Thursday, June 19, 2025
Carnival Cruise Line is revolutionizing its guest loyalty program with the introduction of Carnival Rewards, a new points-based system launching in June 2026. Designed to offer guests more flexibility and personalized perks, this program marks the evolution of the brand’s longstanding Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program. With new ways to earn rewards, including through everyday spending, Carnival Rewards promises to offer more opportunities to earn status and redeem points, making it an exciting development for both frequent cruisers and new guests alike.
The new Carnival Rewards program is set to transform how guests interact with Carnival, rewarding them not just for the number of nights they cruise but also for their overall engagement with the brand. With the introduction of a dual-earning structure, where guests can accumulate both points for rewards and stars for tier status, Carnival is aiming to create a more personalized experience. This article dives into what the Carnival Rewards program offers, how it compares to the previous VIFP system, and what guests can expect when it launches in 2026.
What’s New with Carnival Rewards? A Closer Look at the Changes
A Dual-Earning Structure for Greater Flexibility
The most significant change in the Carnival Rewards program is its dual-earning structure. Unlike the previous VIFP program, which was based primarily on the number of nights sailed, the new model will allow guests to earn rewards based on both their cruise frequency and their spending patterns. Guests will earn Carnival Rewards points that can be redeemed for a wide variety of Carnival purchases, such as onboard activities, specialty dining, spa treatments, and future cruises.
Additionally, guests will earn status qualifying stars that determine their tier status in the program. The stars will be awarded across four tiers: Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. These tiers are designed to recognize guests for their loyalty, based not only on how often they cruise but also on their overall interaction with the Carnival brand. The more you engage with Carnival—whether through cruising, onboard spending, or using the Carnival Rewards Mastercard—the higher your tier status and the better the perks.
Points for Every Dollar Spent, Both Onboard and Off
One of the most exciting features of the Carnival Rewards program is the integration with the Carnival Rewards Mastercard, a co-branded credit card with Barclays. This means that everyday spending on the card will now contribute to earning both Carnival Rewards points and status qualifying stars. Whether you’re booking a cruise, shopping at Carnival’s onboard shops, or dining at specialty restaurants, you’ll be earning points that can be used for future rewards.
This added flexibility makes the Carnival Rewards program stand out from other cruise line loyalty programs, as guests can now earn points not just for their time spent cruising but also for their overall lifestyle spending. With this new credit card-based system, it becomes even easier to reach higher status levels and enjoy the perks that come with them.
Personalized Perks to Suit Every Cruiser
With the launch of Carnival Rewards, Carnival is focusing on giving guests more options to personalize their rewards. Whether you’re looking to redeem points for onboard activities, spa treatments, or even a future cruise, the new program is designed to be flexible. Guests can redeem their points in ways that align with their interests and cruising habits.
The new system ensures that loyalty is recognized through both cruising frequency and overall engagement with the Carnival experience. This means that guests who may not cruise frequently but are highly engaged with the brand in other ways (e.g., using the Carnival Rewards Mastercard) can still earn significant rewards and reach higher status levels.
Status Tiers and Benefits: What Guests Can Expect
The new loyalty program will feature four main status tiers: Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Guests will enter the program based on their current VIFP status.
- Red is the entry-level tier, where guests will start earning points and stars.
- Gold offers more exclusive perks and rewards.
- Platinum elevates the experience with even more benefits and higher earning potential.
- Diamond is the top-tier status, providing guests with VIP-level privileges, including priority boarding, exclusive events, and other luxury perks.
Importantly, status is earned over a two-year period and is retained for the following two years. This two-year period encourages guests to stay engaged with Carnival, allowing them to benefit from their status for an extended period.
How Tier Status Will Be Maintained
Guests who have Diamond status under the VIFP program will retain this status for six years, until May 31, 2032. All existing members’ status will carry over when the Carnival Rewards program launches, allowing for a smooth transition and continuity for loyal guests. For members who continue to earn points, their status will continue to grow over time, unlocking new perks and privileges along the way.
Transitioning to Carnival Rewards: What’s Next for VIFP Members?
The Carnival Rewards program will officially launch on June 1, 2026, but there’s no need to worry if you’re currently a VIFP member. The current VIFP status will remain valid through the program’s launch, ensuring that loyal guests don’t lose any benefits in the transition.
For those who are currently VIFP members, the new Carnival Rewards points will replace the Fun Points system, offering a more versatile way to earn and redeem rewards. Additionally, existing VIFP members will have their status converted into the new Carnival Rewards system, ensuring they are appropriately placed in the program based on their current loyalty level.
A Look Ahead: Carnival’s Commitment to Guest Loyalty
The launch of Carnival Rewards represents a major shift in how Carnival Cruise Line approaches guest loyalty. By moving to a points-based system, Carnival is offering more flexibility and personalization to its guests, ensuring that their loyalty is recognized in meaningful ways. This move aligns with Carnival’s broader strategy to cater to a growing, dynamic guest base and to remain competitive in the increasingly crowded cruise industry.
As the program rolls out in 2026, Carnival Rewards promises to take the experience to the next level, offering not only more ways to earn and redeem rewards but also providing exclusive perks that will keep guests coming back for more.
