If you’re a loyal Carnival cruiser—or planning your first fun-filled voyage—this is a change you need to know about. Starting June 1, 2026, Carnival Cruise Line will officially retire its VIFP Club and roll out a brand-new, two-part loyalty program: Carnival Rewards.
What Is Carnival Rewards?
Carnival Rewards is Carnival’s new and improved loyalty program, designed to give guests more flexibility, faster rewards, and better recognition of what they spend—not just how often they sail.
➕ Dual-Earning Structure
Carnival Rewards combines two systems:
- Rewards Points – Earned on cruise fare, onboard purchases, excursions, casino play, and more. These points can be redeemed for onboard credits, spa treatments, specialty dining, and even future cruises.
- Status Qualifying Stars – These stars determine your tier level (Red, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond) and are earned at 3 stars per $1 spent (and 1 star per casino point).
New Carnival Rewards Tiers
Here’s how tier status breaks down under the new system:
| Tier | Stars Needed | Example Spend Over 2 Years |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Just enroll! | $0 |
| Gold | 10,000 stars | ~$3,334 |
| Platinum | 50,000 stars | ~$16,667 |
| Diamond | 100,000 stars | ~$33,334 |
Carnival will use a rolling 2-year window to track your activity and determine your current status. Diamond guests will enjoy extended benefits through 2032!
What Happens to Your VIFP Status?
Already part of Carnival’s VIFP program? No worries!
- Your current VIFP status will automatically carry over into Carnival Rewards based on where you stand on May 31, 2026.
- Your perks are safe—and you might even unlock more value under the new structure.
- Existing “FunPoints” (from your Carnival Mastercard®) will convert into Carnival Rewards points.
New Carnival Rewards Mastercard
A new co-branded Carnival Rewards Mastercard, issued by Barclays, will launch to make earning even faster. Spend daily—on cruises or groceries—and earn both points and stars toward your next cruise reward or tier upgrade.
Stay tuned for full credit card details closer to the 2026 launch!
Why the Change?
Carnival has seen a major increase in elite-status cruisers, making it harder to deliver meaningful perks to everyone. The new system:
- Makes status easier to track
- Rewards your onboard and pre-cruise spending
- Adds flexibility so you can use points your way
Key Dates to Know
- 🛳 May 31, 2026 – Last day of the current VIFP Club
- 🆕 June 1, 2026 – Carnival Rewards officially begins
- 🏆 Diamond members keep their elite status until May 31, 2032
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