Under the new Carnival Rewards program, guests will be able to accumulate points that can be put toward cruise fares, onboard experiences, shore excursions, and other vacation activities.
Carnival Cruise Line is making changes to its newly announced Carnival Rewards loyalty program for Diamond and Platinum guests.
The new rewards program is slated to launch next year on June 1, 2026. For the new offering, Carnival drew inspiration from airline and hotel loyalty programs that allow guests to earn status and rewards that are tied to travel activities and spending, as well as a co-branded credit card.
Under the new Carnival Rewards program, guests will be able to accumulate points that can be put toward cruise fares, onboard experiences, shore excursions and other vacation activities.
“We are so excited about our new Carnival Rewards loyalty program launching next year, and believe it will drive fantastic engagement with, and rewards for, our guests,” said Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line.
ALSO READ: UK Consumers Call on AI to Save “Broken” Customer Service
“At the same time, we greatly appreciate the loyalty of our passionate guests and the years of dedication many have exhibited in order to achieve higher-tiered loyalty status with Carnival Cruise Line.”
In previous communications, Carnival had indicated that guests who achieved Diamond status in the line’s current VIFP Club by May 31, 2026, would have that status extended through 2032, and that guests who achieved Platinum status would have it extended through 2028.
Now, however, guests who achieve Diamond status will receive lifetime Diamond status in the Carnival Rewards program.
Guests who achieve Platinum status will not only have their status extended through May 31, 2028, but will also receive a bi-annual boost of 10,000 Carnival Rewards status qualifying stars.
This will give Platinum VIFP members a 20% “head start” on earning Platinum status. It also provides for a minimum of Gold status in all future cycles under the Carnival Rewards program.
ALSO READ: Samsung Turns Old Street Station into ‘Fold Street’
Moreover, Children under 18 cannot be enrolled in Carnival Rewards because of US privacy laws. However, the cruise line confirmed that children will enjoy the same status as their parent or the responsible adult on the booking for a specific sailing.
When minors turn 18, those who have achieved Diamond or Platinum status by May 31, 2026, will be invited to opt-in to Carnival Rewards with their earned status and the same privileges offered to all other Diamond and Platinum VIFP members.
Carnival is also exploring options to offer similar enhanced earning and rewards opportunities for guests in Canada and Australia, like what the Carnival Rewards Mastercard will do for US residents.
“We’ve spent the summer talking with our guests, listening to their comments and taking in their feedback,” added Duffy.
“As a result, I am happy to share that we are making changes to improve the offering to our most loyal customers as we get ready for the program’s launch in 2026. We believe these enhancements recognise our appreciation for the loyalty of our top-tier guests.”
ALSO READ: Paysafe and Alchemy Pay Expand Customers’ Payment Options