Carnival Cruise Line Launches New Loyalty Program: Carnival Rewards
Carnival Cruise Line is introducing a major update to its loyalty program. Starting June 1, 2026, the current VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) program will transition to the new Carnival Rewards system. This change marks the cruise industry’s first dual-earning loyalty structure, allowing guests to earn both redeemable points and tier status through a broader range of spending.
What Is Carnival Rewards?
Carnival Rewards is the updated loyalty program replacing VIFP. It offers two key ways for guests to earn benefits:
Carnival Reward Points – Can be redeemed for Carnival purchases, including specialty dining, spa treatments, onboard activities, and even future cruises.
Status Qualifying Stars – Determine your tier level: Red, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond.
This dual structure means loyalty is no longer just about how many nights you cruise. Spending on cruise fares, onboard activities, and using the Carnival Rewards Mastercard all contribute to earning both rewards and status.
Earning Points and Status with Carnival
Here’s how the new Carnival Rewards system works:
Earn Carnival Reward Points and Stars on every eligible Carnival purchase, including:
Cruise fares
Onboard purchases
Everyday spending with the Carnival Rewards Mastercard
Redeem points for onboard perks, experiences, and cruise discounts.
Stars are used to determine your status tier.
Loyalty Tiers and How Long You Keep Status
Carnival Rewards features four loyalty tiers:
Red
Gold
Platinum
Diamond
Status is earned based on your Stars accumulated over a two-year earning period. Once you reach a tier, you’ll retain that status for the following two years, regardless of your activity during that time.
At the end of each two-year period, your status will be re-evaluated based on your recent engagement—how many Stars you earned in the most recent two years. If your activity has stayed strong, your tier status continues or increases. If your activity has slowed, your status could drop.
For example, if you earn Platinum status by mid-2027, you'll keep that through mid-2029. Your status for mid-2029 to mid-2031 will be based on how many Stars you earned between mid-2027 and mid-2029.
Diamond members from the current VIFP program will retain their status longer—through May 31, 2032—giving them six years to transition.
What Happens to Current VIFP Members?
Guests can continue earning status in the VIFP program until May 31, 2026. When the new program launches, your existing status will carry over into Carnival Rewards and become your starting point:
All current members will retain their tier through May 31, 2028.
Diamond members will keep their status through May 31, 2032.
Additionally, if you have the Carnival co-branded Mastercard, any Fun Points you’ve accumulated will convert to Carnival Reward Points at launch. More details on credit card benefits will be announced closer to the rollout.
When Does the New Program Begin?
Carnival Rewards officially launches June 1, 2026. Between now and then, Carnival will provide detailed updates via email and on CarnivalRewards.com, including tools to track point balances, status levels, and tips to maximize your benefits.
Final Thoughts
Carnival’s updated loyalty program gives guests more ways to earn and use rewards—both onboard and at home. With a focus on both cruising frequency and overall spend, Carnival Rewards offers more flexibility and a clearer path to maintaining or increasing your loyalty tier. Whether you’re a long-time VIFP member or new to Carnival cruises, the new system is designed to reward your engagement with Carnival in a more meaningful way.
Stay tuned for more updates as the June 2026 launch date approaches.
