Carnival's loyalty overhaul outraged many longtime cruisers who felt that the cruise line didn't value their dedication over the years.
The updated Carnival Rewards™ program was met with a lot of criticism across social media and cruise forums, resulting in Carnival announcing a major change for top-tier cruisers.
Initially, Diamond cruisers were only guaranteed to keep their status through May 31, 2032. Afterward, those most loyal to the Carnival brand would have to requalify under the new program's terms and conditions.
Carnival, however, is rolling back its controversial decision. Now, those who achieve Diamond status by May 31, 2026, will retain their status for life in the brand-new Carnival Rewards™ program.
Similarly, guests who earn Platinum status in Carnival's VIFP Club by May 31, 2026, will have their status extended through May 31, 2028, and will receive a biannual boost of 10,000 qualifying Carnival Rewards™ stars in every two-year earning cycle thereafter.
Carnival claims that this will give Platinum members a "head start" in earning Platinum and Diamond statuses in the new program. It also guarantees at least Gold status in all future two-year cycles of the Carnival Rewards™ program.
Moreover, children will share the same status level as their parent or responsible guardian. Minors who have achieved Diamond or Platinum status by May 31, 2026, will be invited to opt in to the Carnival Rewards™ when they turn 18.
"...[W]e 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, President of Carnival Cruise Line.
"We’ve spent the summer talking with our guests, listening to their comments and taking in their feedback. As a result, I am happy to share that we are making changes to improve the offering to our most loyal customers as we get ready for the program’s launch in 2026. We believe these enhancements recognize our appreciation for the loyalty of our [top-tier] guests."
Carnival Rewards™ is a first-of-its-kind points-based system
Historically, Carnival cruisers have earned loyalty points based on each night spent aboard one of the cruise line's ships. For example, if you took a 7-night cruise, you'd earn 7 VIFP Club points.
However, through the new Carnival Rewards™ program, points, now called stars, will be earned based on cruise and onboard spending, as well as purchases made through the Carnival Rewards Mastercard.
Moreover, status is no longer lifelong. Tier levels will reset at the start of each new two-year earning period. This aligns more closely with airline and hotel loyalty programs.
Carnival Rewards™ starts can be redeemed for nearly any Carnival product and service — think specialty restaurants, shore excursions, spa treatments, and more.
Stars are used to unlock the four different tier levels: Red (upon sign up), Gold (from 10,000 stars), Platinum (from 50,000 stars), and Diamond (from 100,000 stars).
Read more: "Just not sustainable": Carnival President talks about loyalty program overhaul
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.
