Carnival Cruise Line will replace its existing Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program with a new initiative called Carnival Rewards, set to launch June 1, 2026. The program introduces several structural changes to how guests earn and redeem benefits.
The new program shifts from the current night-based earning model to a dual-earning structure. Guests will accumulate both Carnival Rewards points for redemptions and status qualifying stars for tier advancement. This represents a departure from VIFP's focus exclusively on the number of nights sailed.
Carnival Rewards will incorporate spending-based earning opportunities, including cruise fares and onboard activities. The program will integrate with a co-branded Barclays credit card — the Carnival Rewards Mastercard — allowing cardholders to earn points and status through everyday purchases. Additional credit card details will be announced later.
Points earned through the program can be redeemed for various Carnival offerings, including onboard activities, spa treatments, specialty dining and future cruise bookings. The status component features four tiers: Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Status will be earned over a two-year period and maintained for the subsequent two years.
"The evolution of our loyalty program to Carnival Rewards represents our commitment to creating more meaningful recognition for our valued guests," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. "Our current VIFP program has served us well for many years and while we've enjoyed truly extraordinary growth in our loyal customer base, it has become challenging to deliver the exceptional experience our Diamond and Platinum members deserve."
Current VIFP members will have their existing status carry over into Carnival Rewards for a two-year period through May 31, 2028. Diamond-level members receive extended status retention through May 31, 2032 — a six-year period from the program launch.
Guests will continue earning VIFP status until the June 2026 conversion. Current credit cardholders and new cardholders joining before the program launch will have their Fun Points converted to Carnival Rewards points.
Duffy added the transition "honors our past while building a future where loyalty is recognized through both cruising frequency and overall engagement with the Carnival experience, bringing Carnival Rewards into the top tier of travel loyalty programs."
Carnival will provide ongoing communication to current loyalty members throughout the transition period leading to June 2026. The company plans to offer detailed program information, status tracking tools and guidance for maximizing rewards under the new system. Additional details are available at carnivalrewards.com.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Carnival Cruise Line. It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
