Carnival’s Loyalty Programme Overhaul: What UK Cruisers Need to Know
Carnival Cruise Line is making waves with its revamped loyalty programme. The upcoming Carnival Rewards scheme, set to replace the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) club in June 2026, initially faced backlash. Many loyal cruisers felt their dedication was being ignored. However, Carnival has listened and is now making changes to address these concerns.
Diamond Status Secured
One of the most significant updates is for those nearing Diamond status. Guests who achieve this level by 31st May 2026 will retain it permanently. Reaching Diamond requires 200 days at sea, equivalent to nearly 30 week-long cruises. This change encourages those close to Diamond to book more cruises in the coming months to secure their status for life.
Platinum Members Get a Boost
Platinum members won’t receive lifetime status, but there’s good news. Starting June 2026, Platinum cruisers will begin each two-year cycle with 10,000 “stars” in their account. This gives them an automatic Gold tier status and a head start towards higher tiers. It’s a fair compromise for those who have shown loyalty over the years.
Rewards for Young Cruisers
While under-18s can’t have their own accounts, Carnival has ensured they won’t miss out. Children will share the same tier as the responsible adult on their booking. If a child would have reached Platinum or Diamond under the old scheme before June 2026, that status will be recorded. Once they turn 18, they can join Carnival Rewards at the higher level.
Milestone Rewards Remain
Carnival has also addressed concerns about Milestone Rewards. These rewards, marking the 25th, 50th, 75th, and 100th sailings, will continue to be honoured. All existing VIFP Milestone awards earned through May 2026 will be valid until May 2030. In the future, Milestone Rewards will be based on total days sailed, reflecting the time guests spend onboard.
US-Only for Now
Currently, the Carnival Rewards programme is only available to US residents. This has disappointed Canadian and Australian cruisers. However, Carnival is exploring options to expand the programme internationally. No timeline has been provided yet, but the cruise line is aware of the demand.
Carnival’s president, Christine Duffy, emphasised the importance of guest loyalty. She stated that the passion and dedication of their guests inspire the team every day. As Carnival continues to refine its loyalty programme, UK cruisers can look forward to potential future inclusivity.
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