Key Aspects:
- Carnival has listened to concerns about the Carnival Rewards program and is now adjusting some parts of the program in response.
- Adjustments include lifetime Diamond status, a Platinum points boost, and loyalty earning for young cruisers.
- More adjustments may yet be forthcoming as the program continues to be refined.
Carnival Cruise Line’s upcoming changes from the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program to the new Carnival Rewards program have been outstandingly controversial.
Ever since the new program was first announced in mid-June, guests have registered complaints with their travel agents, via social media, to brand ambassador John Heald, and through various emails.
Now, Carnival has listened and made several fixes to the new program in an attempt to honor the requests of their most loyal guests.
“The announcement left some of our most loyal guests with the impression that their loyalty was being overlooked, which certainly was not our intention,” the cruise line explained. “As a result, we are pleased to share some modifications that address the concerns expressed.”
This does show that Carnival Cruise Line is listening to its most loyal guests, even if the adjustments might not be what every single guest has hoped for.
“We greatly appreciate the loyalty of our passionate guests and the years of dedication many have exhibited in order to achieve higher tiered loyalty status with Carnival Cruise Line,” said Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line president.
Permanent Diamond Status
The biggest adjustment is that now, any Carnival VIFP guest who has already earned Diamond status will keep that status, permanently.
“Reflecting upon what it takes to achieve Diamond status, we are permanently extending Diamond level status to all guests who have earned it by May 31, 2026,” Carnival confirmed.
To become a Diamond level VIFP guest under the existing program, guests must sail with the line for 200 days, the equivalent of more than 28 7-night cruises. For many guests, it has taken many years, even decades, to reach that goal.
This can be a great incentive for guests who are already close to, but not quite at, Diamond status to book a few more Carnival cruises in the next few months so they can earn the status for life.
Platinum Points Boost
Unfortunately, Platinum VIFP guests will not get the same permanent status under the new program. There are just too many guests who have already earned that loyalty level to make a lifetime grant possible.
Instead, Carnival Cruise Line is offering a points “boost” for Platinum guests by automatically giving those travelers 10,000 “stars” in their Carnival Rewards account at the start of every two-year earning cycle.
This means these guests will start each new earning cycle not at zero, but already at Gold status, giving them an immediate boost toward earning back either Platinum or Diamond status more easily.
Rewards for Children
While it isn’t legal for children under the age of 18 to be enrolled in the Carnival Rewards program, it has been unclear how the cruise line might (or might not) offer rewards and earning status to young cruisers.
Now, that has been clarified and even the youngest Carnival guests will enjoy some rewards, depending on whom they are sailing with.
“We’re pleased to confirm that children will be able to enjoy the same status as their parent or adult that is designated as their responsible party on the booking for that sailing,” Carnival explained.
The cruise line is also going to note any young cruisers who will have earned Diamond or Platinum status before the new program begins on June 1, 2026. That status will be kept on file, and when the young guest turns 18, they will be invited to opt-in to Carnival Rewards at that loyalty level.
Milestone Rewards
Another question high-level VIFP guests have had is about their Milestone Rewards. These one-time-only perks celebrate the 25th, 50th, 75th, and 100th sailing guests enjoy aboard Carnival Cruise Line.
The new Carnival Rewards program made no mention of milestone acknowledgement, which the cruise line has now corrected.
“All existing VIFP Milestone awards earned through May 2026 will be fully honored through May 2030, giving us the honor of celebrating those special achievements with you,” the cruise line confirmed.
Read Also: Just How Long Has Carnival Been Considering the Rewards Plan?
More adjustments are coming to the Milestone program, which will now be based on overall days sailed rather than total number of cruises. This can make the program more fair, considering 25 3-night sailings is just 75 nights, whereas 25 7-night cruises is 175 nights onboard – a very significant difference.
Further Milestone details are yet to be announced.
Program Still Applies Only to US Residents
At this time, Carnival Rewards still only applies to guests who are US residents. Many loyal Canadian and Australian guests have expressed dismay and feelings of being excluded despite their loyalty.
The cruise line is still exploring different options to offer similar programs in those countries, but no further information is available at this time.
“The passion and loyalty of our guests is something that motivates our team every day to deliver the best cruise experience at sea,” said Duffy.
More From Cruise Hive
“We appreciate the support of our guests as we move forward with a new loyalty program that has been designed to create more rewards and recognition for our guests.”
Undoubtedly, these adjustments will do a great deal to mollify passionate Carnival fans. It will be impossible to please everyone, but perhaps this is just a start and more adjustments may yet be made in the next eight months before the new program begins.
