The world of cruise loyalty is getting a jolt today, as Carnival Cruise Line, the world’s largest line, has announced an overhaul of its loyalty program. The rebranded program — dubbed Carnival Rewards — will take effect on June 1, 2026.
This is not just a new name. Instead, Carnival is completely rethinking its approach to rewarding customers, shiting closer to an airline frequent flyer model — complete with redeemable points along with regular qualification requirements to earn (and retain) elite status.
There’s a lot to this announcement, so here’s what you need to know.
Earn and redeem points with Carnival Rewards
Under the line’s current loyalty program — Carnival VIFP Club — there’s a single metric for customers. You earn 1 point for each night you sail. The more points you earn, the higher status you unlock.
Carnival Rewards will change that, as you’ll earn points based on how much you spend, with 3 points for every dollar spent on eligible Carnival purchases. This includes your cruise fare, onboard drinks, specialty dining, spa treatments and shore excursions.
You can also earn 1 point for every casino point remaining at the end of your cruise — so frequent gamers will soon be rewarded for their play.
Finally, you’ll also earn Carnival Rewards points for spending on the Carnival® World Mastercard®, issued by Barclays. This currency will replace the FunPoints currently earned on the card, and existing cardmembers will see their current balances transitioned to the new program when it launches.
The information for the Carnival Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Once earned, you’ll be able to redeem Carnival Rewards points for virtually anything related to a Carnival cruise — whether it’s booking a sailing, reserving excursions or packages prior to embarkation, or covering onboard purchases. There’s also no minimum to redeem.
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Note that this program only applies to Carnival itineraries, not to any of the other brands under the Carnival umbrella.
Related: 43 Carnival Cruise Line tips, tricks and hacks to enhance your vacation at sea
Earning stars for status with Carnival Rewards
While points are no longer the metric to qualify for status, Carnival is still rewarding its most loyal customers in the new program. However, in a major shift for the industry, qualification is no longer a lifetime prospect. Instead, you’ll earn Status Qualifying Stars at the same rate you earn points: 3 stars for every dollar spent on eligible Carnival purchases and 1 star for every casino point left at the end of your cruise. Carnival is also shifting to just four tiers of status (down from five in the VIFP program).
Here’s how you qualify for each tier:
- Red: Upon sign up
- Gold: 10,000 stars
- Platinum: 50,000 stars
- Diamond: 100,000 stars
You have a two-year period during which to earn enough stars to qualify. Then, once you hit an applicable status, it’s valid for the rest of that period plus the following two years.
Here’s how that breaks down with Carnival spending (excluding casino activity):
- Gold: $3,333.33 over two years
- Platinum: $16,666,67 over two years
- Diamond: $33,333.33
As you can see, earning (or maintaining) status in the new Carnival Rewards program requires a lot of spending, but thankfully, the line is offering current status holders a transition period.
Current VIFP status holders
The status you hold in the VIFP Club on May 31, 2026 will be your starting level in Carnival Rewards for two years — meaning Gold members as of that date will keep their Gold status through at least May 31, 2028 (and same for Platinum members).
However, Diamond VIFP cruisers will keep that status for six years, through May 31, 2032. These individuals have already spent at least 200 nights on Carnival ships, so it’s reasonable to offer them a longer runway to adjust to the new program. Nevertheless, these members will need to hit the two-year qualification requirement prior to the end of this six-year transition period to keep their benefits beyond that date.
In addition to these major changes in qualification, Carnival is also adjusting some of the perks for Platinum and Diamond members.
As of June 1, 2026, the following benefits from the current VIFP program will no longer be available:
- VIFP Club party on five+ day cruises (now two complimentary beverages)
- $5 worth of complimentary arcade credits (guests under 18 only)
- Welcome treat on five+ day cruises (upon request)
- VIFP Club logo gift on every sailing
In addition, Diamond members will no longer earn the following one-time perks after qualification:
- One-time complimentary meal for two at a specialty dining restaurant of choice
- One-time free cabin upgrade, or third, fourth and fifth guests sail free
- VIFP Club luggage tag set
You can view full details of the changes to VIFP Club status on this page.
Given all of these changes, if you’re closing in on the 200 nights required to earn Diamond status, it may be a good idea to push for that threshold by May 31, 2026, since you’ll lock in those perks for the first six years of the new Carnival Rewards program.
Bottom line
Carnival Cruise Line has announced one of the most significant overhauls to a cruise loyalty program in years. It is moving away from lifetime qualification and introducing a new currency that can be earned and redeemed for virtually any Carnival purchase. This wildly different approach is sure to generate a lot of buzz from current members as the line looks ahead to exciting developments in the years to come.