Carnival's New Rewards Program

Exploring the New Carnival Rewards Loyalty Program: What’s Changing and How It Impacts VIFP Members

Carnival Cruise Line, known for its fun-filled voyages and loyal customer base, is set to launch a revamped loyalty program called Carnival Rewards in June 2026, replacing the long-standing Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club. This overhaul, announced on June 18, 2025, marks the first significant update to Carnival’s loyalty system since 2012. With a shift to a points-based, spend-driven model, Carnival Rewards introduces new ways to earn status and rewards but also brings changes that may affect current VIFP members. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what the new program entails, how it differs from the VIFP Club, and its implications for loyal cruisers.

Cruise Ship

What Is the Carnival Rewards Loyalty Program?

Carnival Rewards is designed to modernize guest recognition by moving away from the VIFP’s night-based system to a dual-earning structure that rewards both cruising frequency and overall spending. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

1.  Dual-Earning System: Points and Stars

•  Carnival Rewards Points: Earned at a rate of 3 points per $1 spent on eligible Carnival purchases, including cruise fares, onboard activities (e.g., spa treatments, shore excursions, specialty dining), and casino play (1 point per casino point left at cruise end). Points can be redeemed for nearly anything Carnival offers, such as onboard amenities, dining, or future cruise credits.

•  Status Qualifying Stars: Also earned at 3 stars per $1 spent on eligible purchases and 1 star per casino point. Stars determine your tier status (Red, Gold, Platinum, Diamond) over a two-year period.

2.  Four Status Tiers

•  Red: Entry-level tier for new cruisers or those with minimal spending (replaces VIFP’s Blue and Red tiers).

•  Gold: Requires 10,000 stars; includes perks like a complimentary drink on 5+ day cruises and Gold member support.

•  Platinum: Requires 50,000 stars; offers priority embarkation/debarkation, complimentary laundry, and two complimentary drinks.

•  Diamond: Requires 100,000 stars; includes retail concierge services, a captain’s event invitation, and most lower-tier perks.

•  The Blue tier is eliminated, and tiers now reflect spending rather than nights sailed.

3.  Two-Year Status Requalification

•  Unlike VIFP’s lifetime status, Carnival Rewards requires members to earn enough stars every two years to maintain or advance their tier. Status earned in one two-year period is valid for the next two years.

•  Exception: Current VIFP Diamond members as of May 31, 2026, will retain Diamond status for six years (until May 31, 2032) for their first requalification, then every two years thereafter.

4.  Integration with Carnival Rewards Mastercard

•  Spending on the co-branded Carnival Rewards Mastercard will earn both points and stars, allowing members to build status even when not cruising. Existing FunPoints from the current Carnival World Mastercard will convert to Carnival Rewards points in June 2026. More credit card details are forthcoming.

5.  Milestone Rewards

•  Carnival will continue honoring milestone cruises:

•  50th night sailed: 5,000 Carnival Rewards points and a commemorative Sail & Sign Card.

•  100th night (and every 100 thereafter): 10,000 points, a special gift, and a milestone Sail & Sign Card.

6.  Perk Adjustments

•  Some VIFP perks are discontinued, including VIFP luggage tags, the VIFP Club party (replaced with two complimentary drinks for Platinum/Diamond), and $5 arcade credits for guests under 18.

•  New perks emphasize flexibility, with redeemable points offering more personalized reward options.

How Does Carnival Rewards Differ from the VIFP Club?

The VIFP Club, launched in 2012, rewarded cruisers based on nights sailed (1 point per night, with suites earning 2 points per night). It had five tiers: Blue (0-1 cruise), Red (2-24 nights), Gold (25-74 nights), Platinum (75-199 nights), and Diamond (200+ nights). Status was earned for life, and perks like priority boarding, free drinks, and laundry services were tied to tier levels. However, with Platinum members doubling and Diamond members quadrupling since 2022, Carnival faced challenges delivering exclusive benefits, prompting the overhaul.

Key Differences:

•  Spend-Based vs. Night-Based: Carnival Rewards ties status to dollars spent, not nights sailed, aligning with airline-style loyalty programs. This rewards high spenders (e.g., those booking suites or frequent casino players) but may disadvantage frequent cruisers on shorter, budget-friendly trips.

•  Temporary Status: Requiring requalification every two years (six for initial Diamond transition) contrasts with VIFP’s permanent status, potentially demotivating long-term cruisers.

•  Fewer Tiers: Dropping the Blue tier consolidates entry-level cruisers into Red, streamlining the program but reducing early recognition.

•  Flexible Rewards: Points redemption offers more choice compared to VIFP’s fixed perks, but some popular benefits (e.g., VIFP party) are gone.

•  Credit Card Emphasis: The Mastercard’s role in earning status is a new avenue for non-cruisers to climb tiers, unlike VIFP’s cruise-only model.

Impact on Current VIFP Members

The transition to Carnival Rewards, effective June 1, 2026, will significantly affect VIFP members. Here’s how:

1.  Status Transition

•  On June 1, 2026, your VIFP status as of May 31, 2026, will transfer to the corresponding Carnival Rewards tier (e.g., VIFP Platinum becomes Carnival Rewards Platinum).

