A popular cruise line is making it more lucrative to sail with them in 2026 and beyond!
©Carnival
Carnival Cruise Line may have a new ship debuting in 2027, but before then, it’ll make waves among the cruise industry by offering a brand-new loyalty program!
Starting June 1st, 2026, Carnival Cruise Line will offer a new version of its loyalty program called Carnival Rewards!
©Carnival
The current program — called Carnival VIFP Club — allocates 1 point per night you sail, with unlockable tiers based on said points.
Taking after the frequent flyer model that airlines typically boast, this new reward system includes redeemable points and qualifiers to earn and maintain elite status. Instead of basing point distribution on nights sailing, it’ll instead be based on how much you spend.
Under the new program, guests will earn 3 points for every dollar spent on eligible Carnival Cruise Line purchases such as fare, onboard dining and beverages, excursions, and spa services — “just about anything Carnival!” Additionally, each casino point remaining at the end of your cruise will be converted into 1 point.
©Carnival
Per The Points Guy, points can also be earned outside of cruising dates. Spending on the Carnival World Mastercard will be rewarded and the new points system “will replace the FunPoints currently earned on the card, and existing cardmembers will see their current balances transitioned to the new program when it launches,” according to the report — which also adds that Carnival Rewards points can be redeemed for pretty much anything related to a Carnival cruise.
©Carnival
As we previously mentioned, the new program will offer tiered statuses. Carnival will reward loyalty with Status Qualifying Stars that build up through four different tiers. Earning stars is the same way you earn points: You’ll get 3 stars for every dollar spent and 1 star for every casino point remaining after your cruise. at the end of your cruise.
You can earn stars over a two-year window. Once you reach a certain status, it’ll remain valid for the remainder of that two-year period in addition to another two years, giving you plenty of incentive to strive for the higher tier.
©Carnival
Carnival Rewards won’t be a total reset. Whatever status you have in the VIFP Club on May 31st, 2026, will translate to your starting level in Carnival Rewards for two years. With that said, folks who have Diamond VIFP status will keep that status for six years as an extra “thank you” for their loyalty. Regardless, all members grandfathered into the new loyalty program will need to meet the two-year qualification requirements before their transition periods end — otherwise, they will lose their benefits.
The tiers, their qualifications, and their spending requirements every two years (casino activity not included) are as follows:
- Red — Given at sign-up
- Gold — 10,000 stars ($3,333.33)
- Platinum — 50,000 stars ($16,666.67)
- Diamond — 100,000 stars ($33,333.33)
©Carnival
The benefits of each tier are as follows:
- Red — Earn and redeem points, member-only offers, member e-newsletter, and a complimentary 1.5L bottle of water
- Gold — Earn and redeem points, member-only offers, member e-newsletter, gold member support, one complimentary beverage on 5+ days, and one complimentary 1.5L bottle of water
- Platinum — Earn and redeem points, member-only offers, member e-newsletter, member collectible pin, platinum member support, one complimentary 1.5L bottle of water, two complimentary beverages, a complimentary Wash & Fold, priority Specialty Dining reservations, priority Main Dining reservations, early online check-in (16 days), embarkation priority, onboard priority, and debarkation priority
- Diamond — Earn and redeem points, member-only offers, member e-newsletter, member collectible pin, dedicated diamond support (sales & service), one complimentary 1.5L bottle of water, two complimentary beverages, a complimentary Wash & Fold, priority Specialty Dining reservations, guarantee Main Dining time, early online check-in (16 days), embarkation priority, onboard priority, debarkation priority, retail concierge services, and a special event invitation from the Captain.
Of note, as of June 1st, 2026, the VIFP Club party on 5+ day cruises, $5 worth of complimentary arcade credits, a welcome treat on 5+ day cruises, the VIFP Club logo gift on every sailing, the one-time complimentary meal for two at a specialty dining restaurant, the one-time free cabin upgrade (or third, fourth, and fifth guests sail free), and the VIFP Club luggage tag set will NO LONGER BE OFFERED.
©Carnival
The shift away from lifetime qualification in favor of new currency benefits is a fascinating move from Carnival, and we’re interested to see how it all pans out next year!
In the meantime, stay tuned right here at DFB for more cruising tips and updates!
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Will you be participating in Carnival Rewards? Let us know in the comments!
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Went on a Carnival cruise one time and it took 25 years to get over it. Service was horrendous. After arriving on time for dinner we were served our main course after everyone else was on dessert. At least they were kind enough to tell us to hurry up. Also received sheets for the beds around 11:30 at night on embarkation day. Then we had to make the beds. There is more but that is a good start.