Carnival Cruise Line unveils new, modernized loyalty program
Although change is rarely easy, it's essential to grow.
Many forward-thinking companies recognize this and embrace change, even when changing programs and processes means initially upsetting some of their most loyal customers.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line takes on a new passenger problem
Carnival Cruise Line is proving that it's an industry leader by evolving its Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program, transforming it to a new points-based rewards system intended to better serve its loyal passengers.
Although the new loyalty program is already ruffling the feathers of some loyal Carnival cruisers who have reached the highest tiers in the VIFP program, the new Carnival Rewards program promises enhanced benefits and modernized ways of earning status for all cruisers.
Rolling out in June 2026, the new Carnival Rewards program will offer passengers 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.
Rather than only earning status based the number of nights sailed, passengers will be able to earn points for their spending - from cruise fare and onboard purchases to everyday spending on a co-branded Carnival Rewards credit card with Barclays.
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.
As he introduced the informative video to his Facebook followers, many of whom have been eager to learn about the loyalty program changes for some time, Heald emphasized a key point that cruisers should keep in mind - the new Carnival Rewards program will not take effect until June 2026.
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Transcript:
John Heald: Hello everybody, it's John, Brand Ambassador, Carnival Cruise Line, and I'm excited to be here to talk about our enhanced loyalty program. And who better to tell you about it than our fabulous President, Christine Duffy.
And here is our conversation.
John Heald: So, beyond having a new name, what is the Carnival Rewards program?
Christine Duffy: So, when it comes to loyalty, we believe that rewards should be flexible and personalized, and that's exactly what Carnival Rewards will deliver. Our loyal guests are the reason we are the world's most popular cruise line, and their continued loyalty is vital. We need to make sure we provide them with meaningful benefits.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line fixes massive passenger pain point
Christine Duffy: The cruise industry overall has grown and evolved immensely, and so have we. Rewards programs have evolved as well across the entire travel industry, especially for airlines and hotels, but not really so much for cruise.
As an industry leader, just like we brought the first LNG ship to North America, we will be the first to bring a modern rewards program to our Carnival Cruise Line guests.
For the first time, guests will be able to build up their Carnival Rewards points, and so it's going to provide great benefits to the millions of Carnival guests. It's your cruise, your rewards, your way.
Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
John Heald: So, what about status? How do you earn status from the Carnival Rewards Program?
Christine Duffy: In tandem with points, guests will earn status qualifying stars to unlock higher status levels. This puts guests in the driver's seat of their status.
We all wish we could sail all the time, but the reality is for most people, vacation time is limited, which means obtaining status can be difficult in the current program, which is based only on frequency.
This new program will provide more avenues for guests to reach status, as well as the opportunity to earn status more quickly.
Related: Carnival cruisers get free drinks with this lesser-known deal
John Heald: That's brilliant news, but will guests be able to keep their current status?
Christine Duffy: VIFP status will transfer to Carnival Rewards for two years. Now, for our Diamond guests, which is our highest status level, we are going to be extending the complimentary grace period for six years.
John Heald: What are we doing to make this easier for our guests to understand and easier to use?
Christine Duffy: From today forward, we will be communicating frequently and clearly to make sure the message gets out about how to engage and work with the new Carnival Rewards program focused on you and how we celebrate and acknowledge your loyalty.
For instance, we'll be recognizing status in more ways than just benefits, but with meaningful moments that show our appreciation for the special milestones.
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John Heald: And of course, we all know that changes like this are not going to happen overnight, right?
Christine Duffy: The new program, while we are announcing it today in June of 2025, does not go into effect until June of 2026, so we have plenty of time for everyone to get acclimated, learn about the program, engage, and in the meantime, as you continue to sail on Carnival throughout the next 12 months, you'll continue to earn towards your status.
John Heald: Thank you so much. A special thank you to Christine for taking her time to talk to us about this enhanced rewards program. A massive thank you to the crew and a special thank you to all of you for your loyalty and for your loyalty to come. Thank you so much and keep choosing fun.
(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
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