Carnival Cruise Line’s announcement of the new Carnival Rewards program, set to replace the long-standing Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program in June 2026, has sparked a wave of reactions among loyal cruisers. The shift from a days-cruised-based loyalty system to one driven by spending has left many questioning how it will impact their cruising experience. Since the announcement just 24 hours ago, there’s been quite a bit, actually an enormous amount, of chatter in social media about the changes with many expressing frustration and venting to John Heald (Carnival’s Brand Ambassador), while some are very pleased with the new program.
Obviously any change is going to spark a reaction – whether good or bad. So as the dust begins to settle (or not) let’s explore who stands to gain or lose the most, and hear directly from Carnival cruisers voicing their thoughts on platforms such as Facebook, Cruise Critic, and Reddit.
A Guide to Carnival Cruise Line’s New Carnival Rewards Program
The Big Change From Days Cruised to Dollars Spent
Under the current VIFP program, loyalty status (Blue, Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond) is determined solely by the number of days a guest has cruised with Carnival. For example, reaching Platinum status requires 75 cruise days, while Diamond demands 200. This system rewarded frequent cruisers, regardless of how much they spent onboard, making it accessible for budget-conscious travelers who sailed often, even on shorter, less expensive itineraries, or comped casino cruises.
The new Carnival Rewards program, launching June 1, 2026, flips this model on its head. Loyalty tiers (now Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond, with Blue eliminated) will be based on “Status Qualifying Stars” earned through spending:
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3 stars per $1 spent on eligible Carnival purchases, including cruise fares, onboard activities like spa treatments and shore excursions, and pre-cruise add-ons like airport transfers (excluding flights booked through Carnival).
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1 star per casino point earned through the Carnival Players Club, roughly equating to $2 wagered in the casino.
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Stars determine tier status: Gold at 10,000 stars ($3,334 spent), Platinum at 50,000 stars ($16,667), and Diamond at 100,000 stars ($33,334).
Additionally, guests earn Carnival Rewards points at the same rate, which can be redeemed for perks like specialty dining, gratuities, or even future cruises. Current earned status will carry over for a two-year period except for current Diamond VIFP members, who retain their status for six years. Unlike the VIFP program, where status was permanent, Carnival Rewards introduces requalification every two years, meaning cruisers must maintain spending levels to keep their tier. This requalification is not something new in the cruise industry. MSC already requires its Voyagers Club members to take one cruise every three years in order to maintain their status level.
Who’s Impacted the Most?
The shift to a spend-based system will hit certain groups harder than others:
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Budget Cruisers: Those who prioritized shorter, cheaper cruises, or sail only on free casino cruises to rack up VIFP points will struggle to maintain status unless they rack up a lot of casino points or spend a good deal onboard. For example, a family cruising once every two years on a budget itinerary may not spend enough to reach even Gold status ($3,334 in two years). As one Reddit user notes, “For a family that cruises once every year to once every two years, this is a huge change.”
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Infrequent Cruisers with High Status: Platinum and Diamond members who cruised frequently in the past but now sail less often risk losing their hard-earned status. A Facebook commenter expressed frustration: “So I have been platinum for years, and stay loyal to Carnival solely because of that status. Apparently now I’m going to lose that, as I can’t afford to spend that much to keep platinum.”
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Non-Spenders Onboard: Cruisers who avoid onboard extras like drinks, excursions, or casino play will find it nearly impossible to earn enough stars. A Cruise Critic user noted, “We don’t drink heavy or do casinos. We do excursions and that’s about it in terms of spending… not sure this is a good thing for us.”
Additionally, the loss of lifetime status is a particular sore point. Unlike airline programs like Delta or hotel chains like Marriott, which offer permanent elite status after reaching high thresholds, Carnival’s new system requires constant spending to maintain benefits, alienating long-time loyalists.
Who Benefits?
While the changes have drawn ire, some cruisers stand to gain:
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High Spenders: Guests who splurge on premium cabins, spa treatments, or shore excursions will climb tiers faster. For instance, a couple spending $10,000 on a luxury suite and onboard extras could hit Platinum in a single cruise.
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Casino Players: The inclusion of casino points in the loyalty equation is a (HUGE) boon for gamblers. Earning 1 star and 1 point per casino point (about $2 wagered) means heavy casino players can rack up stars quickly. I’ve personally witnessed many player’s points on the slot machine screen well over the 100k mark on a single 7-day cruise, which equates to instant diamond status.
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Carnival Mastercard Users: The program ties closely to the Carnival Rewards Mastercard, allowing cardholders to earn points (though not stars) on everyday purchases. This could benefit frequent card users, though details on star-earning potential remain unclear.
For high rollers and frequent spenders, the ability to quickly earn status and points for perks like shore excursions or specialty dining adds significant value.
The Next Steps…
Carnival is offering a transition period to ease the shift. Current VIFP members will retain their status through May 31, 2028 (or 2032 for Diamond members), giving them time to adjust. The cruise line also promises tools to track points and stars, with more details forthcoming.
For now, cruisers face a choice: adapt to the spend-based model or if they are that upset with the new program, explore other lines. The program’s success will hinge on whether Carnival can balance rewarding big spenders while retaining the loyalty of its broader customer base.
What do you think of the Carnival Rewards program? Are you a budget cruiser worried about losing status, or a high spender excited for the new perks? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!