Carnival delays launch of new loyalty rewards program

Carnival Cruise Line says the launch of its new Carnival Rewards program has been rescheduled to Sept. 1, 2026, instead of the originally planned June 1, 2026.

Although the program is still transitioning to the new model, the change gives loyal Carnival guests additional time to boost their status before the program officially begins.

“To give you extra time — and to let your Summer 2026 cruises count toward your final VIFP Club® status — we are moving the launch of Carnival Rewards to September 1, 2026,” an email sent to Carnival guests reads, as reported by Cruise Hive. 

“All your cruise activity through August 31, 2026 will count toward your final VIFP status, which will become your starting status in Carnival Rewards.”

Many cruisers nearing the next loyalty tier have been eager to lock in that upgrade before the new program launches.

This is common among Platinum members who are on the verge of reaching Diamond status.

Once the new program takes effect, Diamond will be the sole lifetime status—a change Carnival announced in mid-September, two months after unveiling the program.

With the additional time over the busy summer season, more cruisers could potentially reach Diamond status under the current program before it transitions on September 1.

In recent months, Carnival has offered special promotions on select sailings, allowing travellers to earn double or even triple VIFP points, accelerating their progress toward higher status.

These offers may continue throughout the summer to encourage more guests to pursue the next loyalty tier.

With the announcement of the delayed launch of the Carnival Rewards program, additional details have also been shared.

The new status earning period will follow a two-year cycle, running from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31.

However, the very first status-earning period will start on Aug. 31, 2026, and extend through Dec. 31, 2028.

During these 28 months, guests will accumulate status that will determine their loyalty level for the following period, from January 1, 2029, through December 31, 2031.

Carnival guests will earn “stars” that go toward status based on their spending:

• 3 stars for every $1 spent on Carnival cruise fare
• 3 stars for every $1 spent on onboard purchases during a Carnival cruise
• 1 star for every casino point earned

If guests use the Carnival Rewards Mastercard, they will earn four stars (instead of 3) for cruise fare and onboard purchases. Meanwhile, there is no change in casino point earnings.

Every two years, a guest’s total star count will determine their loyalty status for the upcoming cycle. Gold status begins at 10,000 stars, Platinum at 50,000 stars, and Diamond at 100,000 stars.

Each tier comes with its own perks, including complimentary drinks, pins, free wash-and-fold laundry, and priority boarding and debarkation.

A major difference between the new Carnival Rewards program and the previous VIFP program is that loyalty status must now be re-earned every two years by accumulating the required number of stars.

The only exception is Diamond-level members, who will maintain their status for life—explaining the rush among guests aiming to chase Diamond in the months before the program changes.

Carnival guests will also earn “points” with every purchase in the same manner:

• 3 points per $1 spent on cruise fare and onboard purchases
• 1 point per casino point
• Extra points when using the Carnival Rewards Mastercard on everyday purchases, including grocery stores, restaurants, etc.

Points can be redeemed for all kinds of onboard rewards, including drinks, specialty dining, spa treatments, photos, and shore excursions.

Carnival has not released a full breakdown of point costs for each reward, but they have indicated that 100 points will generally be equivalent to about $1 in value.

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