Carnival Cruise Line offers lifetime status for Diamond-level members ahead of major loyalty program overhaul

Carnival Cruise Line — which recently unveiled a sweeping overhaul of its loyalty program into an airline-style model with redeemable points — announced enhancements for top-tier members Monday, including lifetime status for any members who reach the Diamond level before the new program launches in June.

The adjustments come just four months after the Carnival Rewards program (which eliminated lifetime status earnings) was announced.

"We've spent the summer talking with our guests, listening to their comments and taking in their feedback," Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said in a statement. "As a result, I am happy to share that we are making changes to improve the offering to our most loyal customers as we get ready for the program's launch in 2026. We believe these enhancements recognize our appreciation for the loyalty of our top tier guests."

Below are some of the announced changes:

• Guests who achieve Diamond status in the company's current loyalty program, the VIFP Club, by May 31, 2026, will receive lifetime Diamond status in the new Carnival Rewards program. Originally, those members would have seen their status extended through 2032.
• Guests who achieve Platinum status in the current VIFP Club by May 31, 2026, will not only have their status extended through May 31, 2028, as previously announced, but they'll also get a boost of 10,000 Carnival Rewards status qualifying Stars when the Carnival Rewards program starts June 1, 2026, and in every two-year earning cycle thereafter. This will give Platinum VIFP members a biennial 20% "head start" on earning Platinum or Diamond status. They'll also be guaranteed a minimum of Gold status in all future cycles.
• Although U.S. privacy laws restrict minors from enrolling in rewards programs, Carnival said that children will enjoy the same status as the adult who booked their sailing. When minors turn 18, those who achieved Diamond or Platinum status through an adult by May 31, 2026, will be invited to opt in to Carnival Rewards with that status and the same privileges offered to all other Diamond and Platinum VIFP members.
• Carnival also said it is actively exploring options for guests in Canada and Australia to earn points through partnerships like the Carnival® World Mastercard® available to U.S. residents. The information for the Carnival World Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Inspired by the success of airline and hotel loyalty programs that are tied to travel, spending and cobranded credit cards, Carnival is the first to launch a similar program for the cruise industry.

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The new program moves away from lifetime qualification for all but the top Diamond tier, and it tweaks benefits such as free Wi-Fi, laundry service, priority boarding and dining perks associated with the different tiers. It also introduces a new currency that can be earned and redeemed for virtually any Carnival purchase.

Under the new program, members will earn 3 points for every dollar spent on eligible Carnival purchases, including cruise fare, onboard drinks, specialty dining, spa treatments and shore excursions.

Frequent gamers will also see rewards, earning 1 point for every casino point remaining at the end of their cruise.

Guests can also earn rewards points for spending on the Carnival World Mastercard. The new currency will replace the FunPoints currently earned on the card, and existing cardmembers will see their current balances transitioned to the new program when it launches.