Carnival Cruise Rewards Program
Carnival Rewards replaced VIFP — here is how the spend-based program works.
Get Quotes That Keep Your RewardsThe Carnival cruise rewards program changed completely in 2026. On September 1, Carnival Rewards replaced the VIFP Club, which had ranked guests by days sailed. The new program ranks you by what you spend with Carnival, and it adds a second currency you can actually spend. Here is how it works, from Carnival’s own program pages.
Two Currencies: Stars and Points
Carnival Rewards gives you two things for each eligible dollar: Stars, which set your status level, and Points, which you can redeem. Carnival says members earn 3 Stars and 3 Points for every dollar spent on eligible Carnival purchases. Eligible spending includes the cruise fare, gratuities, transfers, Carnival Vacation Protection and eligible pre-cruise and onboard purchases. Casino play also counts, converted from casino points. Points can be used toward future Carnival cruises and eligible onboard experiences such as shore excursions, specialty dining and spa treatments.
The Four Carnival Rewards Levels
| Level | How you reach it |
|---|---|
| Red | On enrollment |
| Gold | 10,000 Stars |
| Platinum | 50,000 Stars |
| Diamond | 100,000 Stars |
Status Windows
Status is earned over a two-year window and then kept for the rest of that window plus the following two years. The first window runs from September 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028. Qualifying Stars reset to zero at the start of each new window, so a big year early in one window keeps you at your level well into the next.
Points behave differently: Carnival says they remain active as long as you have eligible activity at least every three years.
Who Wins and Who Loses
Under VIFP, a guest who sailed often in inside cabins climbed as quickly as anyone. Under Carnival Rewards, that guest climbs more slowly, because status follows dollars. Guests who book balconies and suites, or buy drinks packages, excursions and other eligible extras climb faster. Carnival also lets the Points you earn pay toward future sailings and onboard experiences, so every guest gets something spendable, even at Red.
Getting the Most From the Carnival Cruise Rewards Program
- Book eligible extras through Carnival before you sail, since pre-cruise purchases count.
- Make sure every adult in the cabin has their own member number on the booking.
- Check which purchases the terms treat as eligible before assuming something earns.
- Track your Stars against the window end date if you are close to the next level.
- Read the terms after any change; Carnival says it may modify the program, including the Stars needed for a level.
VIFP Members: What to Check
Existing VIFP members were moved into Carnival Rewards, and Carnival announced protections for its long-time Platinum and Diamond guests. Exact dates and conditions have been reported differently in the press, so log in to your Carnival account and read the current Carnival Rewards terms to confirm how your status was carried over. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can help you check it before your next booking.
Carnival Rewards Questions
What happened to Carnival VIFP?
Carnival replaced the VIFP Club with Carnival Rewards on September 1, 2026. Existing members moved into the new program; Carnival published protections for its long-standing Platinum and Diamond guests, so check the program terms for your own status.
Do Carnival Rewards Points expire?
Carnival says Points stay active as long as you have eligible activity at least every three years. Status itself runs in two-year windows.
Does the Carnival credit card earn Stars?
Carnival says its co-branded card can add Points and Stars on eligible Carnival purchases. Card terms are set by the issuer; we do not give financial advice.
Book Carnival With Your Rewards in Place
Tell us your Carnival Rewards level and the sailing you want. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will send free quotes with your member number on the booking.
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