Carnival pushes back start date of controversial new loyalty program

Cruisers have a few more months to lock in lifetime Diamond loyalty status with Carnival Cruise Line!

The cruise giant announced that, rather than taking effect in June, the controversial Carnival Rewards™ program will now launch on September 1, 2026. 

This means that all Carnival cruise activity through August 31, 2026, will count toward the final VIFP status, which will match each guest’s starting Carnival Rewards™ loyalty level. 

Image

"To give you extra time — and to let your Summer 2026 cruises count toward your final VIFP Club® status — we are moving the launch of Carnival Rewards to September 1, 2026," reads an email sent to Carnival fans on November 20. 

Once launched, Carnival Rewards™ status will be valid through December 31, 2028. After that, all two-year earning periods will run from January 1 through December 31, making it easier for cruisers to track points and rewards.

Carnival is keeping the previously announced benefits, including lifetime Diamond status and the Platinum-level boost every two years. 

Image

Moreover, they are not making any changes to how cruisers earn stars. 

Guests will earn 3 stars per $1 spent on the Carnival cruise fare and onboard purchases, with an additional star awarded to those using the new Carnival co-branded Mastercard.

Passengers will also earn 1 star for every casino point earned while gambling onboard. 

Cruisers react to the change

Image

When Carnival announced the new Carnival Rewards™ loyalty program, they were met with a lot of backlash, as guests felt that the new system devalued their loyalty to the cruise line. 

While many are still unhappy with the impending change, some cruisers have welcomed the delayed launch. 

"WOOHOO! That gets me to diamond by the time of the change!!" commented Courtney Loy on John Heald, Carnival Brand Ambassador's, Facebook post.  

Image

Rachel Skaggs added, "Just got my email!!! Yay! Now to see how we can make it work to get to Diamond."

"I just read my email, that’s great news! I’m 19 days from diamond," wrote LaKisha Dennis. 

Still, not everyone is pleased. Lower-level cruisers argue that the change isn't meaningful for those who sail less frequently. 

Image

Jennifer Wyss-Quillo said, "This sucks. I really thought they would’ve grandfathered platinums in. It is time to try other lines."

Lisa Marie agreed, saying, "I’m very sad. They say they 'listened' to feedback but they really haven’t. I’m sad my platinum status will mean nothing eventually. I’ve been so loyal to this cruise line."