Carnival Overhauls Loyalty Program, Moves to Spend-Based Rewards in 2026

Carnival Cruise Line’s upcoming overhaul of its loyalty offering will see the current Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program replaced by a new spend-based initiative called Carnival Rewards. Scheduled to launch on June 1, 2026, the redesigned framework has sparked notable debate: some long-standing members praise the opportunity for more flexible perks, while many experienced cruisers object to the end of lifetime status and the shift toward spending-driven qualification.

Key Changes to the Loyalty Program

Carnival Rewards departs significantly from the current VIFP setup, placing a greater emphasis on monetary spending above the total number of cruise nights. Under the new system, passengers earn three Carnival Rewards points per eligible dollar spent on cruise fares, onboard activities, shore excursions, specialty dining, spa treatments, and more. The program also introduces Status Qualifying Stars, which track tier status over a rolling two-year period. Once the new model is in place:

• Spending-Based Tiers: Status will be tied to total dollars spent over two years, rather than the number of cruises sailed. Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond tiers remain but require requalification every two years.
• Dual Earning System: Redeemable Carnival Rewards points can be used for onboard extras and future cruise credits, while Status Qualifying Stars determine whether members maintain or advance their tier level.
• Credit Card Tie-In: Existing FunPoints from the Carnival-branded card will transfer to Carnival Rewards points, with a new Carnival Rewards Mastercard issued by Barclays offering accelerated earning rates.
• Lifetime Status Ends: The new structure eliminates permanent tiers. Existing VIFP members will see their current status protected through at least May 31, 2028, while Diamond members retain theirs until May 31, 2032.
• Children’s Inclusion Changes: Passengers under 18 will no longer join Carnival Rewards, though they may reflect a parent’s tier status during sailings.
• Blue Tier Removal: The Blue level is being discontinued, and new or current Blue members will be folded into Red membership.

Guest Reactions and Concerns

The announcement has provoked mixed responses from Carnival’s loyal customer base. Members who have spent years building VIFP lifetime recognition are particularly disappointed by the two-year qualification rule. Some have taken to social media to protest potential losses in benefits like free meals, priority boarding, or welcome receptions, while others have highlighted the advantage of earning points for everyday spending via Carnival’s new co-branded credit card.

According to online forums, many cruisers worry about how especially large families or shared bookings will earn points, since Carnival has yet to define exactly how fare costs in the same cabin will be attributed to each guest. One area of contention remains the discontinuation of under-18 loyalty accrual, leaving parents unsure about how or whether future youth-oriented benefits might be introduced.

Carnival’s Rationale and Official Statements

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, has underscored the company’s motivation to address a rapidly growing – and increasingly top-heavy – loyalty base. “Our current VIFP program has served us well for many years and while we’ve enjoyed truly extraordinary growth in our loyal customer base, it has become challenging to deliver the exceptional experience our Diamond and Platinum members deserve,” Duffy said. “By introducing a points-based system, we’re enabling greater flexibility so guests can personalize their rewards in ways that matter most to them.”

Brand Ambassador John Heald has also urged understanding. Addressing guest frustration, he asked, “Please be patient while we refine the details,” emphasizing that Carnival announced the change early to allow feedback before the official 2026 launch.

Transition Timeline and Grandfathering Windows

Carnival is maintaining all current VIFP benefits until May 31, 2026. At that point, existing VIFP tiers will act as the entry level for Carnival Rewards status. Platinum and Diamond cruisers will see their levels guaranteed until at least 2028, with Diamond members granted an extended window through 2032. FunPoints earned under the existing Carnival cobranded credit card will convert to the new Carnival Rewards points, and guests will keep the same member numbers – now called Carnival Guest Numbers.

Early materials suggest that Gold tier might start around 10,000 Status Qualifying Stars, Platinum near 50,000, and Diamond at 100,000. However, Carnival indicates these thresholds and conversion rates will be clarified closer to launch, and any updates will appear on the dedicated website, carnivalrewards.com.

Practical Impact and Program Perks

While many cruisers remain focused on preserving existing privileges, Carnival has revealed several changes to onboard benefits. The Blue-tier level is removed, Gold pins and VIFP logo gifts are discontinued, and there are fewer complimentary items for Diamond members, including the removal of free specialty restaurant meals for two. Platinum guests on sailings of five nights or longer still receive two free drinks and can request welcome treats. Milestone markers based on cruise nights will remain in place, awarding bonus Carnival Rewards points at certain night-based thresholds.

Though some details are still forthcoming, Carnival assures guests that points earned through the program itself will not expire as long as there is account activity within three years. Status, however, will depend on fulfilling spend requirements within each rolling two-year window. These changes follow a broader trend in the travel and hospitality industries, where frequent-flyer programs and hotel memberships have often shifted to spend-based models to refine and better target rewards.

The cruise line plans to monitor customer feedback and has pledged transparency as the official launch date approaches. With multiple clarifications still pending, the final reception to Carnival’s new loyalty structure may hinge on how clearly it answers open questions about revenue sharing among family members, children’s onboard privileges, and precise redemption charts for onboard experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is changing and when do these changes take effect?

On June 1, 2026, Carnival will replace the VIFP program with Carnival Rewards, focusing on spend-based qualification rather than cruise nights. All current VIFP benefits remain unchanged until that date.

Will my existing VIFP status automatically transfer over?

Yes. Your existing tier converts directly into Carnival Rewards status, protected until May 31, 2028, for all tiers and until May 31, 2032, for Diamond members. After that, you’ll need to meet ongoing spending requirements.

Do children still earn rewards in the new system?

No. Under Carnival Rewards, passengers under 18 will no longer accrue points independently. They can reflect a parent’s status during sailings, but Carnival has not announced specific youth benefits under the new framework.

How do I earn and redeem Carnival Rewards points?

Members earn three points for each eligible dollar spent on cruise fares, onboard purchases, spa treatments, and more. Points are redeemable for onboard extras like specialty dining, drinks, shore excursions, or future cruise fare credits. Status Qualifying Stars, a separate measure, track progress toward Red, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond tiers.

What if I hold the Carnival credit card now?

FunPoints from the current cobranded card will convert to Carnival Rewards points when the new program launches. Carnival is also introducing the Carnival Rewards Mastercard issued with Barclays, which offers accelerated earning on daily purchases.

Carnival officials say they will release more details in the coming months, encouraging guests to visit carnivalrewards.com for current updates and to share feedback well ahead of the 2026 rollout.