Royal Caribbean cruisers react to Carnival cruise loyalty shakeup
As Carnival Cruise Line revealed details of its overhauled cruise loyalty program on June 18, it wasn't just Carnival cruisers who recoiled.
Carnival Rewards, a spend-based rewards program set to roll out in June 2026, has many cruisers reeling, even some who don't sail with the cruise line.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line faces major backlash over planned changes
The new program appears to require passengers at the highest tiers to spend tens of thousands of dollars each year to maintain their elite status, and it could open the door for other cruise lines to do the same.
Carnival's new spend-based loyalty program isn't a completely new concept - most airlines and hotels already follow this type of model, but the cruise industry has been slow to evolve.
What do Royal Caribbean cruisers think about the new program and what it could mean for the cruise industry?
Many "loyal to Royal" cruisers made their opinions clear in a discussion in the Royal Caribbean community on Reddit.
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.
"The new program Carnival announced yesterday rewards money over loyalty. Do you think this is something Royal and the other lines will try to adopt?" Redditor oOoOsarahOoOo asked fellow Royal Caribbean cruisers. "If so, would cruisers stay loyal to Royal, or would this be a reason to try other brands?"
A number of cruisers reasoned that Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines will likely follow suit in a few years, if Carnival reports that the change increases revenue.
"I think the other cruise lines are going to wait to see how this affects Carnival's business. If there's not too much of a difference, or somehow Carnival's earnings go up with this reward program? You will 100% see other cruise lines adopt this model," CricketCapital4095 commented.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line rep threatened over loyalty program changes
As other travel loyalty programs increasingly reward travelers based on their spending, it's not surprising that cruise lines would follow.
"This is an extremely logical move for [Carnival] to make, despite how many people are deep in their feels about it, and I'd bet the cost of my next cruise that other lines will follow suit within a couple of years of Carnival's first earnings call after this goes into effect," baltinerdist added.
Commenters also pointed out that if the industry moved in this direction, cruisers may be more inclined to sail with multiple cruise lines rather than stay loyal to one in order to gain status.
Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
"If there is no loyalty program, then why be loyal," Routine_Day_1276 questioned. "That's the entire reason for it. Granted, you don't get a lot for being loyal, but anything that isn't an insult is better than nothing. In my opinion, what Carnival did is an insult to everyone who has been loyal. So no, if Royal went that route, I would not be loyal to them anymore."
Royal Caribbean cruisers don't want the cruise line to change its popular Crown & Anchor loyalty program. Like Carnival's current VIFP Club, Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor program rewards cruisers based on nights sailed.
Related: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises announce new reward benefits
"I very much hope Royal realizes that by having the best loyalty program in the industry, they would have the most to lose by making drastic changes to Crown & Anchor," xAdray commented.
Still, if the Carnival Rewards program proves successful, Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines would likely begin to incorporate spending-based rewards into their loyalty programs in some way.
"Even if other cruise lines don't adopt the Carnival-specific model, I wouldn't be surprised if an 'onboard spending' category was added as a way to retain top-tier status. It's all about capturing dollars on board for the cruise lines," CricketCapital4095 pointed out.
"If you're top-tier status but don't spend much on board, why would a cruise line much care about your loyalty status? More than likely those customers cost cruise lines money in some capacity," CricketCapital4095 added.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
10 best cruises from Singapore for a fun-filled vacation at sea
If you're looking for a way to go out to sea, a cruise is a convenient way to visit multiple destinations with onboard accommodation, dining and entertainment. Cruises are floating resorts that sail to different ports of call, so passengers can have a range of diverse experiences. Check out our list of the 10 best cruises in Singapore to hold a major celebration at sea. The Disney Adventure is Disney Cruise Line's newest cruise ship, scheduled to start sailing from Singapore in Dec 2025. Disney Adventure is the first Disney ship to be based in Asia and will offer 3- and 4-night voyages, focusing on magical days at sea. The ship is designed with Disney, Pixar and Marvel theming, promising unique experiences for guests. The cruise ship will feature 7 zones: Disney Imagination Garden, Disney Discovery Reef, San Fransokyo Street, Marvel Landing, Toy Story Place, Town Square and Wayfinder Bay. The San Fransokyo Street, inspired by the world of Big Hero 6, features a bustling city atmosphere with interactive games, a street market and a family arcade. The Marvel Landing area will have attractions and experiences inspired by The Marvel Super Heroes. Concierge Bedroom Oceanview Suite from S$19,538 (Departing Jan 2026) at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 +65 6228 3728 (Phone) Mon to Fri: 8am – 10pm (Call Centre) Sat & Sun: 9am – 8pm (Call Centre) | | A 3-night cruise to Penang is available with Royal Caribbean on the Ovation of the Seas. The cruise departs from Singapore, spends a day in Penang and then returns to Singapore. This cruise includes a stop where passengers can explore the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site of George Town, visit temples such as the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple and see the beach at Batu Ferringhi. Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas offers a variety of activities, including the North Star observation capsule, iFly skydiving, bumper cars and numerous pools. This cruise includes complimentary food at various restaurants and access to entertainment and performances. Interior Room at S$359 Per Person (Departing Jan 2026) at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 +65 3157 2944 Daily: 24 hours | | The 8-night Bali Adventure Holiday Cruise on the Ovations of the Seas ship departs from Singapore with stops in Celukan Bawang (Bali), Benoa (Bali) and Lombok (Indonesia), before returning to town. The cruise has a varied mix of cultural experiences and activities. Ports of call include Celukan Bawang, a port town in northern Bali, known for its traditional industries and access to less-visited areas such as Lovina Beach and Banjar hot springs, Benoa, Bali's main port, offering access to beaches, the cities of Denpasar and Ubud and Lombok, Indonesia, an island reputed for its volcanoes, beaches and cultural attractions. The cruise features activities such as North Star (observation capsule), Bionic Bar (robot-crafted cocktails) and Live. Love. Legs. (aerial adventure). A range of dining options are available, including Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and a 5-course Chef's Table experience. Interior Room at S$1,659 Per Person (Departing Dec 2025) at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 +65 3157 2944 Daily: 24 hours | | A 12-night cruise exploring Vietnam and Thailand from either Singapore or Hong Kong, aboard the Celebrity Solstice, offers a mix of cultural experiences and relaxation. The cruise typically includes stops in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and scenic locations, with chances to explore the markets and temples and enjoy the beaches. Celebrity Solstice is one of their most decorated ships, with elegant designs everywhere you turn. Their passion for outstanding cuisine takes the onboard dining experience to a new level and the staterooms are sure to bring the comfort of your home, out to the ocean. The airy Main Restaurant, the Grand Epernay Restaurant, offers exquisite menu selections. These change nightly to give guests a wide variety of choices. And the service? Legendary. Veranda Stateroom at US$3,299 (S$4,241) Per Person (Departing Nov 2025) at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 1 888 751 7804 Daily: 24 hours | | The 14 Nights Best of Japan and Taiwan cruise with Celebrity Cruises offers a journey through diverse cultures, stunning landscapes as well as modern metropolises. Passengers will explore Japan and its cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto, and Taiwan, with potential stops in Hualien and Taipei. The Celebrity Millennium, known for its modern luxury and innovative spaces such as the Lawn and AquaSpa, is the ship for this itinerary. Visit iconic cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto, experience ancient culture and enjoy modern amenities. Discover the unique blend of cultures in Taiwan, including Hualien, known for Taroko Gorge and Taipei with its vibrant night markets and natural mountain landscapes. Inside Stateroom at US$2,045 (S$2,629) Per Person (Departing Oct 2026) at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 1-888-751-7804 Daily: 24 hours | | Sail with Royal Albatross on an epicurean odyssey with a trinity of top Singapore chefs The Genting Dream cruise ship, now operated by StarDream Cruises, provides onboard experiences, such as dining, entertainment and activities, with a focus on Asian hospitality. The Genting Dream offers cruises from Singapore, such as getaways and other itineraries with stops in Malaysia and Thailand, at cities or towns that include Penang and Port Klang. It features world-class theatre shows, parties, performances and classes, as well as an array of dining options, from international cuisine to speciality restaurants. The ship also boasts spa services, fitness centres and family-friendly amenities, such as children's clubs. Interior Stateroom (Value Fare, 2 Nights Weekend Getaway Cruise) (Departing 18 Jul) at S$918 at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 +65 800 8528 188 Daily: 24 hours | | A 7-night Italy & Croatia cruise with Royal Caribbean is a cruise voyage that takes passengers on a week-long journey via Italy and Croatia, departing from Rome or Venice. These cruises include visits to various Italian and Croatian ports, including Naples/Capri, Sicily, Kotor, Dubrovnik and Split, with options to also explore Venice, Koper and other destinations. The cruises offer a mix of sightseeing, relaxation and onboard entertainment. Royal Caribbean offers a variety of dining options, including the Main Dining Room with rotating menus, speciality restaurants such as Izumi for sushi, Giovanni's Table for Italian cuisine and Chops Grille for steak. Guests can enjoy live shows, music and themed parties. Interior Stateroom from S$1,620 (Departing Sep 2025) at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 +65 3157 2944 Daily: 24 hours | | The 19-Day Cruise Australia & Asia: Melbourne and Bali is a cruise experience aboard the Norwegian Spirit. It is a journey from here to Sydney, with stops in Melbourne and Bali. The cruise includes ports of call in Australia and Indonesia. You will get the opportunity to explore cities including