•  Red/Gold/Platinum Members: Retain status until May 31, 2028, then must requalify by earning enough stars in the prior two years (2026-2028). Failure to earn sufficient stars risks demotion to a lower tier.

•  Diamond Members: Retain Diamond status until May 31, 2032, giving a six-year buffer to requalify. Post-2032, they face the two-year requalification cycle.

•  Blue Members: Automatically become Red, as the Blue tier is eliminated.

2.  Earning Status Challenges

•  To maintain Platinum status (50,000 stars), members need to spend roughly $16,667 over two years ($8,333 annually), assuming no casino or credit card contributions. Diamond status (100,000 stars) requires $33,333 over two years.

•  Frequent cruisers taking shorter, less expensive trips may struggle to maintain high tiers, as spending, not nights, drives status. Conversely, high spenders (e.g., suite bookers, casino players) could reach Platinum or Diamond faster.

•  The requalification requirement has sparked concern among loyalists, with some X users expressing frustration: “We worked so hard for platinum, and now we’d have to spend tens of thousands YEARLY to keep it” (@killer_kells, June 18, 2025).

3.  Perk Changes

•  Losses: The VIFP Club party, luggage tags, and arcade credits are discontinued, potentially disappointing Platinum and Diamond members who valued these social or family perks.

•  Gains: Redeemable points offer flexibility, allowing members to choose rewards like spa treatments or dining over fixed benefits. Two complimentary drinks replace the VIFP party for top tiers.

•  Existing perks like priority embarkation, laundry, and captain’s events remain for Platinum and Diamond, but their exclusivity may improve as fewer members qualify under the spend-based model.

4.  Strategic Considerations

•  Before June 2026: Maximize VIFP status by sailing as much as possible, especially if nearing Diamond (200 nights). Diamond status by May 31, 2026, locks in benefits until 2032, a significant advantage.

•  Post-Transition: Budget-conscious cruisers may need to adjust spending habits, focusing on higher-value purchases (e.g., suites, excursions) or using the Carnival Rewards Mastercard to earn stars. Casino players could benefit, as leftover casino points convert to stars.

•  Members close to Platinum or Diamond should weigh whether to push for these tiers before the transition, as the spend-based system may make future qualification harder.

5.  Sentiment Among Cruisers

•  X posts reflect mixed feelings. Some see the changes as a devaluation: “Many customers spent years earning higher loyalty status. Now, they’re basing it on money spent… people who qualified over the years can now lose that status” (@RedLineNewsUSA, June 18, 2025). Others anticipate a fairer system for high spenders, but loyalists who earned status through frequent short cruises feel their efforts are undermined.

•  Carnival’s president, Christine Duffy, acknowledges the VIFP’s success but cites overcrowding at top tiers (Platinum doubled, Diamond quadrupled since 2022) as a reason for change, aiming to “deliver the exceptional experience our Diamond and Platinum members deserve.”

Tips for Navigating the Transition

1.  Aim for Diamond Before June 2026: If you’re close to 200 nights, book cruises to reach Diamond for a six-year status lock-in.

2.  Track Spending: Post-2026, focus on eligible purchases (e.g., excursions, dining) to maximize stars and points.

3.  Get the Mastercard: When details are released, evaluate the Carnival Rewards Mastercard for earning potential, especially if you cruise infrequently.

4.  Stay Informed: Visit carnivalrewards.com for updates, and expect emails from Carnival outlining your transition status.

5.  Plan Cruises Strategically: Book higher-value cruises or add onboard extras to boost star earnings if aiming to maintain Platinum or Diamond.

Final Thoughts

The Carnival Rewards program represents a bold shift for Carnival Cruise Line, aligning its loyalty system with industry trends toward spend-based models. While it offers flexibility and new earning opportunities, particularly for high spenders and Mastercard users, the move away from lifetime status and higher spending thresholds may frustrate long-time VIFP members who built status through frequent cruising. The transition period through May 2028 (or 2032 for Diamonds) provides a buffer, but strategic planning is key to maintaining top-tier benefits.

For current VIFP members, the next year is critical to maximize status before the switch. Whether you’re a Platinum loyalist or nearing Diamond, understanding Carnival Rewards’ structure will help you adapt and continue enjoying Carnival’s “fun ship” experience. What are your thoughts on the changes? Are you excited about the flexibility, or concerned about requalification? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s navigate this new loyalty adventure together!

Joy Bartholomew is the founder of Reinvent Retired Travel and Wellness.  She is a travel advisor specializing in helping empty-nesters, retirees, and the "50+ travelers" find their perfect vacation, whether it's a new city, country, or continent. She enjoys helping couples, individuals and groups check off itineraries from their bucket-list, and enjoy all of the luxuries and comforts in midlife on a mid-level budget. As a yoga teacher, she works with the same 50+ travelers to improve their health and wellness so they can travel better for longer and enjoy all of life's blessings.

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