Carnival Cruise announces new loyalty program, which will be launched in June 2026

The world of cruise loyalty is stunning today as the world’s largest line of boundaries Carnival Parade announced a major overhaul of its loyalty program. The name change program (called the Carnival Reward) will take effect on June 1, 2026.

It’s more than just a new name. Instead, Carnival is completely rethinking its approach to rewarding customers, getting closer to the airline’s frequent flyer model – equipped with redemption points as well as regular eligibility requirements to earn (and retain) elite identity.

There are a lot of this announcement, so here’s what you need to know.

Earn and redeem points with Carnival Rewards

According to the current loyalty program of the product line – Carnival VIFP Club – there is a customer-oriented metric. You earn 1 point every night. The more points you earn, the higher your unlocking status will be.

Carnival rewards will change that as you will earn points based on your spending, every dollar spent on qualified carnival purchases. This includes your cruising fare, onboard drinks, professional dining, spa treatments and coastal excursions.

You can also win 1 point at each remaining casino point at the end of the cruise – so often played gamers will soon get rewards for their game.

Finally, you will also receive Carnival Rewards Points for spending on Carnival® World Mastercard® issued by Barclays. This currency will replace the implementation point currently earned on the card, and existing card members will see their current balance transition to the new plan upon startup.

Information on the Carnival Mastercard has been collected independently by Tocts Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Once obtained, you can redeem Carnival Rewards Points for almost anything related to Carnival Cruise – whether it’s booking a sailboat, keeping a tour or pre-boarding package, or covering it for purchases on board. There is no minimum redemption either.

Please note that this program is only applicable to Carnival itineraries and not to any other brand under Carnival umbrellas.

Related: 43 Carnival Cruise Route Tips, Tips and Hackers to Enhance Your Vacation at Sea

Stars that win carnival rewards

While points are no longer an indicator of eligibility for status, Carnival still rewards its most loyal clients in the new program. But in a major shift in the industry, qualification is no longer a lifelong prospect. Instead, you’ll get the same speed of status qualifying stars: 3 stars per dollar spent on a qualified carnival purchase, and 1 star per casino point left at the end of the cruise. The carnival also only moved to Level 4 status (compared to the five in the VIFP program).

Here is how you are eligible for each layer:

• Red: After registration
• Gold: 10,000 stars
• Platinum: 50,000 stars
• Diamond: 100,000 stars

You have two years to earn enough stars to qualify. Then, once you reach the applicable state, the remaining time during this period and the subsequent two years are valid.

This is how Carnival spending (excluding casino activities):

• Gold: $3,333.33 in two years
• Platinum: $16,666,67 in two years
• Diamond: $33,333.33

As you can see, getting (or maintaining) status in the new Carnival Rewards program requires a lot of expenses, but thankfully, the product line provides a transition period for current status holders.

Current VIFP status holder

The status you hold at VIFP Club on May 31, 2026 will be the starting level of your Carnival Rewards over the past two years – meaning that Gold Members as of that date will maintain their gold status from May 31, 2028 to May 31, 2028 (for Platinum Members).

However, the Diamond VIFP cruiser will remain in this state for six years until May 31, 2032. These people have spent at least 200 nights at Carnival, so it is reasonable to provide them with a longer runway to adapt to the new plan. Nevertheless, these members will need to meet the two-year eligibility requirement before the end of this six-year transition period to make their income exceed that date.

In addition to these major qualification changes, Carnival has adjusted some allowances for members of platinum and diamonds.

As of June 1, 2026, the following benefits of the current VIFP program will no longer be available:

• VIFP Club Party Five Day Parade (Two Free Drinks Now)
• Free arcade credit worth $5 (only guests under 18 years old)
• Welcome to the five-day tour (on request)
• VIFP Club Logo Gifts Every Sail

Additionally, diamond members are no longer eligible for the following allowance:

• One-time free meals in a professional dining restaurant
• One-time free cabin upgrade, or free voyage for third, fourth and fifth guests
• VIFP Club Baggage Tags

You can view the full details of the status changes of VIFP clubs on this page.

Given all these changes, if you are closing the 200 nights you need to get diamond status, it’s best to push that threshold by May 31, 2026, as you will lock these privileges in the first six years of the new Carnival Rewards program.

Bottom line

The Carnival Cruise Route has announced one of the most important overhauls of the cruise loyalty program over the years. It is getting rid of lifelong qualifications and introducing a new currency that can be almost earned and redeemed and can be purchased for almost carnival. This very different approach will surely cause a lot of buzz from current members as the line seeks exciting developments in the coming years.