Carnival Cruise Line has pushed back the start of its new Carnival Rewards loyalty programme, giving returning guests more time to qualify for higher status under the current VIFP Club system.
The programme will now launch on 1st September 2026, instead of the previously announced date of 1st June 2026.
In an email to guests, the cruise line said the delay was designed to give summer sailings time to count toward existing loyalty tiers.
“To give you extra time – and to let your Summer 2026 cruises count toward your final VIFP Club® status – we are moving the launch of Carnival Rewards to September 1, 2026,
“All your cruise activity through August 31, 2026 will count toward your final VIFP status, which will become your starting status in Carnival Rewards.”
Extra Time to Chase Higher Status
The delay means guests can continue earning VIFP points through the peak summer 2026 cruise season, giving those close to the next tier a better chance of upgrading before the new system begins.
This has been particularly important for high-level Platinum guests aiming to reach Diamond status.
Once Carnival Rewards launches, Diamond will be the only lifetime tier, a decision the cruise line confirmed earlier this year. All other loyalty levels will need to be re-earned on an ongoing basis.
Carnival has also been running double and triple points offers on selected sailings, and these promotions may continue to help guests move up the ranks before the switchover.
Two-Year Earning Cycles Confirmed
Alongside the delay, Carnival has confirmed how the new status system will work.
Loyalty will be earned in two-year cycles, running from 1st January to 31st December. However, the very first earning period will be longer than normal.
The opening cycle will run from 31st August 2026 to 31st December 2028. The stars earned during this period will decide a guest’s status for the following phase, from 1st January 2029 to 31st December 2031.
How Stars Will Be Earned
Under the new system, guests will earn stars based on their spending:
- 3 stars for every $1 spent on cruise fare
- 3 stars for every $1 spent onboard
- 1 star for every casino point earned
Guests using the Carnival Rewards Mastercard will earn 4 stars per $1 for cruise fares and onboard purchases, with no change to casino earnings.
Status thresholds have been confirmed as:
- Gold: 10,000 stars
- Platinum: 50,000 stars
- Diamond: 100,000 stars
While Gold and Platinum must be re-earned every two years, Diamond status will be kept for life.
Points Will Work Separately From Status
In addition to stars, guests will earn points that can be spent on rewards. These are tracked separately from loyalty status.
Points will be earned as follows:
- 3 points per $1 spent on cruise fare and onboard purchases
- 1 point per casino point earned
- Extra points for everyday spending when using the Carnival Rewards Mastercard
Carnival has said that around 100 points will equal about $1 in value, although actual redemption values may vary.
Points can be used towards onboard extras such as:
- Drinks packages
- Speciality dining
- Spa treatments
- Photos
- Shore excursions
Unlike stars, these points will not expire, as long as the guest earns or redeems points at least once every three years.
What This Means for Guests
The delayed launch gives Carnival loyalists a longer runway to secure their preferred VIFP status before the new rules take effect.
While the new system moves away from purely sailing-based loyalty and towards spend-based rewards, guests will still be able to build up valuable onboard credit-style points for future cruises.
For many, the additional time could make the difference between starting Carnival Rewards as Platinum or locking in lifetime Diamond status before the door closes.
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