Carnival Cruise Line has made waves in the cruise industry with its announcement of a completely revamped loyalty program called Carnival Rewards, set to launch on June 1, 2026. This major overhaul marks the end of the beloved Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program and introduces a spending-based model that could reshape how cruise loyalty works.

The announcement, detailed in Carnival's official press release, represents one of the most significant changes to cruise loyalty in over a decade.

Quick Summary: Carnival Rewards introduces a dual-earning structure where guests accumulate both Carnival Rewards points that can be redeemed on Carnival purchases and status qualifying stars that will determine a guest's tier status. The new program shifts focus from cruise nights sailed to total spending, including a new co-branded credit card partnership with Barclays.

The End of an Era: VIFP Program Sunset

The current Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program that will be their entry point into the new program has served Carnival well since 2012, but the cruise line faced challenges with its growing loyal customer base. "Our current VIFP program has served us well for many years and while we've enjoyed truly extraordinary growth in our loyal customer base, it has become challenging to deliver the exceptional experience our Diamond and Platinum members deserve," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

The VIFP program's simplicity was both its strength and limitation. Guests earned one point per cruise night regardless of spending, creating a straightforward path to status but limited monetization opportunities for Carnival.

Carnival Rewards: A Complete Transformation

Dual-Earning Structure Explained

The new Carnival Rewards program introduces an industry-first dual-earning structure:

Carnival Rewards Points:

• Can be redeemed for almost anything Carnival offers including onboard activities, spa treatments, specialty dining and even toward a future cruise
• Function like cash for Carnival purchases
• Provide flexibility in how rewards are used

Status Qualifying Stars:

• Introduce a new way to unlock higher status among four tiers: Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond
• Determine tier status and associated benefits
• Status is earned over a two-year period and retained for the following two years

How to Earn Points and Stars

You'll earn points based on how much you spend, with 3 points for every dollar spent on eligible Carnival purchases. This spending-based approach means:

• Cruise fares generate both points and stars
• Onboard purchases count toward earning
• The new Carnival Rewards Mastercard will contribute to both categories
• One star for every casino point left at the end of your cruise

New Status Tiers and Requirements

The new program will eliminate the entry-level Blue tier. All other levels (Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond) will remain. The spending requirements represent a significant shift from the previous night-based system.

Status Qualification Requirements:

• Red: Entry level (replacing Blue)
• Gold: 10,000 Status Qualifying Stars
• Platinum: 50,000 Status Qualifying Stars
• Diamond: 200,000 Status Qualifying Stars

These thresholds translate to substantial spending requirements, with earning (or maintaining) status in the new Carnival Rewards program requires a lot of spending.

Transition Timeline and Current Member Protection

Carnival has implemented a generous transition period to ease current VIFP members into the new system:

For Most Members

On June 1, 2026, loyalty members will enter into the Carnival Rewards program at whichever VIFP loyalty tier they've reached by May 31, 2026. They will retain that status for two years after the transition, until May 31, 2028.

Special Protection for Diamond Members

Diamond VIFP cruisers will keep that status for six years, through May 31, 2032. This extended protection recognizes their significant investment in the Carnival brand.

Strategic Timing Considerations

Given all of these changes, if you're closing in on the 200 nights required to earn Diamond status, it may be a good idea to push for that threshold by May 31, 2026, since you'll lock in those perks for the first six years of the new Carnival Rewards program, as noted by The Points Guy.

The Carnival Rewards Mastercard Partnership

The new program will be closely tied to everyday spending on the co-branded credit card with Barclays – the Carnival Rewards Mastercard – giving cardmembers the opportunity to earn points and status even faster. While full details haven't been released, this partnership represents a significant expansion of earning opportunities beyond just cruising.

For cruisers looking to maximize travel rewards now, exploring travel booking platforms can help stretch your budget. Agoda specializes in hotel bookings and often offers competitive rates for cruise port hotels, while Booking.com provides comprehensive travel booking options for pre- and post-cruise stays.

For context, many premium travel credit cards in the market today offer similar partnerships with travel brands. The Capital One Venture X and Chase Sapphire Reserve have set high standards for travel rewards cards.

Changes to Benefits and Perks

The transition brings both gains and losses for current members. Carnival is also adjusting some of the perks for Platinum and Diamond members.

Eliminated Benefits

As of June 1, 2026, the following benefits from the current VIFP program will no longer be available: VIFP Club party on five+ day cruises (now two complimentary beverages) $5 worth of complimentary arcade credits (guests under 18 only)

New Milestone Rewards

Carnival is introducing milestone rewards based on nights sailed:

• 50th night: 5,000 Carnival Rewards points and commemorative Sail & Sign Card
• 100th night (and every 100th thereafter): 10,000 points, special gift, and milestone Sail & Sign card

Industry Context: Following Broader Trends

Carnival's shift aligns with broader travel industry trends toward spend-based loyalty programs. This move follows broader travel loyalty trends where flexibility and experience-driven rewards are prioritized. Airlines have led this transition, with hotel chains and now cruise lines following suit.

