A recent Carnival Cruise Line announcement introduced a new loyalty program called Carnival Rewards™.
Carnival’s flashy loyalty makeover looks exciting, but critics say there are hidden price tags once you run the numbers.
The new rewards math
The future Carnival Rewards program bases status on money, not sail days, and cabins carry different point values.
A pair of budget interior rooms on a seven-night sailing might earn 700 points, while a suite on the same itinerary could bring in 2,500, Carnival’s sample chart shows.
If you’re comparing it to the current Very Important Fun Person (VIFP)™ plan, think in terms of dollars, not days.
Customers and Carnival loyalists are sharing their disappointment on social media and YouTube. They state that rewards based on spending rather than the number of nights sailed are unfair, as they’ll end up with fewer rewards and higher costs.
Diamond status changes ahead
Under the old VIFP rules, customers could earn lifetime Diamond status based on total cruise nights over many years.
According to Forbes, under Carnival Rewards, you’ll need 100,000 “stars” every two years — equal to $33,334 in cruise spending over that period, or about $16,667 per year.
Important dates and deadlines
Circle June 1, 2026, on your calendar. Carnival Rewards will go live and ask every cruiser to opt in. Your current VIFP ID will be converted to a new “Carnival Guest Number,” and most tiers will remain unchanged, except for Blue, which will be merged into Red.
Once the new rewards program launches, keep a two-year countdown in mind. The earning and rewards clock will reset every 24 months.
Members will earn status during one two-year window and must enjoy rewards during the next two-year period. The current plan has a no-expiration model.
Diamond perks and tier changes
Carnival is providing an extended transition timeline for current Diamond VIFP members. For all members except Diamond, tiers expire every 24 months. If cruisers miss the spending target in any cycle, they’ll automatically slide backward to the lower tier.
Current Diamond members and cruisers who earn Diamond status under VIFP before June 1, 2026, will receive a six-year grace period, lasting through May 31, 2032, to hit the Diamond spend target again.
After that cushion ends, Diamond members must requalify every two years, like every other tier.
Next steps to save on cruising
Start comparing loyalty programs today. Competitors like Royal Caribbean and Princess still award tiers primarily based on nights at sea, and each publicly matches the elite members of their competitors.
Submitting proof of your current Carnival level can land you mid-tier perks elsewhere, often without spending a dime, according to industry site CruiseCritic.
Before your next trip, compare travel insurance options to protect your plans. Faye Travel Insurance can help.
Stay informed and plan ahead
Carnival customers can learn more about the rollout timeline, status calculators, and more at carnivalrewards.com.
Carnival is advising current VIFD members to watch for regular email updates with guidance and information on the shift the new program launches in June 2026.
The cruise industry regularly tests customer tolerance for reduced benefits and increased fees. Your response, whether booking elsewhere or accepting the new terms, could potentially influence how other lines treat their loyal customers.
Make your preferences known, both with your voice and your wallet.
Add a Comment