Carnival Cruise Lines Reward Program has VIFPs Jump Ship

*Editor’s Note: This article combines official updates from Carnival Cruise Line with cruiser feedback and editorial analysis. While the structural changes are confirmed, some potential impacts are speculative and based on evolving sentiment within the cruise community.*

 Carnival Cruise Lines Reward Program: Love it or hate it?

Carnival Cruise Line has announced a sweeping overhaul of its loyalty framework. Starting June 1, 2026, the long-standing VIFP Club will sunset, replaced by a new program dubbed Carnival Rewards—a move that could reshape how Carnival cruisers earn status and perks across the fleet.

Instead of rewarding days-at-sea, the new model prioritizes spending onboard and through Carnival’s branded credit card. It’s a shift that reflects broader industry trends but has sparked immediate concern among loyal guests.

From Nights to Dollars: A New Points & Stars System

• Points will be earned based on dollars spent, not just on cruise fares but also on onboard spending like spa treatments, casino play, excursions, and specialty dining.
• Stars will act as the new tier system, tracking progress across Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond levels. Tier status now depends on a rolling two-year period of activity, not lifetime cruising.

These changes reflect a more dynamic, spend-based loyalty model seen across other sectors in travel (Think Hotels and Airlines)

You might also like to find out about other Cruise Loyalty Programs

What Changes for Current Carnival VIFP Members?

1. Current loyalty tiers will transfer into Carnival Rewards based on your current standing, providing a starting point when the program launches.
2. Most members will retain their current tier through May 2028, while Diamond members have status protection until May 2032.
3. However, maintaining status in the new system will likely require consistent spending rather than occasional cruising. 
4. Cruisers hoping to spend their way to rewards may have to make larger purchases on board, like Drink Packages, expensive photos, and excursions.

While this ensures longtime cruisers aren’t immediately displaced, some guests may need to rethink how they approach earning benefits going forward.

The Carnival Credit Card Now Plays a Bigger Role

A key feature of the new system is Carnival’s Rewards Mastercard, which will be tightly integrated with the new loyalty program.

• Points and Stars can now be earned through everyday purchases, not just onboard activities.
• Existing FunPoints will automatically convert into Carnival Rewards points.
• This could make it easier for guests to earn status without needing to cruise as frequently, as long as they’re actively using the card.

VIFP’s Feedback: Concern and Frustration 

The response from the cruise community  (Carnival’s Very Important Fun Person) has been mixed, with many expressing “skepticism or outright disappointment”:

 “It’s no longer about loyalty—it’s about how much you’re willing to spend.”

 — Reddit user on r/CarnivalCruiseFans

“Massive changes. Lifetime loyalty doesn’t mean what it used to.”

 — Cruise Critic Forum Member

Sorry, Carnival Cruise Line and John Heald: WE WILL CRUISE WITH YOU FOR FUN, but for loyalty, we will begin cruising with another line.

Many long-time cruisers worry the new system rewards big spenders (particularly in the casino or suites) over repeat travelers who have built up years of status. Others feel encouraged by the added flexibility to earn perks off the ship.

-@johnheald Facebook page

Wall Street Isn’t Worried about changes to the reward program—And That Says Something

Despite the public outcry, investors have responded positively. Carnival Corporation recently posted strong earnings and beat analyst expectations, sending stock prices up more than 10%.

Analysts view the loyalty program refresh as a profit-boosting modernization, aligning Carnival with broader travel industry trends that favor revenue over frequency when awarding perks.

While not universally loved, this shift may position Carnival to better monetize loyalty while still offering value to engaged guests.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Reward Program

 ✅ Tips for Navigating the New Reward System

1. Track your spending onboard—Spa, casino, and dining now help you earn more.
2. Use the Carnival Mastercard if you plan to cruise often or want to earn rewards between sailings.
3. Watch for bonus offers or tier-boosting events, especially during program launch windows.
4. Adjust your expectations—the program is changing, and your loyalty strategy may need to as well.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Carnival’s loyalty overhaul marks a significant shift in how cruise lines define and reward loyalty. For some, this opens new doors to earn perks. For others, it may feel like a step away from the brand’s once-inviting reputation for valuing repeat cruisers.

The coming year will be a test for both Carnival and its guests. Whether this move strengthens bonds or frays them will depend on how well the new system delivers real value—and how cruisers adapt to the new rules of the game.