Carnival Cruise Line has announced a significant change to its loyalty program, transforming the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program into a new points-based rewards system called Carnival Rewards. This move is part of the company's commitment to evolving and improving its services for its loyal passengers.
The new Carnival Rewards program promises enhanced benefits and modernized ways of earning status for all cruisers. The new program will roll out in June 2026 and will offer personalized perks and new ways to earn rewards and reach higher status levels through a dual-earning structure using Carnival Rewards points and status qualifying stars.
Passengers will no longer be limited to earning status based on the number of nights sailed. Instead, they will be able to earn points for their spending, including cruise fare, onboard purchases, and everyday spending on a co-branded Carnival Rewards credit card with Barclays. This change will give cruisers more flexibility and control over how they earn status and rewards.
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy and Brand Ambassador John Heald shared more details on the new Carnival Rewards loyalty program in a video posted on Heald's popular Facebook page on June 18. Heald emphasized that the new program will not take effect until June 2026, giving cruisers time to adjust to the changes and provide constructive feedback.
The new Carnival Rewards program will be the first modern cruise line rewards program, offering flexible and personalized rewards. Guests will be able to build up their Carnival Rewards points and unlock higher status levels with status qualifying stars. This will provide more avenues for guests to reach status and earn it more quickly, even for those with limited vacation time.
VIFP status will transfer to Carnival Rewards for two years, and for Diamond guests, the highest status level, the complimentary grace period will be extended for six years. To make the program easier to understand and use, Carnival will communicate frequently and clearly about how to engage with the new Carnival Rewards program.
The new program is part of Carnival's ongoing commitment to being an industry leader, just like when they brought the first LNG ship to North America. The company is dedicated to providing meaningful benefits to their loyal guests and celebrating their loyalty with meaningful moments that go beyond just benefits.
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