Carnival Rewards Replaces VIFP With Spending-Based Status

Carnival Cruise Line launched Carnival Rewards on Sept. 1, replacing its VIFP Club with a program that separates redeemable points from status and ties both to eligible spending and casino activity. Members can apply points to cruise fares and onboard purchases, while Status Qualifying Stars determine their tier.

The overhaul ends lifetime status for most newly earned tiers and requires members to requalify during set earning periods. Carnival retained sailing-day recognition through a separate milestone program, while VIFP members who reached Diamond by Aug. 31 keep that status for life.

“Cruise loyalty has traditionally been built around how often guests sail, and Carnival Rewards was designed to go beyond that,” Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said. The change follows growth in the upper tiers: Carnival’s Diamond membership more than tripled between 2021 and 2024, while the Platinum population more than doubled.

Spending and casino play now determine status

Each eligible dollar spent with Carnival, including gratuities, generates three redeemable points and three qualifying stars. Casino activity is treated differently: every Casino Point earned produces one star, including points already redeemed onboard for FunPlay, while each Casino Point remaining at the end of the voyage generates one Carnival Rewards Point.

Rewards points post approximately 14 days after a sailing ends and do not expire. They can be applied to future cruises and eligible onboard purchases, including shore excursions, specialty dining and spa services.

The program has four tiers. Members enter at Red, reach Gold with 10,000 stars, Platinum with 50,000 and Diamond with 100,000. The Blue entry tier from the five-level VIFP structure has been combined with Red.

Once earned, status remains in effect for the rest of the qualifying period and the following two years. The first window runs through Dec. 31, 2028, providing a longer initial period before the regular two-year schedule begins.

“We know cruising is not something that’s as frequent as flying,” Carnival Vice President of Loyalty Sidharth Krishna said, explaining the longer qualification period. Under the previous VIFP system, status was primarily based on accumulated sailing days and did not require periodic requalification.

Members who enrolled and accepted the new terms by Aug. 31 carry their existing VIFP status through the inaugural window. Guests who earn Diamond after the transition are subject to the same expiration schedule as the other tiers. Carnival Rewards applies only to Carnival Cruise Line and is not reciprocal with Carnival Corporation brands such as Princess Cruises or Holland America Line.

Milestones remain tied to sailing history

Carnival’s Milestone Recognition Program continues to count lifetime cruising separately from status, but it now uses days sailed instead of the number of cruises completed. Recognition begins at 50 days and continues at 100 days and every additional 100 days. Members receive 10,000 bonus points at 100-day intervals through 500 days, along with other benefits based on the milestone reached.

Several VIFP benefits have also changed. Platinum members receive one complimentary laundry bag on cruises of three to six days, two on voyages of seven to 13 days and four on sailings of at least 14 days. Diamond allowances are two, three and five bags for the same voyage lengths; the former Diamond benefit included unlimited wash-and-fold service.

Dated, ship-specific loyalty pins remain available to Platinum and Diamond members, but Gold pins have been discontinued. VIFP parties for Platinum and Diamond guests, branded loyalty gifts, welcome treats and certain one-time benefits are also ending under the new structure.

The loss of permanent status drew criticism after the program was announced. “A system that expires your loyalty can be detrimental to your consumers,” said Armani Someillan, a Platinum member who has taken 21 Carnival cruises.

Mastercard adds earning outside Carnival purchases

Carnival and Barclays also launched a no-annual-fee Carnival Rewards Mastercard. New cardmembers can receive 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within 90 days, subject to the card’s terms.

The card earns as many as six points per dollar on eligible Carnival purchases when the card and loyalty-program rates are combined, two points per dollar at eligible restaurants and grocery stores, and one point on other purchases. Card spending also generates qualifying stars, including one star per dollar on general purchases and up to four per eligible Carnival dollar when combined with the program rate.

Additional terms include a six-month promotional 0% annual percentage rate on Carnival cruise bookings and a 2,500-point anniversary bonus after $2,000 in annual spending.

Existing cardholders will move to the Mastercard during their next billing cycle, with migrations scheduled throughout September. Their Fun Points balances will convert at a one-to-one rate into Carnival Rewards Points.

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