Carnival Delays New Loyalty Program So Summer Cruises Count Toward Status

Carnival Cruise Line is giving passengers more time to maximize their loyalty status before transitioning to its new Carnival Rewards program, pushing the launch date from early 2026 to September 1, 2026.

Extra Time to Earn Status

A large cruise ship with a blue hull and yellow lifeboats is docked at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal beside a white domed building, with city buildings and cranes visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
(Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

The cruise line announced the delay in a letter to VIFP Club members, explaining that all cruise activity through August 31, 2026 will now count toward final VIFP status. This means summer 2026 cruises will help determine starting status in the new program.

“We’ve been listening to your feedback about our upcoming Carnival Rewards program,” wrote Christine Duffy, Carnival’s president.

The move likely came from pushback from Carnival guests, many of them saying the new program is ‘a slap in the face.’

Benefits Remain Unchanged

A timeline shows earning and enjoyment periods for Carnival Cruise Line’s loyalty program. The earning period runs two years, ending May 31, 2026, followed by two years of platinum status enjoyment—highlighting big changes and benefits.

Carnival is keeping the benefits announced when the program was first revealed.

Diamond guests retain lifetime status, while Platinum guests receive a 10,000-star boost every two years to help maintain their tier.

How the Two-Year Cycle Works

A family-friendly Caribbean cruise ship sails on a vast ocean under a clear blue sky, with white clouds in the distance. This impressive vessel boasts multiple decks and a distinctive red and blue funnel, while gentle waves trail behind as it journeys forward.
(Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

The new program operates on a calendar-year schedule with two-year status periods. When Carnival Rewards launches on September 1, 2026, passengers’ starting status will match their VIFP status as of August 31, 2026, and will remain valid through December 31, 2028.

This first cycle gives everyone four extra months to earn status. After that, earning periods run January 1 through December 31 every two years.

Stars Determine Status, Points Buy Rewards

A graphic highlights Carnival Cruise Line loyalty tiers: red (upon sign up), gold (from 10,000 stars), platinum (from 50,000 stars), and diamond (from 100,000 stars)—with colorful stars marking each level and changes as you earn more.

The dual-currency system separates status qualification from redemption value. Passengers earn three stars per dollar spent on cruise fare and onboard purchases, with stars resetting every two years to determine tier level.

Points work differently; they’re spent on rewards like drinks, shore excursions, photos, and even cruise fare. Passengers earn 3 points per dollar on Carnival purchases, with 100 points equaling approximately $1 in value depending on demand.

Points never expire as long as passengers earn or redeem at least once every three years.

Credit Card Accelerates Earnings

The Carnival Mardi Gras, a large cruise ship, is docked at a port in the evening, brightly lit with multiple decks visible. City lights and buildings form the backdrop as the ship returns to service after dry dock.

The new Carnival Rewards Mastercard, launching in September 2026, accelerates both currencies. Cardholders can earn between four stars and six points per dollar on Carnival purchases, plus bonus earnings at grocery stores and restaurants.

Current Fun Points cardholders will see their balances automatically convert to Carnival Rewards Points.

Milestones Transition to Days Sailed

A large Carnival cruise ship sails through a calm blue sea near a lush, green island with scattered buildings. The sky is partly cloudy, and the landscape suggests a tropical or coastal setting, hinting at exciting 2026-2027 options for exploration.
(Photo Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

The current milestone program ends August 31, 2026, with all earned awards remaining valid through August 31, 2030. The new system ties milestones to total days sailed rather than the number of cruises, with special recognition delivered during the cruise where passengers hit each milestone.

Diamond guests under Carnival’s current VIFP loyalty program will receive lifetime status under Carnival Rewards.

Picture of Frank M

Frank M

Frank is a seasoned travel journalist with over a decade of experience covering hospitality, cruise, and air travel. He has traveled extensively by land, sea, and air, collaborating with industry giants like Marriott, Hyatt, Disney, and Carnival Corp. His work has been featured in major international and industry publications across four continents.
Recent Posts