Carnival launches loyalty program with points, status tiers & milestone benefits

Carnival Cruise Line has launched Carnival Rewards, introducing a loyalty program that allows guests to earn redeemable points, qualify for status and receive recognition based on their lifetime sailing history.

The program includes Carnival Rewards Points, which can be redeemed toward cruises and eligible onboard experiences, and Status Qualifying Stars, which determine status and additional benefits. 

A separate Milestone Recognition Program recognizes guests based on their total days sailed.

“Cruise loyalty has traditionally been built around how often guests sail, and Carnival Rewards was designed to go beyond that,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. 

“The new program recognizes the many ways our guests engage with Carnival, and with both rewards and status, we’re giving guests more flexibility and more value to enjoy the experiences that matter most to them. Simply put: Your cruise, Your rewards. Your way.”

Carnival Rewards Mastercard holders can also earn points and accelerate their status through everyday spending.

Earning and redeeming points

Guests can earn Carnival Rewards Points regardless of their status level, with three points awarded for every $1 spent on eligible Carnival purchases, including gratuities.

They also earn one rewards point for every Casino Point remaining at the end of a sailing.

Points can be redeemed toward future Carnival cruises and eligible onboard experiences, including shore excursions, specialty dining and spa treatments.

Points are awarded after the sailing and post approximately 14 days after it ends. 

Guests can redeem them as soon as they become available.

Four status levels

Status is determined by Status Qualifying Stars. 

Guests earn three stars for every $1 spent on eligible Carnival purchases, including gratuities, and one star for every Casino Point earned, even if it has already been redeemed onboard for Funplay.

The program has four status levels:

• Red: Upon enrolment
• Gold: 10,000 stars
• Platinum: 50,000 stars
• Diamond: 100,000 stars

Guests earn status during a two-year qualifying window and retain it for the remainder of that period and the following two-year status enjoyment window.

The inaugural qualifying period runs from Sept. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2028, giving guests additional time to earn stars.

The separate Milestone Recognition Program recognizes enrolled members based on their lifetime days sailed with Carnival. 

Mastercard benefits

The Carnival Rewards Mastercard allows cardholders to earn additional points and Status Qualifying Stars through eligible purchases.

Card benefits include:

• 50,000 bonus points for new cardholders who spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days, subject to terms.
• Up to six points per $1 on eligible Carnival purchases, combining three points from the card with up to three points through Carnival Rewards. Eligible purchases include cruise fares, shore excursions, onboard activities, spa treatments and specialty dining.
• Two points per $1 on eligible restaurant and grocery store purchases.
• One point per $1 on all other purchases.
• Up to four Status Qualifying Stars per $1 on Carnival purchases when combined with stars earned through Carnival Rewards, plus one star per $1 on all other purchases.
• A promotional annual percentage rate of zero per cent for six months on Carnival cruise booking purchases, subject to terms.
• A 2,500-point annual card anniversary bonus after spending $2,000 on purchases.

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