If you're planning a Carnival cruise in 2026, you’ll want to understand the changes and additions the cruise line is making.
Although cruisers should not expect a brand-new ship in 2026 (Carnival Festivale isn't scheduled to enter service until 2027), Carnival is making some changes that will impact the overall guest experience — for better or worse.
From overhauling the cruise line's loyalty program to rebranding its private island, here are 8 big changes you can expect to take place across Carnival's fleet in 2026.
New Carnival Rewards™ program
Starting on June 1, 2026, Carnival Cruise Line will no longer base guests' loyalty tier progression on the number of nights sailed. Instead, cruise passengers will earn qualifying stars based on their total spend with Carnival.
For every $1 spent, guests will earn 3 stars. Moreover, 1 casino point will earn the cruiser 1 star. If you want to earn stars on everyday purchases, you can also apply for the new Carnival co-branded Mastercard.
According to the cruise line, the changes are meant to provide passengers with more flexibility, as cruisers can redeem points on the add-ons they want — think specialty restaurants, shore excursions, and spa treatments — rather than being assigned a slew of perks based on their status tier.
There's one huge catch, though: status expires every two years, aligning more closely with airline and hotel loyalty programs. Initially, Diamond cruisers were only guaranteed to keep their status through May 31, 2032. Afterward, top-tier sailors would have to requalify under the new program's terms and conditions.
After being met with its fair share of criticism, Carnival backtracked on the unpopular decision. Now, Carnival cruisers who achieve Diamond status by May 31, 2026, will retain their status for life in the Carnival Rewards™ program.
Moreover, passengers who are Platinum VIFP Club members by May 31, 2026, will have their status extended through May 31, 2028. They will then receive a head start of 10,000 qualifying stars in every two-year earning cycle, guaranteeing them at least Gold status.
The four new tiers include:
- Red (upon sign up)
- Gold (from 10,000 stars)
- Platinum (from 50,000 stars)
- Diamond (from 100,000 stars)
Higher Wi-Fi prices
Carnival is increasing the cost of its Wi-Fi packages for the second year in a row. Those with booked cruises in 2026 were the first to spot the new prices, with the cheapest now starting at $20.40 per day, compared to $18.70 in 2025.
The Value Plan is the second tier, priced at $23.80 for those who purchase it ahead of time. Finally, the Premium Plan, Carnival's fastest and most inclusive package, is priced at $25.50 for pre-cruise purchases.
Previously, the Value Plan cost $22.10, while the Premium Plan cost $23.80 per day.
Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay
Carnival isn't opening a new private destination in 2026. However, they are upgrading two of their existing destinations. The first, Half Moon Cay, is going to be transformed into Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay. The guest experience will be seriously enhanced once the renovations are completed.
For starters, a new pier will be built on the island's north side, allowing Carnival's Excel Class ships to call at the private island for the first time. Carnival Cruise Line is also expanding the beachfront experience with improved lunch venues, a new shore excursion pier, and better bars.
According to Carnival, Half Moon Cay's enhancements will begin to be completed by summer 2026 and continue throughout the end of the year.
Read more: Paradise regained? How cruise lines are making Bahamas cruises better than ever
Isla Tropicale
Carnival is also expanding its exclusive 24-acre destination in Roatán, Honduras, which opened in 2009. New features include a pool with a swim-up bar, luxurious cabanas, and plush loungers. They also plan to add an expanded beach and a beach club in the future.
The destination's new logo will be a hummingbird to honor the local wildlife. (Did you know there are 20 species of hummingbirds in Honduras?).
Carnival ships visit Honduras year-round. In fact, Mahogany Bay is a popular port on many Western Caribbean itineraries. That said, Carnival has not provided a timeline for the project's completion in 2026.
Second pier at Celebration Key
Carnival's Celebration Key opened in July and has quickly become a fan favorite. The new private destination embodies everything guests love about a Carnival cruise, combined with the picture-perfect island getaway.
There are big plans for Celebration Key's future — starting with a second pier. This will allow four (yes, four!) Excel Class ships to dock at the private destination at once.
There isn't a date of completion yet, but Carnival mentioned that the pier should be finished in 2026.
Carnival Zero Proof drink package
Carnival introduced its first non-alcoholic drink package earlier this year. The CHEERS! Zero Proof lets passengers enjoy a wider variety of non-alcoholic beverages for a set price, rather than just soda.
For now, bookings have only been for sailings through December 21, 2025. As such, passengers sailing in 2026 can't pre-purchase the zero-proof package — at least not yet.
According to John Heald, Carnival's social media-famous Brand Ambassador, he will share information about the 2026 availability of the non-alcoholic drink package as soon as it's confirmed.
"I get asked when this will go on sale multiple times every single day. I promise the moment I have that information I will post it here so everybody has the opportunity to purchase it for next year’s Cruises," he wrote on Facebook.
Read more: Carnival introduces its first non-alcoholic drink package
Ships going into dry dock
14 cruise ships are scheduled to undergo routine dry docks in 2026. Dry docks are a normal part of cruise ship upkeep and usually happen every few years to ensure that everything is running smoothly.
In addition to basic maintenance, like cleaning and inspecting the hull, repainting, and servicing the stabilizers, the interior gets attention, too.
Carnival, for example, has been upgrading the cabins, adding bedside lamps with built-in USB ports for extra charging options in older staterooms. Other possibilities include enhanced youth clubs, cabin reconfigurations, refreshed stores, and more.
Here's a look at Carnival's dry dock schedule for 2026 (this list is subject to change):
Carnival Conquest: January 5—26, 2026
Carnival Elation: January 15, 2026 — February 8, 2026
Carnival Dream: February 7, 2026 — March 20, 2026
Carnival Encounter (wet dock): February 16, 2026 — March 4, 2026
Carnival Glory: March 2, 2026 — April 10, 2026
Carnival Pride: March 15, 2026 — April 8, 2026
Carnival Paradise: April 9—30, 2026
Carnival Magic: April 18, 2026 — May 25, 2026
Carnival Legend: April 29, 2026 — May 19, 2026
Carnival Horizon: May 9, 2026 — June 14, 2026
Carnival Freedom: September 1, 2026 — October 8, 2026
Carnival Radiance: September 12. 2026 — October 2, 2026
Carnival Venezia: October 6, 2026 — November 14, 2026
Carnival Luminosa: October 23, 2026 — November 29, 2026
New itineraries
Finally, one of Carnival's big 2026 highlights will be a series of new itineraries, including special "Carnival Journeys" cruises that offer longer sailings with unique ports of call.
Carnival Horizon, for example, will embark on a 13-day "Carnival Journeys" sailing from Barcelona, Spain, to Miami, Florida, on June 15, 2026. Along the way, the ship will call at Alicante and Málaga, Spain; Gibraltar; and Celebration Key in The Bahamas.
Moreover, Carnival Luminosa will homeport in San Francisco for the first time. During the summer, the 16-year-old ship will sail from California to Alaska and Baja Mexico on 10-day cruises.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
In addition to writing for Cruise.Blog, Elizabeth has bylines in Business Insider, Royal Caribbean Blog, and Cruiseshipfood.com.
