with loyal Carnival cruisers saying they feel betrayed.
Some of those guests are now turning to other cruise lines, including Explora Journeys’ sister MSC Cruises, which has seen an influx of interest in its own Status Match program.
That program allows guests to carry over their loyalty level from other lines and receive immediate benefits.
Explora is now joining that conversation by expanding its own Status Match to include Oceania Cruises, bringing the total number of eligible brands to 11.
New Tier Structure and Benefits
Explora Club’s loyalty program includes five membership tiers: Classic, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.
Members earn points through onboard nights, qualifying purchases, and booking select excursions. Points accumulate over time without expiring, and each level unlocks a broader set of perks.
At the Classic entry level, members receive exclusive member offers, priority access to the new Journeys Collections, and access to a personalized online member portal.
Silver, which is awarded to guests with 1 to 5,000 points, adds perks like birthday gifts, savings on future journeys, and invitations to cocktail receptions hosted by ship leadership.
Gold unlocks added comforts, including special turndown surprises, while Platinum members gain access to bridge tours, Journey Experience Credits, laundry service, and other higher-value perks.
These levels begin at 5,001 to 20,000 points for Gold and 20,001 to 50,000 for Platinum.
At the top, Diamond status, which is reserved for guests with over 50,000 points, passengers receive a complimentary week-long journey for two, private suite upgrades, transfers, and invitations to curated events such as the President’s Journey and Chef’s Kitchen experiences.
Cruise Hive Boards: Explora Journeys Status Match
Guests receive 100 points for every night at sea, with points multiplying by suites. (One time for Ocean Suites, two times for Ocean Penthouses, three times for Ocean Residences, and 10 times for Owner’s Residences.)
One of the biggest updates in phase two is the ability to view loyalty status online. The My Explora Account portal now allows members to track point balances, current tier, and upcoming eligibility.
The expanded Status Match is another major draw. Cruisers with loyalty status on 11 participating cruise lines can match their level when enrolling in the free Explora Club.
This includes MSC Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Scenic Luxury Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, and now Oceania Cruises.
The match applies instantly to their first sailing with Explora Journeys, giving guests access to benefits without needing to start from scratch.
And, in contrast to Carnival Cruise Line’s changes, which limit tier maintenance and tie status to recent activity, Explora Journeys allows members to keep their tier once achieved.
Cruise Line Expands Loyalty Program as Cruisers Jump from Carnival