Carnival Makes Change So Some Guests Will Keep Lifetime Loyalty Status

Carnival Cruise Line has announced an update to their new Carnival Rewards loyalty program that affects both Diamond and Platinum guests.

Carnival’s new Carnival Rewards will go into effect on June 1, 2026. The cruise line previously announced a major overhaul to their loyalty program due to so many guests receiving top status.

After listening to complaints, Carnival has made a few enhancements that include some cruisers keep their current status for life.

Here is a look at the four changes Carnival Cruise Line made to their new rewards program.

Carnival cruisers who have Diamond status by May 31, 2026 will now receive lifetime Diamond status. This is a change from it being extended for six years.

Guests who are Platinum by May 31, 2026 will have their status extended through May 31, 2028 and will now receive 10,000 Carnival Rewards qualifying stars bi-annually. This will give them a 20% head start to earning Platinum or Diamond.  This will also ensure that they will at least sail with Gold status for all future cruises.

Carnival also confirmed that children will enjoy the same status as their parent or adult that is designated as their responsible party on the booking for that sailing, and when minors turn 18, those who have achieved Diamond or Platinum status by May 31, 2026, will be invited to opt-in to Carnival Rewards with their earned status and the same privileges offered to all other Diamond and Platinum VIFP members.

The cruise line is also actively exploring options for guests in Canada and Australia to offer them similar reward opportunities in those countries, like what the Carnival Rewards Mastercard will do for U.S. residents.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, gave the following statement about this loyalty program update:

“We are so excited about our new Carnival Rewards loyalty program launching next year, and believe it will drive fantastic engagement with, and rewards for, our guests. At the same time, we greatly appreciate the loyalty of our passionate guests and the years of dedication many have exhibited in order 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. 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,” said .

“We believe these enhancements recognize our appreciation for the loyalty of our top tier guests.”

Carnival Cruise Line’s new Carnival Rewards will launch on June 1, 2026 and replace their current VIFP program.

They are switching over to a loyalty program that will be similar to what airline and hotels offer prioritizing the amount spend on cruises and on their branded credit card. They will be the first in the cruise industry to switch to this format.

Carnival guests will be able to accumulate points that can be converted to reward dollars and be used on cruises, onboard experiences, shore excursions and other vacation activities.