Carnival Cruise Line unveils new loyalty program
Carnival Cruise Line is launching a new loyalty program and a new name: Carnival Rewards.
It will have new features, new ways to earn status, and new reward categories.
The new program will go live in June 2026, and guests will continue earning rewards through the existing program Very Important Fun Person program until then.
Carnival Rewards is introducing a dual-earning structure where guests accumulate both Carnival Rewards points that can be redeemed on Carnival purchases and status qualifying stars that will determine a guest’s tier status.
Instead of focusing solely on the number of nights guests sail, Carnival Rewards will offer more opportunities to earn rewards and achieve higher status levels based on spend, including cruise fare and onboard activities.
The new program will be closely tied to everyday spending on the co-branded credit card with Barclays – the Carnival Rewards Mastercard – giving cardmembers the opportunity to earn points and status faster.
“The evolution of our loyalty program to Carnival Rewards represents our commitment to creating more meaningful recognition” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
“By introducing a points-based system, we’re enabling greater flexibility so guests can personalize their rewards in ways that matter most.”
Guests will earn Carnival Reward points as well as status qualifying stars on every eligible Carnival purchase, including cruise fares and onboard purchases.
The cruise line says the dual structure gives guests more control over their rewards and status.
As part of the transition to Carnival Rewards’ launch on June 1, 2026, members’ existing status will carry over and serve as a new entry point into the program for a two-year period through May 31, 2028.
Diamond members will retain their status for a six-year period through May 31, 2032.
Related News Stories: Carnival Cruise Line Adds More Cruises For 2026/27, With New ... Carnival Cruise Line unveils five-year strategic growth plan ... Carnival Cruise Line to mark USA's 250th anniversary - TravelMole Carnival Cruise Line adds more 2026/27 sailings Carnival Cruise Line hosts Prague getaway for Fun Ambassadors Adventure and Encounter officially join Carnival Cruise Line fleet ... Carnival Cruise Line launches new Asia Pacific cruises Carnival Cruise Line adds 2026/27 cruises from New Orleans, Long ... Carnival unveils new Miami HQ campus Carnival Cruise Line UK office to close
Learn more about : Carnival Cruise Line ( N. America )
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt