Carnival Cruise Line to Launch ‘Carnival Rewards’ Loyalty Program

Carnival Cruise Line is switching its loyalty program to a points-based system that features personalized perks and more ways to earn status.

The line will transition away from its long-standing Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program to a points-based system called Carnival Rewards, starting in June 2026.

The new program is a dual-earning system in which guests accumulate both Carnival Rewards points that can be redeemed on Carnival purchases and status qualifying stars that will determine a guest’s tier status.

Instead of focusing solely on the number of nights guests sail, Carnival Rewards will offer more chances to earn rewards and achieve higher status levels based on spend, including cruise fare and onboard activities. The new program will also be tied to everyday spending on the co-branded credit card that Carnival offers in partnership with Barclays. (More details on this part of the program will be released at a later date.)

“The evolution of our loyalty program to Carnival Rewards represents our commitment to creating more meaningful recognition for our valued guests,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “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 or Diamon and Platinum members deserve.”

“By introducing a points-based system, we’re enabling greater flexibility so guests can personalize their rewards in ways that matter most to them,” she added. “This transition honors our past while building a future where loyalty is recognized through both cruising frequency and overall engagement with the Carnival experience…”

How Carnival Rewards Loyalty Works

Carnival guests will earn Reward points as well as status qualifying stars on every eligible Carnival purchase, including cruise fares and onboard purchases. Reward points can be redeemed for almost anything Carnival offers including onboard activities, spa treatments, specialty dining, and even towards a future cruise.

For instance, guests will receive three stars for every $1 spent on eligible Carnival purchases. Onboard casino lovers will also get one star for every one casino point.

Stars introduce a new way to “unlock” higher status among four tiers: Red, Gold (from 10,000 stars), Platinum (from 50,000 stars), and Diamond (from 100,000 stars). Status is earned over a two-year period and retained for the following two years.

As part of the transition to Carnival Rewards on June 1, 2026, members’ existing status will carry over and serve as an entry point into the program for a two-year period through May 31, 2028. Diamond members will retain their status for a six-year period through May 31, 2032.

“This ensures that all current loyalty status is honored while giving members time to familiarize themselves with the enhanced rewards,” the line said in its announcement.

Guests will continue earning VIFP status as usual until the new program launches.

Additionally, upon launch of the new Carnival Rewards program, current cardmembers, as well as any new cardmembers between now and the launch of the program, will have the balance of their Fun Points converted to Carnival Rewards points and added to their Carnival Rewards account.

Current Carnival loyalty members will receive emails throughout the transition process ahead of the June 2026 conversion. Carnival will be providing detailed information, tools to track status, point balances, and tips to maximize rewards under the new system.