Carnival Cruise Line is setting sail into a new era of loyalty with the launch of its revamped rewards program, “Carnival Rewards,” set to debut in June 2026. As a Cruise Therapist who tracks everything from ship upgrades to onboard dining hacks, I’ve been following this development closely—and trust me, it’s going to shake up the way Carnival cruisers earn and enjoy perks at sea.
Goodbye VIFP Points, Hello Carnival Rewards
Carnival Rewards replaces the familiar Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club with a modern, points-based system. Instead of earning status solely based on the number of nights you cruise, the new program rewards cruisers for spending, not just sailing. That means every dollar you drop on spa treatments, shore excursions, specialty dining, and even drinks at the Alchemy Bar will now help you level up.
The Breakdown: How Carnival Rewards Works
The program introduces a two-track system: – Reward Points: Earned on purchases both onboard and through the Carnival Rewards Mastercard. These can be redeemed for onboard credits, merchandise, and other experiences. – Status Stars: These determine your loyalty tier (Red, Gold, Platinum, Diamond) and are earned based on total dollars spent, not cruise nights.
What Stays the Same (And What Doesn’t)
If you’re already a VIFP member, don’t panic—you won’t lose your current status. Carnival has announced that VIFP levels will be transitioned into the new system, and Diamond members will retain their benefits for up to six years after the program launches.
However, the shift from night-based status to spend-based tiers marks a significant philosophical change. Frequent cruisers who sail on a budget might find it harder to climb the loyalty ladder, while high spenders could reach elite status faster—even on fewer sailings.
Why It Matters
Loyalty programs are a major factor for cruise enthusiasts when choosing a line. By pivoting to a spending model, Carnival is aligning itself more closely with programs like airline mileage plans or hotel point systems—and responding to market trends that reward overall value rather than just volume.
For cruisers, this means: – More ways to earn rewards (beyond just booking cruises) – A shift in how loyalty is recognized – A need to understand how to maximize onboard spend strategically
Final Thoughts
Carnival Rewards is a bold move that reflects the evolving landscape of travel loyalty programs. While some longtime cruisers might feel nostalgic for the simplicity of the VIFP Club, others will welcome the flexibility and opportunity to earn perks faster.
Whether you’re a seasoned Diamond guest or a first-timer considering your second sailing, Carnival Rewards will give you a new reason to pay attention to how you cruise—and more importantly, how you spend while cruising.
Stay tuned, because I’ll be diving deeper into how to make the most of Carnival Rewards in future posts. Until then, happy sailing!
Have thoughts on the new Carnival Rewards program? Drop a comment below. I want to hear what YOU think!
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Cruise Therapy Travel Blog by the Atlanta Travel Associates 