Carnival Cruise Line has announced a significant revamp of its loyalty program, transitioning from the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club to a new system called Carnival Rewards, set to launch on June 1, 2026. This change marks a shift from a cruise-count-based system to one that focuses on guest spending habits.
The new program will reward guests with “stars” and points based on their purchases, rather than the number of cruises completed. Status will be categorized into four tiers: Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond, with guests earning stars to advance through these levels and points for various onboard amenities and future cruise bookings. Current VIFP members will automatically transition to comparable tiers in the Carnival Rewards program, maintaining their loyalty status for a designated period, although Blue members will be combined with the new Red tier.
According to Carnival President Christine Duffy, the overhaul is designed to meet the needs of a growing customer base. With a surge of Diamond VIFP members tripling from 2021 to 2024 and Platinum members more than doubling, the existing program was deemed insufficient to offer equitable benefits as the fleet expands.
The new system is structured to provide guests with more flexible means to earn and redeem rewards, akin to hotel and airline loyalty programs. New members can start earning rewards immediately as they make various qualifying purchases, including cruise fares and onboard expenses.
Each dollar spent will yield three status-qualifying stars and three points. Status will be valid for two years, with a unique six-year guarantee for specific existing members. The program also offers enticing perks at each level, ranging from priority dining reservations to exclusive events hosted by the captain.
In a move to further enhance the experience, Carnival Mastercard holders will transition to the Carnival Rewards Mastercard, combining FunPoints from previous cards with the new rewards system.
As the cruise industry evolves, this new program is expected to resonate well with consumers familiar with loyalty rewards, signaling Carnival’s commitment to not only recognizing guest loyalty but also adapting to the changing landscape of travel experiences.
Moving forward, travelers can visit Carnival’s website to estimate potential earnings from their cruises under the new rewards system, ensuring a more engaging and rewarding journey with each venture at sea.