Carnival Cruise Line recently dropped major news: starting June 1, 2026, the existing Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program will retire and be replaced by a modern dual-earning system called Carnival Rewards. While management says it’s a move toward flexibility and rewards tied to spending, seasoned cruisers are far less excited.
What the Old VIFP Program Offers
Under VIFP, loyalty is simple: one point per cruise night, with tiers unlocking based solely on nights sailed:
| Tier | Required Nights | Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Red | 2–24 | Water bottle, exclusive promos |
| Gold | 25–74 | Free drink (on 5+ day), Gold pin |
| Platinum | 75–199 | Party invites, priority lines, laundry |
| Diamond | 200+ | Dining priority, free upgrade, laundry, Captain’s event |
Benefits are lifetime, meaning you never lose your tier once earned.
New Carnival Rewards
Carnival Rewards revamps loyalty with a points + stars system:
- 3 Stars and 3 Points per $1 spent on cruises, onboard experiences, spa, dining, and shore excursions.
- 1 Star per casino point earned.
- Same 4 tiers (Red, Gold, Platinum, Diamond) but based on “Stars” (spend), not nights.
- Tier thresholds (stars earned in 2 years):
- Gold: 10k stars (~$3,334 spend)
- Platinum: 50k (~$16,667)
- Diamond: 100k (~$33,334)
- Points are redeemable for almost anything onboard—or even toward future cruises
- New Carnival Rewards Mastercard boosts both points and stars; existing balances from the current card will convert when the program launches next year
- Existing status rolls over: Red–Platinum valid through May 31, 2028; Diamond through May 31, 2032
Comparing the Programs
| Feature | VIFP (Current) | Carnival Rewards (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Earning | 1 night = 1 point | $1 spend = 3 stars + 3 points + casino stars |
| Status Criteria | Nights sailed (lifetime) | Stars from spend over rolling 2-year windows |
| Tier Reset | Never | Required every 2 years |
| Status Tiers | Blue, Red, Gold, Plat, Diam | Red, Gold, Plat, Diamond |
| Tier Benefits | Drinks, pins, laundry, etc. | Same perks, but the Platinum party is replaced with 2 free drinks per sailing |
| Point Redemption | Limited perks | Broad—including dining, spa, for future cruises |
| Credit Card Link | Old card with FunPoints | New Mastercard, plus converted old FunPoints |
| Status Roll-over | Immediate permanent tier | Fixed roll-over periods; then must requalify |
What is no longer being offered?
Gold
- The gold status pin (collected at each cruise) is no longer included
Platinum
Losing several perks:
- No more VIFP Club party on 5+ day sailings—instead, receive two free drinks per sailing
- No complimentary arcade credits for guests under 18
- Welcome treat on longer sailings now available only on request
- VIFP-branded logo gift is no longer given on each sailing
Diamond
Includes all Platinum removals, plus:
- No free specialty restaurant meal for two
- One-time free cabin upgrade or “third/fourth/fifth passenger sails free” offer is eliminated
- VIFP luggage-tag set is no longer awarded
Why Cruisers Are Upset
The main concerns are:
- Loss of lifetime status
- Tier decay requires ongoing spend even from longtime cruisers
- High spend thresholds to maintain status
- Fear that the program favors big spenders over frequent cruisers
Carnival Rewards does offer more flexibility—points you can redeem onboard, credit card perks, and rewards for non-cruise spending. But it also replaces guaranteed lifetime status with a spend-based system, meaning there’s now a real risk of losing tier benefits if you aren’t consistently spending. Personally, I like the idea of being able to cruise with another line for a season—maybe to regions they don’t serve—without worrying about losing my standing when I return.
For longtime cruisers who earned their status through years of sailing rather than big spending, this shift feels more like a rollback than a reward. Under the old system, every cruiser earned the same benefits for their nights at sea, regardless of how much they paid for their cabin. Under the new program, higher-spending guests will see greater rewards—putting more emphasis on dollars spent over cruising loyalty.
If you’re aiming to keep your perks, make sure to max out your current VIFP status before June 1, 2026. Beyond that date, you’ll need to re-earn status every two years, meaning ongoing spending (on cruises, onboard activities, the new credit card, or casino play). You can also consider opening a Carnival Rewards Mastercard(we have no affiliation) to accelerate stars and points earning. Finally, keep a close eye on carnivalrewards.com and your email—Carnival will be rolling out tracking tools, detailed guides, and tips to help you navigate the transition successfully.
