Military Service Dog Achieves Diamond Status on Carnival

Carnival Cruise Line has a unique new member joining the top tier of its VIFP loyalty program — a retired U.S. Army service dog named Sarge.

While sailing on Carnival Celebration last week, Sarge reached Diamond status in the Very Important Fun Person Club — though Carnival pointed out that in this case, the “P” could also stand for “pooch.”

The 14-year-old Belgian Malinois just completed his 55th cruise and was honored during the ship’s Platinum and Diamond loyalty event for spending over 200 nights at sea with Carnival.

“What could be more fun than celebrating a beloved four-legged friend as a Diamond cruiser?” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We’re proud to celebrate and support veterans at Carnival, as the cruise line that carries the most service members, and I’m delighted to count Sarge among them.”

Sarge spent most of his life serving in the military, and now lives and travels with his owner, Justin Marcum Sr., who is also a Diamond member with Carnival.

Carnival Cruise Line’s VIFP Club has five tiers, starting with Blue which cruisers are automatically during their first sailing. For each day you cruise, you earn one point. Red status is your second sailing up to 24 points, Gold is 25-74 points, Platinum is 75-199 points, and Diamond is 200 points and beyond.

Diamond status guests enjoys perks such as priority check-in and boarding, a complimentary drink at Seaday Brunch, priority tendering, unlimited free laundry service, access to special events and gatherings, and more.

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