Thursday, June 26, 2025
Carnival Cruise Line is preparing to roll out an exciting transformation to its loyalty program, which will launch in the summer of 2026. The new program, called Carnival Rewards, marks a significant shift in how passengers accumulate and redeem loyalty points. Rather than simply rewarding customers based on the number of cruises they take, the new system will place greater emphasis on passengers’ onboard spending, aligning more closely with the models used by frequent flyer programs in the airline industry.
Currently, Carnival’s loyalty program rewards passengers with a fixed number of points per sailing. This simple structure means that a passenger earns a set amount of points each time they embark on a cruise, regardless of how much they spend while on board. This system, while easy to understand, has limitations, particularly for passengers who might spend significantly on onboard purchases but don’t necessarily cruise frequently. The upcoming Carnival Rewards program seeks to remedy this by providing a more nuanced approach, ensuring that passengers’ loyalty is better aligned with their level of engagement and spending during their cruises.
Under the new program, which is set to launch on June 1, 2026, the process of earning loyalty points will become more dynamic and rewarding. Passengers will earn three loyalty points for every dollar spent on a wide variety of onboard purchases. This includes cruise fare, drinks purchased at onboard bars, specialty dining experiences, spa treatments, and shore excursions. Additionally, gambling at the casino will also be part of the eligible purchases that contribute to accumulating loyalty points. By broadening the types of purchases that contribute to earning points, Carnival aims to encourage more spending while enhancing the overall experience for its passengers.
This change reflects a growing trend in the cruise industry, as more cruise lines seek to build loyalty programs that reward passengers for their engagement with the cruise experience as a whole, not just their frequency of travel. Carnival’s new system mirrors the structures seen in frequent flyer programs, where members accrue points not just for their flight miles but also for the money spent on various services during their travels. With this new approach, Carnival is making it clear that they want to reward passengers for their overall contribution to the cruise experience, whether it’s through dining, entertainment, or excursions. This shift also reflects the evolving expectations of modern travelers, who increasingly seek flexibility and customization in loyalty programs.
The introduction of Carnival Rewards will also benefit existing Carnival customers who have accumulated FunPoints through the Carnival World Mastercard. FunPoints, which are earned through spending on everyday purchases with the credit card, will seamlessly be transferred to passengers’ loyalty balances once the new program is launched. This ensures that those who have been loyal to the brand and have been building points in preparation for the new system will not lose any value and will continue to be rewarded as they transition into the updated program.
For many passengers, the ability to earn points for every dollar spent on onboard services will be a major selling point. The new program promises a more rewarding and personalized cruising experience, as passengers will be able to earn loyalty points on things they were likely already spending money on, such as spa services, drinks, and specialty dining. This shift to a points-per-dollar model creates more opportunities for passengers to accumulate loyalty points more quickly, which will then be redeemable for a variety of perks, discounts, and rewards.
In addition to the more expansive way in which points can be earned, Carnival is likely to roll out a variety of new benefits for members of the Carnival Rewards program. While specific details on the rewards available to members have not yet been fully disclosed, the new loyalty program is expected to offer everything from priority boarding and discounted shore excursions to exclusive onboard amenities and recognition as members reach new loyalty tiers. Carnival has always been committed to offering its passengers a top-tier cruising experience, and the new loyalty program is expected to be an extension of that commitment.
For passengers who have been part of Carnival’s existing loyalty program for years, the change is expected to feel like a positive step forward. The new structure is designed to ensure that passengers are rewarded not only for their loyalty in terms of how often they cruise but also for how much they engage with the cruise experience. In today’s highly competitive travel industry, where cruise lines are constantly innovating to attract and retain passengers, this move to a more engaging and rewarding loyalty program is a clear signal that Carnival is serious about offering value to its most loyal customers.
Overall, Carnival Rewards is poised to be a game-changer for the cruise line industry, offering passengers an exciting new way to earn rewards and enjoy a more personalized cruising experience. Whether it’s through the money spent on drinks, dining, or excursions, passengers will be able to accumulate points that bring tangible benefits, helping to make their future cruises even more enjoyable. As the launch date approaches, many Carnival customers are eagerly anticipating the rollout of this revamped loyalty program, which promises to enhance the value of every dollar spent on board.
