Carnival Rewards: Is Carnival’s New Loyalty Program Geared Toward Big Spenders? (Coming Jun 2026)

In June 2026, Carnival Cruise Line will launch a brand-new loyalty program: Carnival Rewards™, replacing the current Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program. This marks a major shift in how cruise guests are rewarded — from a time-based model to a system that also considers spending behavior both onboard and off.

But as Carnival modernizes its loyalty system, many travelers are asking:Is this program more rewarding — or just more rewarding for big spenders?

Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Carnival Rewards™?

Carnival Rewards introduces a dual-earning structure:

• Points — Redeemable for Carnival experiences and purchases.

• Stars — Determine your loyalty tier status (Red, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond).

Guests earn both by spending on cruise fare, onboard purchases, and everyday transactions through the Carnival Rewards Mastercard. It’s Carnival’s way of aligning with airline-style loyalty programs — where engagement matters as much as frequency.

What Makes It Different from VIFP?

The old VIFP program was simple: sail more nights, climb the loyalty ladder.

Under Carnival Rewards, spend becomes just as important as sailing. This includes:

• Booking higher-tier cabins

• Dining at specialty restaurants

• Shopping or using the spa onboard

• Using the Carnival Mastercard between cruises

Pros of the New Program

• More flexible rewards (you’re not limited to future cruises)

• Points earned even when you’re not sailing, via the credit card

• Tier status based on activity over a 2-year period

• More ways to personalize your perks

Cons to Be Aware Of

• Prioritizes spending over sailing

• Less advantageous for budget-conscious cruisers

• More complex to understand and track

• Encourages co-branded credit card dependency

Who Benefits Most?

This program strongly favors:

• Travelers who spend more onboard

• Guests who use the Carnival credit card

• Those who already book premium experiences

If you typically cruise on a budget, don’t opt into extras, and skip the credit card, your path to Platinum or Diamond may now take longer.

What Happens to My Current VIFP Status?

Good news — Carnival is honoring current tiers. Here’s what to expect:

• Your existing VIFP level becomes your entry point into Carnival Rewards.

• You’ll retain that tier for at least two years (six years for Diamond members).

• You can continue to earn under VIFP rules until May 31, 2026.

Should You Be Concerned?

This isn’t a program designed just for “the rich.” But it is optimized for guests who are financially engaged with Carnival beyond just cruise bookings. In that sense, value-driven travelers may have to work a bit harder to get the same recognition they used to.

What You Can Do Now

• Keep cruising and earning your current VIFP benefits

• Decide if a Carnival Mastercard fits your lifestyle

• Follow Carnival’s updates for calculators and reward trackers

• Think about how you want to engage with loyalty programs in the long term

Click here for the full story

If you're planning a cruise and want to maximize your rewards without overspending, I can help you find the right trip and explain what loyalty perks truly matter for your lifestyle.

📩 wxventures@gmail.com, text 612-389-8709 or send me a DM — I specialize in helping first-time and budget-conscious cruisers plan smart, stress-free vacations.