Carnival cruise fans were initally excited to hear that the popular cruise line was going to overhaul its outdated loyalty program. However, excitement quickly turned into frustration and disappointment after they announced the revamped program would be a point-based system.
In the weeks after making the changes public, Carnvial received a wave of backlash from cruisers who feel the new system devalues their loyalty to the cruise line. But Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line's President, said they had no other choice.
"When we looked at the ships that we have coming...it's just not sustainable. And so, while we recognize and we knew this change and this announcement was gonna be difficult, the lifetime status benefits just can't be delivered in the right way," Duffy said during a Q&A Panel aboard Carnival Vista.
Although more details will be announced closer to the end of the year, Duffy reassured cruisers that it's not their intention for guests to not maintain their status if they choose. However, "...lifetime status is just not feasible given the number of people and the growth that we had in the highest tiers."
Carnival Vista is currently on an 8-day cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida. She is sailing to the Southern Caribbean before calling at Carnival's brand-new private destination in the Bahamas, Celebration Key.
The new dual-earning structure will allow cruisers to earn points based on their onboard spend and through the Carnival co-branded credit card
Duffy mentioned that guests with the current Barclays card can opt into the new credit card once it's available. The points on the Barclays card will automatically transfer to the new card, allowing guests to redeem them on various cruise add-ons.
"Having the credit card, using the credit card for everyday purchases, in addition to purchasing Carnival cruises or spending onboard, does give you points," Duffy said.
Cardholders can rack up points on everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and dining. Not only can the points be redeemed on Carnival cruise-related expenses, but they're also applied toward the new program's qualifying loyalty stars. This means cruisers can accelerate their tier progression with the credit card, even if they only sail once or twice per year.
She also mentioned there will be other ways to boost point earnings. For example, there might be select retail operators who offer promotions where cruisers can earn extra points. Carnival will "probably" do a similar thing on certain cruises, too.
Although you can't apply for the new Carnival Rewards credit card yet, you can apply for the current Barclays card to kickstart your earnings.
Read more: Carnival overhauls its cruise loyalty program
The credit card will be different for Australians and Canadians
Countries have different credit card laws, so Carnival can't offer the same card in Canada or Australia. However, Duffy said they're working on alternative card options.
"We are in active negotiations and discussions with a card provider for Canada and Australia, so that we will be able to have our guests from those countries...join the new rewards program," she said while aboard Carnival Vista.
That said, the benefits will likely be different based on the countries' laws.
Kids can't be part of the new loyalty program
That said, Carnival Cruise Line will maintain a database of children who have obtained Platinum and Diamond status by June 1, 2026.
While they won’t continue earning cruise points under the revamped system, they will have the option to opt into the new program once they turn 18. Platinum members will have two years to retain their status, while Diamond members will have six.
In the meantime, kids cruising on Carnival will have their status automatically matched to whoever is paying for their stateroom.
Norwegian Cruise Line also doesn't let minors join their Latitudes rewards program. However, all previous NCL sailings are credited to the guest on their first cruise after they've turned 18.
Carnival's new rewards program will be comprised of 4 tiers
Carnival Rewards launches June 1, 2026. The new program will have 4 tiers, down from the VIFP Club's 5:
- Red (upon sign up)
- Gold (from 10,000 stars)
- Platinum (from 50,000 stars)
- Diamond (from 100,000 stars)
Status Qualifying Stars are how you’ll earn status through Carnival Rewards, rather than the number of nights spent onboard.
There are a few ways to accumulate them. First, you can use the brand-new Carnival co-branded credit card, which will earn 3 stars for $1 spent. Additionally, every 1 casino point earned is 1 Qualifying Star.
Moreover, while most cruise lines follow a lifetime status model that lets guests earn and keep their status and perks, Carnival's new loyalty program only lets cruisers keep their status for two years.
This means that, like an airline or hotel rewards program, you could earn Diamond status during one qualifying year, then only spend enough to meet the requirements for Gold the next.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. 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!