Surabaya, Perth, Busselton, Albany, Adelaide and Kangaroo Island. It also features onboard entertainment and activities, including access to the Stardust Theatre. It is designed with a freestyle concept, offering flexibility in dining and activities. These activities include multiple dining options (Asian, Italian, French, steakhouses), entertainment, a casino, bars and lounges, a spa and kids' activities onboard the ship. Inside Stateroom from S$1,889 Per Person (Departing Dec 2025) at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 +65 31 651 680 Daily: 24 hours | | A 10-night 'Fly Cruise' to China, Japan and South Korea is a vacation package that combines air travel, a cruise and hotel stays to explore multiple cities and cultures in East Asia. It typically entails flying into a city in one of the countries. Thereafter, you will embark on a cruise that stops at ports in the other 2 countries and then fly out from a different city. The cruise will typically visit multiple ports. This will give you the chance to explore cities in countries such as China (Shanghai, Hong Kong, Beijing, Tianjin), Japan (Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Shimizu (Mt Fuji), Nagasaki, Kobe) and South Korea (Jeju Island, Busan, Incheon). A fly-cruise package simplifies travel planning by bundling flights, accommodation and transportation between destinations. In some cases, this can be more cost-effective than booking flights and accommodation separately, especially when considering convenience. Flight + Cruise + Transfer + Hotel from S$3,999 (Departing Oct 2025) at 601 MacPherson Road, Grantral Complex, #06-10, Singapore 368242 +65 6222 9222 / +65 8125 9162 Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm Sat: 9am – 1pm Closed on Sun | | A 10-night Mediterranean cruise on the Celebrity Ascent involves sailing to various iconic European venues. These include Greece, Italy and Croatia, with a focus on experiencing the culture, history and natural beauty of the region. The Celebrity Ascent is an Edge-class ship that is designed to provide an 'outward-facing' experience, connecting guests with the sea. This 10-night cruise includes stops in Italy (e.g., Rome, Sicily, Naples), Greece (e.g., Olympia, Corfu) and Croatia (e.g., Dubrovnik, Split). Guests can expect a rich blend of cultural exploration, sightseeing and opportunities to relax and enjoy the ship's amenities. Celebrity Cruises is known for its sophisticated, upscale experience with a focus on design, service and innovative onboard areas. Celebrity Ascent boasts features such as The Grand Plaza, Rooftop Garden, an adults-only Solarium pool and dining and entertainment venues. Inside Stateroom from S$4,299 (Departing Oct 2025) at 601 MacPherson Road, Grantral Complex, #06-10, Singapore 368242 +65 6222 9222 / +65 8125 9162 Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm Sat: 9am – 1pm Closed on Sun | | 11 yacht rental services in Singapore for an unforgettable outing The post 10 best cruises from Singapore for a fun-filled vacation at sea appeared first on
Miami Herald
17 hours ago
- Miami Herald
What the food is like on a Viking Cruises ocean ship
Viking Cruises may be a luxury cruise line, but it offers laid-back luxury, at least when it comes to dining. The actual number of choices is fairly limited. There's "The Restaurant," essentially the Main Dining Room, and World Cafe, a buffet, which bother offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Those are supported by a small grill near the pool, Mamsen's, a unique Nordic-inspired spot which offers waffles, pastries, and other snacks, and a small selection of cookies, pastries, and sandwiches on the first floor at the bar in The Living Room. There's also an Italian specialty restaurants Manfredi's that's open for a dinner and a Chef's Table that serves a fixed menu which changes every three days, It's all very high quality and elegant, but also pretty chill as dress standards are casual, and you don't need reservations at The Restaurant. You won't go hungry, but you also won't find yourself regretting your dining decisions as there's much more fresh fish, chilled seafood, and nightly sushi than on many mass market cruise lines. You can eat well while staying relatively healthy (although the excellent gelato was a nightly temptation). Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. What the food is like on a Viking Cruises ocean ship (2:20) Transcript: Hey there, cruisers. I am Dan Kline, Executive Editor of Come Cruise With Me. That is And I'm coming to you from my cabin in Viking Jupiter. Things are a little bit different in Viking, and I thought I would want to talk a little bit today about what the food is like. So it's not quite as expansive as if you're on a megaship. There aren't as many places to eat. But basically, there's a main dining room that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner. You do not have to make an appointment. You don't need a time. You can just show up. It might take a minute or two. There is a buffet that does breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Not quite as expansive, but absolutely top-notch. I actually think some of the best food on the ship. Dinner time, not only is there the buffet, which has many of the things the main dining room does, there's also the main dining room, which changes every night. There's an Italian specialty restaurant also included. You just have to make a reservation. And there's a chef's table. The chef's table is a different four-course meal every night. You really want to look at the menu before you go, because it's very specific. There's no substitutions other than for allergies. But everything is world-class. I would say the worst thing on the buffet is as good as any specialty restaurant I've ever been in. And there are things like king crab, shrimp cocktail, sushi every night for dinner. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. There's also Mamsen's, which is a sort of Norwegian specialty snack place. And there's sandwiches and waffles and pastries. And it's a little bit weird. There's also tea every day at 4 o'clock, which is a drawn-out British affair. Have done it a couple of times. Absolutely lovely. And there's cookies and pastry on the first floor all day long. So it's not as much as you would eat on another wall. You'll eat plenty. It's not as many choices as the other cruise lines have. But it is all absolutely world-class. We got to tour the galley today. And honestly, I would have eaten off the floor. It was how unbelievably clean it was. And the chef tastes every meal himself. So literally goes through, tastes every single thing they have. They make every day. Chef said to me that he has not been hungry in many, many months. And he does not remember the feeling of being hungry because he has to taste so much food every day. But if you want to come on Viking, food is one of the calling cards. They pick up local ingredients in every market. And they'll do one dish. So we had Aberdeen beef the other day. They usually pick up mussels in one of the stops we were in. But they're actually out of them. That is, of course, the perils of going local. I am Dan Kline. Come cruise with me soon. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Miami Herald
17 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Royal Caribbean cruisers react to Carnival cruise loyalty shakeup
As Carnival Cruise Line revealed details of its overhauled cruise loyalty program on June 18, it wasn't just Carnival cruisers who recoiled. Carnival Rewards, a spend-based rewards program set to roll out in June 2026, has many cruisers reeling, even some who don't sail with the cruise line. Related: Carnival Cruise Line faces major backlash over planned changes The new program appears to require passengers at the highest tiers to spend tens of thousands of dollars each year to maintain their elite status, and it could open the door for other cruise lines to do the same. Carnival's new spend-based loyalty program isn't a completely new concept - most airlines and hotels already follow this type of model, but the cruise industry has been slow to evolve. What do Royal Caribbean cruisers think about the new program and what it could mean for the cruise industry? Many "loyal to Royal" cruisers made their opinions clear in a discussion in the Royal Caribbean community on Reddit. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. "The new program Carnival announced yesterday rewards money over loyalty. Do you think this is something Royal and the other lines will try to adopt?" Redditor oOoOsarahOoOo asked fellow Royal Caribbean cruisers. "If so, would cruisers stay loyal to Royal, or would this be a reason to try other brands?" A number of cruisers reasoned that Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines will likely follow suit in a few years, if Carnival reports that the change increases revenue. "I think the other cruise lines are going to wait to see how this affects Carnival's business. If there's not too much of a difference, or somehow Carnival's earnings go up with this reward program? You will 100% see other cruise lines adopt this model," CricketCapital4095 commented. Related: Carnival Cruise Line rep threatened over loyalty program changes As other travel loyalty programs increasingly reward travelers based on their spending, it's not surprising that cruise lines would follow. "This is an extremely logical move for [Carnival] to make, despite how many people are deep in their feels about it, and I'd bet the cost of my next cruise that other lines will follow suit within a couple of years of Carnival's first earnings call after this goes into effect," baltinerdist added. Commenters also pointed out that if the industry moved in this direction, cruisers may be more inclined to sail with multiple cruise lines rather than stay loyal to one in order to gain status. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. "If there is no loyalty program, then why be loyal," Routine_Day_1276 questioned. "That's the entire reason for it. Granted, you don't get a lot for being loyal, but anything that isn't an insult is better than nothing. In my opinion, what Carnival did is an insult to everyone who has been loyal. So no, if Royal went that route, I would not be loyal to them anymore." Royal Caribbean cruisers don't want the cruise line to change its popular Crown & Anchor loyalty program. Like Carnival's current VIFP Club, Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor program rewards cruisers based on nights sailed. Related: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises announce new reward benefits "I very much hope Royal realizes that by having the best loyalty program in the industry, they would have the most to lose by making drastic changes to Crown & Anchor," xAdray commented. Still, if the Carnival Rewards program proves successful, Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines would likely begin to incorporate spending-based rewards into their loyalty programs in some way. "Even if other cruise lines don't adopt the Carnival-specific model, I wouldn't be surprised if an 'onboard spending' category was added as a way to retain top-tier status. It's all about capturing dollars on board for the cruise lines," CricketCapital4095 pointed out. "If you're top-tier status but don't spend much on board, why would a cruise line much care about your loyalty status? More than likely those customers cost cruise lines money in some capacity," CricketCapital4095 added. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
