A Quick Guide to Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Rewards
Carnival Rewards, Membership Tiers, Benefits, and More
From June 2026, Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival VIFP Club will transform into Carnival Rewards: a new, streamlined rewards programme for regular cruisers. While some things will remain the same, so those of you familiar with Carnival Cruise Line's loyalty programme will still feel right at home, there are several changes worth highlighting ahead of this transition.
So, whether you're a Carnival Cruise Line regular or someone completely new to the cruise line with an upcoming adventure booked, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about Carnival Rewards, which will be completely replacing Carnival VIFP Club from June 1, 2026.
Carnival Rewards Membership Tiers
One significant difference between Carnival Rewards and Carnival's VIFP Club is that Blue Tier no longer exists. Existing Blue Tier members will be integrated into the appropriate Carnival Rewards membership tier when Carnival Rewards is introduced. Those tiers are:
| Carnival Rewards Membership Tier | Stars |
|---|---|
| Red Tier | Upon Sign-Up |
| Gold Tier | From 10,000 Stars |
| Platinum Tier | From 50,000 Stars |
| Diamond Tier | From 100,000 Stars |
Carnival Rewards' Points System
In addition to Carnival Rewards' membership tiers and Status Qualifying Stars, Carnival Rewards members will also earn points throughout their voyage, which they can then redeem towards future cruise fares, onboard spa treatments, exciting shore excursions, specialty dining experiences, and more.
The following can be redeemed for up to 2,000 points:
- A six-pack of sodas onboard
- Select internet connection plans
- Snorkel equipment rental during shore excursions
- Frozen Pina Coladas
- A Banana Boat ride at Princess Cays
Meanwhile, the following can be redeemed for up to 5,000 points:
- Dinner at Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Teppenyaki, and more
- A Day Pass for Thermal Suites at Cloud 9 Spa
- An Island Bike Tour experience at Half Moon Cay
- A Stingray Beach Encounter experience at Princess Cays
Beyond this, you'll find even more exciting things to redeem your Carnival Rewards points towards; from a VIP dining experience at The Chef's Table or a Reef & Wreck Snorkel Adventure to a relaxing Swedish Massage in the Cloud 9 Spa or access to an exclusive private beach club area at one of Princess Cruises' private island destinations.
Carnival Rewards Benefits by Tier
Moving up a membership tier has its benefits, and below you'll find out all about the exclusive membership perks and onboard extras you can enjoy with Carnival Rewards.
| Carnival Rewards Perk/Extra | Red Tier | Gold Tier | Platinum Tier | Diamond Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earn & Redeem Points | X | X | X | X |
| Members e-newsletter | X | X | X | X |
| Members-only offers | X | X | X | X |
| Tier-specific Sail & Sign card | X | X | X | X |
| Complimentary 1.5L bottle of water | X | X | X | X |
| Tier-Specific Member Support | X | X | X | |
| Complimentary Beverage | One, on sailings 5+ days | Two | Two | |
| Tier-Specific collectable pin | X | X | ||
| Priority Main Dining reservations | X | |||
| Guaranteed Main Dining Time (dinner only) | X | |||
| Priority Specialty Dining reservations | X | X | ||
| Complimentary Wash & Fold Laundry | 1-4 bags | 2-5 bags | ||
| Early online check-in | up to 16 days before | up to 16 days before | ||
| Embarkation priority | X | X | ||
| Captain's Lounge access (where available) | X | X | ||
| Priority luggage delivery for checked luggage | X | X | ||
| Guest Services priority | X | X | ||
| Casino cashier line priority | X | X | ||
| Priority spa reservations | X | X | ||
| Debarkation priority | X | X | ||
| Retail concierge services | X | |||
| Dedicated Casino Host (upon request) | X | |||
| Exclusive onboard events (by Captain's invitation) | X |
Please note: the number of complimentary Wash & Fold laundry bags varies depending on the length of the voyage.
When cruising as a Carnival Rewards member, you will also earn milestone rewards regardless of your membership tier. For the first 50 days you sail, you will earn an additional 5,000 points and a special milestone Sail & Sign card. Every 100 days you sail beyond that, you will receive 10,000 points, a commemorative gift from Carnival Cruise Line, and another special milestone Sail & Sign card.
Important Carnival Rewards FAQs
When do the loyalty programme changes go into effect?
Carnival Rewards will officially launch on June 1, 2026.
Do existing VIFP Club members need to do anything?
Starting in June 2026, existing VIFP Club members will be asked if they wish to opt into Carnival Rewards by accepting the new programme's terms and conditions. You will then be integrated into the appropriate Carnival Rewards tier based on your current VIFP Club membership tier. All Blue-tier VIFP Club members will automatically be incorporated into Carnival Rewards' Red tier.
What categories of spend are not eligible to earn points and stars with Carnival Rewards?
While it will always be worth checking the details ahead of any major purchase, if you're worried about not earning Carnival Rewards points or Status Qualifying Stars, but the categories of spend that are not eligible may include cruise fare taxes and additional fees, air travel purchased through Carnival, and certain types of fares – such as charters and packaged rates. This list is not exhaustive; other fees may not be eligible for earning points or stars.
How will Carnival Cruise Line guests qualify for Carnival Rewards?
Carnival Cruise Line guests have two years to earn Status Qualifying Stars, and once a membership tier is achieved with these stars, it will be valid for two full calendar years. If you earn enough stars to upgrade your tier during the qualifying period between June 2026 and May 2028, you will be upgraded during this period and then enjoy the additional benefits for the subsequent two-year period.
During this enjoyment period, your Status Qualifying Stars will reset, and the number you earn throughout the next two-year qualifying period will determine which membership tier you are placed in for the following two-year period. This system will continue indefinitely until otherwise stated.
Key Carnival Rewards Terms and Conditions
- Carnival Rewards membership tier benefits are subject to change at the discretion of Carnival Cruise Line
- Carnival Rewards redemptions are valued on a per-person basis
- VIFP Club's lifetime status will be eliminated with the introduction of Carnival Rewards
*Additional terms and conditions apply, information accurate as of September 2025
Book Your Next Adventure with Iglu Cruise Today
From all-inclusive sailings and family cruises to solo adventures and luxury offerings, Iglu Cruise is home to an abundance of sensational cruise deals for you to check out. You can find a fantastic range of upcoming Carnival cruises right here, too, if you're eager to book yourself on an itinerary somewhere exciting ahead of Carnival Rewards' introduction.
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