Carnival Stands Firm Amid Backlash Over Loyalty Program Overhaul
Carnival Cruise Line is preparing for a major overhaul of its VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) loyalty program, with new changes officially set to take effect on June 1, 2026.
The announcement, first made in mid-June 2025, has prompted concerns among loyal cruisers, prompting Carnival President Christine Duffy to address the changes directly during a visit to Carnival Vista on July 14, 2025.
Why Are These Changes Happening?
Carnival’s rapid growth has prompted the need for a shift in its loyalty program. As Carnival approaches its milestone of serving 110 million guests by the end of 2025, with 65 million of those guests arriving in just the last 13 years, the existing VIFP program no longer aligns with the cruise line’s expanded fleet and ever-growing membership base.
With new ships, including the Excel-class and upcoming Ace-class vessels, the current structure of the VIFP program, which includes lifetime benefits, is no longer feasible.
During her visit, Duffy explained, “While we knew this change would be difficult, lifetime status benefits just cannot be delivered in the right way anymore. This is about making the program sustainable for the future.”
Introducing Carnival Rewards
On June 1, 2026, Carnival’s VIFP Club will be replaced by the Carnival Rewards program, which introduces a new structure designed to replace the old cruise day-based system. Under the new system, guests will earn 3 points per $1 spent on cruise fare, onboard purchases like specialty dining, spa treatments, drinks, casino play, and even everyday purchases made with the Carnival Rewards Mastercard.
The points will be redeemable for onboard amenities, future cruise credits, and other perks, offering greater flexibility compared to the current system.
Earning Stars for Status
In addition to points, guests will also earn stars to determine their loyalty tier. This will be based on a rolling two-year cycle of spending activity rather than cruise history. This means that guests will need to continue earning their loyalty status through ongoing participation, rather than relying on the accumulation of past cruise days.
While the full point-to-tier thresholds have not yet been disclosed, Duffy assured cruisers that more details would be shared before the end of 2025.
Transitioning for Current Members
For those currently enrolled in the VIFP program, Duffy addressed concerns regarding existing loyalty members and their status. While lifetime benefits will be phased out, top-tier Diamond members will have until May 31, 2032, to maintain their current status. After this date, ongoing participation in the new system will be required to retain loyalty tier status.
Furthermore, points accrued under the current system will automatically transfer to the new Carnival Rewards program, as long as they are earned before May 30, 2026. This also applies to points accumulated through the VIFP credit card, which will transition to a new version in line with the updated loyalty program.
What About Kids and International Members?
Another significant change involves kids under 18, who will no longer be eligible to join the new loyalty program. This aligns with updated legal requirements. However, kids will still enjoy the same status as their parents while in the cabin. Additionally, those turning 18 by the time the new program launches will have the option to opt into the program at the status level they held under their parents.
International guests, particularly in Canada and Australia, will see some adjustments due to differing credit card laws. Carnival is actively working to adapt the program for these markets, though it may look slightly different in these regions.
Milestone Benefits
For those who have already earned Milestones under the old system, Duffy confirmed that these rewards will be honored and can be used for up to five years after the program’s launch. A new Milestone program is also being developed, providing additional rewards for loyal guests.
What’s Next?
As one of the industry’s most popular cruise lines undergoes this transformation, the shift to Carnival Rewards is expected to offer more flexible and personalized rewards for cruisers. While the full details of the new program remain to be revealed, current VIFP tiers will remain in effect until May 31, 2028, and Diamond members will enjoy an extended grace period through May 31, 2032.
These changes are designed to better align the loyalty program with Carnival’s future growth and ensure it remains a sustainable and rewarding experience for all guests.
More details on the new Carnival Rewards program will be shared later this year, so stay tuned for updates.
