Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled plans for a completely reimagined loyalty programme, Carnival Rewards, set to launch in June 2026.
The revamped initiative marks a cruise industry first, introducing a host of new features, a refreshed structure for earning status, additional reward categories, and a new name, replacing the long-standing Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) scheme. The current VIFP programme will remain in place until the transition, allowing guests to continue earning status which will then serve as their entry tier in the new scheme.
At the heart of Carnival Rewards is a dual-earning model, allowing guests to accumulate both Carnival Reward points redeemable across a wide range of Carnival experiences and status-qualifying stars, which will determine membership tier. The new approach moves beyond counting cruise nights alone, recognising overall engagement and spend, including both cruise fares and onboard purchases.
Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, commented, “The evolution of our loyalty programme to Carnival Rewards underscores our commitment to recognising and rewarding our most loyal guests in more meaningful ways. While the VIFP programme has served us well, the scale of our loyal base today demands a more personalised and flexible system. Carnival Rewards delivers that, with greater value, clarity and connection to the guest experience.”
How the New Programme Works:
Under Carnival Rewards, guests will earn:
- Reward Points – redeemable for a wide range of benefits, including spa treatments, shore excursions, specialty dining, and future cruise credits.
- Status Stars – which unlock tiered loyalty levels: Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.
Status will be calculated over a two-year qualification period and retained for the subsequent two years. Existing members of the VIFP scheme will see their current status carried across into the new programme on 1 June 2026, valid through to 31 May 2028. Diamond members will retain their status for a longer six-year period, until May 2032.
As part of the transition, Fun Points held by existing and new Carnival Mastercard holders will automatically convert to Carnival Reward points at launch.
To support the roll-out, Carnival will provide guests with access to a dedicated website carnivalrewards.com alongside regular email updates, tools to monitor status, and guidance on maximising rewards.