Carnival Enhances Loyalty Perks Ahead of 2026 Launch

The Carnival Dream cruise ship
Corporate News Cruise Industry
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Carnival Cruise Line has announced new benefits for its upcoming Carnival Rewards loyalty program, offering enhancements to current Diamond and Platinum members as well as guests who achieve these levels before the program debuts on June 1, 2026.

“We are so excited about our new Carnival Rewards loyalty program launching next year,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“We greatly appreciate the loyalty of our passionate guests and the years of dedication many have exhibited to achieve higher-tiered loyalty status with Carnival Cruise Line. We’ve spent the summer talking with our guests, listening to their comments and taking in their feedback,” she added.

According to Duffy, the updates are designed to reward Carnival’s most loyal customers ahead of the program’s launch.

Key Enhancements

  • Diamond Members: Anyone who achieves Diamond status under the current VIFP Club by May 31, 2026, will retain that level until May 31, 2032, and will also receive lifetime Diamond recognition in the new Carnival Rewards program.
  • Platinum Members: Guests reaching Platinum in the VIFP Club by May 31, 2026, will have their status extended until May 31, 2028. In addition, they will get a 10,000-star bonus when the program launches and in every two-year cycle thereafter. This gives them a 20% head start toward maintaining Platinum, advancing to Diamond, and guarantees at least Gold status in future cycles.

Carnival also confirmed that children will share the same loyalty status as the parent or guardian listed on their booking. When they turn 18, minors who already hold Diamond or Platinum as of May 31, 2026, will be able to opt in independently.

The company noted it is reviewing similar reward opportunities for its Canadian and Australian guests.

When the Carnival Rewards program officially launches, status and rewards will be based on both travel activities and spending, supplemented by a co-branded credit card. Points will be redeemable as reward dollars for cruise fares, onboard purchases, shore excursions, and other vacation experiences.