Carnival Cruise Line Pushes Back Start Date of Carnival Rewards

In reply to past guest feedback, Carnival Cruise Line is pushing back the start of its upcoming Carnival Rewards program. This gives cruisers more time to reach a higher final VIFP Club loyalty status, which will serve as the starting point for Carnival Rewards.

The new launch of the program will be Sept. 1, 2026. Anyone who has reached Diamond status by Aug. 31, 2026, will keep that status for life. Platinum guests will receive a 10,000-star boost every two years.

All others will also have their VIFP status as of Aug. 31, 2026, matched in the Carnival Rewards program and that status will last through Dec. 31, 2028. After that, the earning period for all members except those with grandfathered Diamond status, will run from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, every two years.

As a reminder, Carnival guests will earn stars as they cruise and spend money, with the number of stars achieved over a two-year period earning them status.

Examples include:

• 3 stars per $1 spent on cruise fare and anything bought onboard (+1 extra star per $1 if using the Carnival Rewards Mastercard)
• 1 star for every casino point

Simultaneously, guests also earn points that can be used to “buy” rewards like drinks, excursions, photos, and more.

• 3 points per $1 spent on cruise fare and onboard purchases
• 1 point per casino point
• Extra points when using the Carnival Rewards Mastercard

One hundred points is then equivalent to $1 in value (depending on demand). Unlike stars, points never expire as long as guests earn or redeem points at least once every three years.

Points and stars earned by using the Carnival Rewards Mastercard (starting September 2026) are:

• 3 points + 1 star per $1 spent on Carnival (to a net total of 6 points and 4 stars per $1 spent on Carnival)
• 2 points + 1 star per $1 spent at eligible grocery stores and restaurants
• 1 point + 1 star per $1 spent on all other purchases

Milestone Rewards Carry Over

While the current milestone program ends on Aug. 31, 2026, all milestone awards earned by that date will remain valid through Aug. 31, 2030.

The new Carnival Rewards Milestones program will be tied to days sailed, with special recognition on the specific cruise where guests hit those milestones. All of a guest’s past cruising history will carry over to the new program.