Carnival Cruise Line’s Loyalty Program Gets a Revamp in 2026
Carnival Cruise Line is shaking things up in the world of cruise loyalty with the announcement of a new rewards program, set to launch in June 2026.
The revamped program, called Carnival Rewards, will replace the long-standing VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) program, which has been in place for over 13 years.
This major overhaul is designed to offer a more streamlined and dynamic experience for guests, in line with the best practices seen in major airline loyalty programs.
Key Changes in the New Program
One of the most significant changes to the loyalty structure will be the shift from a days-at-sea-based points system to one that is based on the amount of money spent.
Under the new Carnival Rewards program, passengers will earn stars for every dollar spent, whether it’s on cruise fares, onboard purchases, or even at the casino. For every dollar spent, guests will earn three stars, making it easier and faster to accumulate rewards.
New Points and Status System
The introduction of the Carnival Rewards program will also bring a new status retention model. In the current VIFP system, loyalty status could be maintained for life, but the new program will require guests to requalify every two years to keep their status.
If guests don’t accumulate enough points during that period, they’ll need to requalify in order to maintain their status. This change comes as a response to the challenges of maintaining exclusivity at the higher levels, especially with the growing number of loyal customers.
Guests who have earned Red, Blue, Gold, and Platinum status in the VIFP program will automatically be granted the same status in the new Carnival Rewards program starting in June 2026.
These guests will retain their current perks for two years and will have the opportunity to level up by earning additional points during that time. Those who reach Diamond status in the VIFP program will also enjoy the same privileges in Carnival Rewards until 2032.
Why the Change?
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, acknowledged that the VIFP program had been successful over the years but also pointed out that it was becoming increasingly difficult to provide a premium experience for Diamond and Platinum members.
With the current structure, longtime members at the top tiers were overwhelming the system, creating challenges in ensuring that everyone received the attention and recognition they deserved.
Duffy explained that the new program aims to offer more flexibility, better rewards, and a renewed sense of exclusivity. “When so many guests have elite status, it becomes more challenging to make everyone feel special,” she said. The updated structure is intended to enhance the guest experience by giving members more choices in how they are rewarded.
Earning Points: The New Way
In addition to the shift in how stars are earned, Carnival Rewards will also tie in with everyday spending. The program will be closely linked to the Carnival Rewards Mastercard, a co-branded credit card with Barclays.
Cardholders will be able to earn points and status more quickly, further enhancing the speed at which they can reach new tiers.
Carnival has also assured existing cardholders that any “Fun Points” earned on their current cards will automatically convert into Carnival Rewards points.
As the program rolls out in 2026, more details will be released, particularly regarding the integration of the co-branded credit card, but guests can expect faster rewards accumulation and a more personalized experience overall.
What Does This Mean for Loyal Carnival Guests?
For guests who have enjoyed the perks of the VIFP program, Carnival Rewards promises to continue delivering on the fun, while introducing more flexibility and opportunities to earn.
The changes reflect the cruise line’s commitment to offering an exceptional experience that evolves with the growing needs of its guests.
As Carnival prepares to roll out this revamped loyalty program, it’s clear that they are striving to create a more dynamic and rewarding experience for their loyal customers—while ensuring that the very top-tier members continue to feel special.
Stay tuned for more updates as Carnival Cruise Line unveils further details about Carnival Rewards in the months leading up to the launch!