The move also addresses competitive pressures. While Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors have long used spending-based models, most cruise lines still rely on nights-based systems.

Member Reactions: Mixed Reception

The announcement has generated significant discussion among Carnival's loyal cruiser community, with mixed reactions reported across social media and cruise forums. Having spent years reaching Platinum or Diamond status, to have it replaced by a rolling two-year requalification systems, feels like "a slap in the face," said one Reddit user.

However, the feedback has been mixed, with passengers on both sides of the argument sharing their thoughts. Some appreciate the increased flexibility and earning opportunities, while longtime members express frustration about losing lifetime status.

"Don't forget that Virgin and MSC will match status," Indytraveler83 reminded fellow members. "We turn Platinum after our cruise on Feb 2026. Our plan is to wait until then, take that loyalty status to those brands and see who can give us the best experience from that point forward." For those considering this strategy, our complete guide to MSC Cruises explains their loyalty program in detail.

Strategic Implications for Frequent Cruisers

For Current VIFP Members

The transition period offers strategic opportunities:

• Consider pushing for the next status tier before May 31, 2026
• Evaluate whether the new spending requirements align with your cruise habits
• Research status matching opportunities with competitors like MSC Cruises

For Credit Card Enthusiasts

The new Mastercard integration could create interesting opportunities for points and miles enthusiasts. Those already maximizing Chase Ultimate Rewards should watch for details about earning rates and redemption values. Understanding how to travel for free with credit cards will become even more relevant as cruise lines integrate everyday spending into their loyalty programs.

Comparing to Competitor Programs

Carnival's move brings it closer to airline-style programs but differs from other cruise lines:

Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society:

• Still uses nights-based qualification
• Offers lifetime status benefits
• Seven tiers vs. Carnival's four

Norwegian's Latitudes Rewards:

• Points-based but includes nights sailed
• Seven tiers with higher thresholds
• Maintains lifetime status concept

MSC Voyagers Club:

• The only other major cruise line with a loyalty program where progress resets is MSC Cruises, according to Cruise Critic
• Experience-based earning system
• Offers status matching from other programs

What This Means for the Cruise Industry

This announcement marks a significant shift from the current VIFP loyalty model used by Carnival Cruise Line and could signal broader industry changes. As the world's largest cruise line, Carnival's moves often influence competitor strategies.

The emphasis on credit card partnerships and everyday spending reflects the aviation industry's successful monetization of loyalty programs. This could pressure other cruise lines to follow suit or risk losing competitive ground.

Timeline and Next Steps

Key Dates to Remember

• Now through May 31, 2026: Continue earning VIFP status as usual
• June 1, 2026: Carnival Rewards launches
• May 31, 2028: First requalification period for most members
• May 31, 2032: Diamond members' extended status period ends

Staying Informed

To learn more about Carnival Rewards and explore what's to come, guests can visit carnivalrewards.com and current Carnival loyalty members will receive emails throughout the transition process ahead of the June 2026 conversion with the latest updates.

Maximizing Your Strategy

Before the Transition

• Assess your current VIFP status and nights needed for the next tier
• Consider booking cruise travel with points to reach status goals
• Monitor credit card offerings for early sign-up opportunities

After June 2026

• Focus on high-value onboard spending to maximize earning
• Integrate the Carnival Rewards Mastercard into your credit card strategy
• Track both points and stars to optimize benefits

The Bottom Line

Carnival's shift to Carnival Rewards represents one of the most significant changes in cruise loyalty in recent years. While longtime VIFP members may mourn the loss of lifetime status, the new program offers increased flexibility and earning opportunities that could benefit active cruisers who adapt to the spending-based model.

The success of this transition will largely depend on the execution details—earning rates, redemption values, and credit card benefits—that remain to be announced. For frequent travelers who maximize credit card rewards, this could become another valuable tool in the points and miles arsenal.

For most cruisers, the key is patience. With nearly a year until implementation and generous transition periods, there's time to plan and adapt. Whether you're a Diamond member with six years of protection or a new cruiser just starting your journey, understanding these changes now will help you navigate the new Carnival Rewards landscape successfully.

FAQ About Carnival Cruise Line's New Loyalty

Q: When does the new Carnival Rewards program start? A: June 1, 2026.

Q: Will I lose my current VIFP status? A: No, your current status will carry over and be protected for two years (six years for Diamond members).

Q: Do I need the new credit card to earn rewards? A: No, you can earn points and stars through cruise spending without the credit card.

Q: Can I still earn status through the old VIFP program? A: Yes, continue earning VIFP status through May 31, 2026.

Q: Will other cruise lines match my Carnival status? A: MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages currently offer status matching programs from other cruise lines.