MW Carnival Cruise is making a key change to its loyalty program revamp

By Charles Passy

The cruise line says it's responding to customer feedback, but some Carnival regulars still don't seem to be satisfied

A Carnival Cruise ship in Miami, one of the line's most popular embarkation points.

Carnival Cruise Line $(CCL)$ is tweaking its loyalty program yet again.

The new Carnival Rewards program, which lets travelers earn status through their spending rather than how many days they're at sea, is now set to go into effect Sept. 1, 2026, instead of the previously announced start date of June 1, 2026.

"In the months since we announced Carnival Rewards, we've spoken with our guests, listened to your comments, and considered your feedback," Carnival said on its website.

In launching the loyalty program later, Carnival will be giving members more time under its existing VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) program to achieve various status levels - red, gold, platinum and diamond - that offer perks ranging from free drinks to priority embarkation and debarkation. For example, to achieve diamond status - the top level - members need to have sailed with Carnival for at least 200 days.

The member status established as of Sept. 1, 2026, will remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2028; after that, status will be redetermined every two years based on spending totals.

But one key exception is for those who reach the diamond level by Sept. 1, 2026. They will have lifetime status at that reward-rich tier.

Some Carnival regulars indicated on the Cruise Critic site's forum that the added time could be helpful to them in reaching higher status levels. Cruise travel often peaks during the summer months - and the extension will now mean bookings during next summer will count.

At the same time, others on the forum have said they were still disappointed with the changes - it effectively means many Carnival regulars will be starting from scratch in terms of their status beginning in 2029. And the newly announced extension will not be enough to help some loyal cruisers.

"Even with this new date, I will not be able to reach diamond in time," said one commenter on the forum.

Another commenter just said they're no longer interested in trying to work the loyalty system.

"I'm getting to the point where I won't be thinking about status or rewards," the commenter said. "I don't want to chase a moving goal."

A Carnival spokesperson reiterated that the company is listening to what its travelers have to say.

"We continue to engage our guests and get their feedback," the spokesperson said. "Social media comments are just one source, but they are not the only gauge of sentiment, and we are hearing from many guests who are excited about the meaningful rewards opportunities the new program will offer."

Carnival also announced details concerning its Carnival Rewards Mastercard Benefit program $(MA)$, which will also launch on Sept. 1, 2026. The program will let cardholders earn bonus points for spending on Carnival as well as on eligible grocery stores and restaurants, among other benefits.

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-Charles Passy

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November 22, 2025 10:38 ET (15:38 GMT)

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