Carnival provides lifelong state with overhaul in advance

Carnival Cruise Line, which recently overhauled its loyalty program into an airline-style model with redeemable points, announced Monday the enhancement of top members, including lifelong status for any member who arrives at the diamond level before the new program kicks off in June.

The adjustment comes just four months after the announcement of the Carnival Rewards Program (eliminating lifetime status income).

“We’ve spent the summer talking to guests, listening to their comments and collecting their feedback,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Parade Line. “So I’m excited to share that we are making changes to improve the products of our most loyal customers as we prepare for the program’s launch in 2026. We believe these enhancements recognize our appreciation for our loyalty to top guests.”

Here are some of the changes announced:

• By May 31, 2026, guests who receive diamond status in the company’s current loyalty program will receive a lifetime diamond status in the new Carnival Awards program. Initially, these members will see their status extending until 2032.
• As previously announced, by May 31, 2026, guests who have obtained platinum status at the current VIFP club will not only be extended until May 31, 2028, but will also begin on June 1, 2026, with them also receiving 10,000 Carnival Awards Award Celebrities every two years of annual money-making cycle. This will allow Platinum VIFP members to “start” in the biennial earning platinum or diamond state. They will also guarantee their gold situation to be the lowest in all future cycles.
• Although U.S. privacy laws restrict minors from participating in reward programs, Carnival says children will enjoy the same status as adults who booked their voyages. When a minor turns 18, those who have obtained diamond or platinum status through adults by May 31, 2026 will be invited to receive a Carnival reward in this capacity and provide the same privileges for all other diamond and platinum VIFP members.
• Carnival also said it is actively exploring the options for Canadian and Australian guests to earn points through partnerships such as Carnival® World Mastercard® used by U.S. residents. Information on the Carnival World Mastercard has been collected independently by partners. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Inspired by the success of airline and hotel loyalty programs related to travel, spending and co-branded credit cards, Carnival was the first to launch a similar program for the cruise industry.

The new program stands out from the lifetime qualifications of everyone except the top diamond layer and adjusts for benefits such as free Wi-Fi, laundry services, priority boarding and dining allowances associated with different levels. It also introduces a new currency that can be earned and redeemed through almost any carnival purchase.

Under the new plan, members will purchase for eligible carnivals, including cruise ticket prices, onboard drinks, specialty restaurants, spa treatments and coastal excursions, each costing 3 points.

Regular gamers will also see the reward, earning 1 point for each remaining casino point at the end of the cruise.

Guests can also earn reward points for their spending on the Carnival World Mastercard. The new currency will replace the lucky feature currently earned on the card, and existing card members will see their current balance converted to the new plan upon startup.