Carnival Cruise Line Launches New Carnival Rewards Loyalty Program

Carnival Cruise Line is revamping its customer loyalty program. 

Since September 1, 2026, Carnival Rewards has been in effect across the cruise line, replacing the previous VIFP program. For Carnival guests, the main change is how points are earned and how status benefits are achieved.

The new program features two different types of rewards. Carnival Rewards Points can be used toward future cruises and selected onboard services. Status Qualifying Stars, on the other hand, determine a guest's status within the program. Both systems are primarily driven by spending during a cruise.

For eligible Carnival purchases, guests receive three points and three status stars for every U.S. dollar spent. The casino is also integrated into the new system. Guests receive an additional Rewards Point and one status star for each Casino Point remaining at the end of a cruise.

Rewards Points can be used for cruises as well as a range of onboard services. These include shore excursions, specialty dining and spa treatments, among other options. Points earned through cruise and onboard spending are expected to become available approximately 14 days after the end of the respective cruise.

The new status structure includes four levels: Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. The Red level is automatically granted when guests join the program. Gold is reached with 10,000 Status Qualifying Stars, while Platinum requires 50,000 stars and Diamond begins at 100,000 stars.

Carnival has established an unusually long initial qualification period for the launch of the new program. It runs from September 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028. After that, two-year qualification periods are planned. Guests who reach a higher status during a qualification period can already enjoy the associated benefits during the current period.

Carnival is not basing its new system exclusively on current spending. The new Milestone Recognition Program also takes a guest's previous cruise experience into account. With this element, the cruise line aims to recognize long-term loyalty and reward guests based on the number of cruise days they have accumulated.

The transition is particularly relevant for long-standing Carnival customers. Guests who have already achieved Diamond status can retain that status permanently under the conditions established by Carnival. Existing Platinum members are also covered by transitional arrangements that preserve their current status through the end of 2028.

The new concept also includes the Carnival Rewards Mastercard. However, the card is available exclusively to customers residing in the United States and therefore currently has no relevance for Carnival guests in Germany. Cardholders can earn additional Rewards Points through everyday purchases as well as eligible Carnival-related spending.

With Carnival Rewards, Carnival is moving away from a traditional loyalty model in which the number of cruises taken is the primary factor determining status. Going forward, guest spending will play a much more important role. At the same time, the new milestone recognition system is intended to ensure that long-term cruisers remain part of the loyalty strategy.

For Carnival, the new program is therefore more than simply a rebranding of the former VIFP system. The cruise line is combining points, status and long-term customer loyalty into a new model designed to encourage guests to engage more extensively with Carnival's various products and services. How attractive the new system will ultimately be for individual cruisers will depend largely on how quickly the new points can be redeemed in practice and what benefits the different status levels provide over the long term.