Carnival Cruise Line will launch its new loyalty program in 2026, a first in the cruise industry. The program will incorporate new features, ways to earn status, new reward categories, and a new name: Carnival Rewards™. The new program will take effect in June 2026, giving guests ample time to familiarize themselves with the changes while continuing to build status within the existing Very Important Fun Person (VIFP)™ program, which will serve as the foundation for the new program.
Carnival Rewards will feature a dual earning structure where guests will earn Carnival Rewards points, redeemable for purchases within Carnival, and status rating stars, which will determine membership level. Unlike the current VIFP program's model based solely on the number of cruise nights, the new system will offer more opportunities to earn rewards and reach higher status levels, also based on spending, including cruise fares and onboard activities.
The program will be closely linked to everyday spending through the co-branded credit card with Barclays – the Carnival Rewards Mastercard – allowing cardholders to accumulate points and status even faster. Additional details about this card will be announced later.
“The evolution of our loyalty program to Carnival Rewards reflects our commitment to more meaningful recognition for our valued guests. The current VIFP program has served us well for many years, but the extraordinary growth of our loyal customer base has made it increasingly difficult to deliver the exceptional experience our Diamond and Platinum members deserve,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “By introducing a points-based system, we are giving guests greater flexibility to personalize their rewards according to what they value most. This transition honors our past while building a future where loyalty is recognized not only by cruise frequency but also by overall engagement with the Carnival experience. Carnival Rewards is now positioned at the highest level of travel loyalty programs, offering ways to accumulate points and status through everyday spending with the Carnival Rewards Mastercard.”.
Guests will earn Carnival Rewards points and status stars on every eligible purchase, including cruise fares and onboard spending. The dual structure gives guests greater control over their rewards and status:
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Points can be redeemed for virtually any service offered by Carnival, including onboard activities, spa treatments, specialty restaurant dining, and even for a future cruise.
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The stars will allow you to reach a higher status among four levels: Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Status is earned for a period of two years and maintained for the following two years.
As part of the transition to the launch of Carnival Rewards on June 1, 2026, members' current status will be retained and used as a starting point in the new program for a period of two years, until May 31, 2028. Diamond members will retain their status for six years, until May 31, 2032. This ensures that all current status is honored while members become familiar with the new rewards. Guests will continue to accrue VIFP status as usual until the launch of the new program.
In addition, with the implementation of Carnival Rewards, current credit card holders, as well as new ones who join before the launch, will automatically see their Fun Points converted into Carnival Rewards points in their accounts.
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