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Carnival Cruise Line is replacing its VIFP loyalty program with a new system called Carnival Rewards. The change goes into effect on June 1, 2026.
Under the new program, loyalty status will be based on spending rather than the number of nights you’ve cruised. That includes cruise fare and onboard purchases.
Cruisers will earn two types of rewards:
- Stars determine your status level: Red, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond.
- Points can be redeemed for onboard perks, specialty dining, spa treatments, gratuities, or toward a future cruise.
Status will reset every two years. Here’s how much spending is required during that time:
- Gold: 10,000 Stars (around $3,334)
- Platinum: 50,000 Stars (around $16,667)
- Diamond: 100,000 Stars (around $33,334)
Current VIFP members will keep their existing tier when the new program begins. Red, Gold, and Platinum status will be valid through May 31, 2028. Diamond members will have a longer grace period and keep their status through May 31, 2032, before needing to requalify.
Cruise nights from the VIFP program will no longer count toward loyalty status once Carnival Rewards launches.
Carnival Rewards points can be redeemed onboard during your cruise or applied toward future bookings. The redemption system will be accessible through your Carnival account.
There will no longer be a Blue tier in the new program. New guests will start at Red and earn Stars based on spending.
Some perks from the old program may not carry over, and new redemption options will be available using Carnival Rewards points. More details are expected to be released as the launch date approaches.
Since the announcement, reactions from cruisers have been mixed. Some are frustrated by the shift away from cruise history and feel the changes devalue long-term loyalty. Others are taking a wait-and-see approach until Carnival releases more details about how points can be redeemed and what the new onboard benefits will actually look like.
Read more: Tips for Carnival Cruises
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she’s become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She’s always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.