Carnival Cruise Line has officially unveiled a series of enhancements to its upcoming Carnival Rewards™ loyalty program, designed to further recognize and reward the cruise line’s most dedicated guests. The update specifically targets members holding Diamond and Platinum status, ensuring their loyalty transitions seamlessly when the new program launches on June 1, 2026.
Under the new structure, all guests who achieve Diamond status in the current Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club by May 31, 2026, will automatically receive lifetime Diamond status in the Carnival Rewards™ program. This replaces the previous time-limited benefit and marks a major milestone in how Carnival honors its most loyal cruisers.
Platinum guests are also set to receive significant benefits. Those who reach Platinum by the May 31, 2026 deadline will maintain their status through May 31, 2028, and receive a 10,000-star boost every two years to accelerate their progress toward maintaining or upgrading their tier. This enhancement provides long-term recognition and tangible rewards for consistent Carnival travelers.
Carnival also introduced new benefits for younger guests. Minors under 18 will inherit the same loyalty status as the adult on their booking, ensuring families share the same level of recognition. Once they turn 18, those who achieved Platinum or Diamond under the VIFP program will have the opportunity to carry that status forward into Carnival Rewards™.
The company also confirmed ongoing efforts to expand the program’s accessibility for guests in Canada and Australia, including the development of international earning opportunities and co-branded Carnival Rewards™ credit cards. These additions aim to make loyalty recognition more inclusive across global markets.
In a statement, Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, said, “We greatly appreciate the loyalty of our passionate guests and the years of dedication many have shown in achieving higher status with Carnival. These enhancements are our way of saying thank you and ensuring our most loyal guests continue to feel valued as we introduce Carnival Rewards™.”
The Carnival Rewards™ program will move beyond the traditional cruise-night model of the VIFP Club, combining status stars and redeemable points to reward both sailing frequency and onboard engagement. Guests will be recognized not only for the number of days sailed but also for their overall participation in the Carnival experience.
These updates reflect Carnival’s broader commitment to evolving guest loyalty, preserving the exclusivity of top tiers, and rewarding long-term engagement. The enhancements reaffirm the brand’s promise to deliver unmatched value and recognition to the guests who make Carnival their cruise line of choice.
