CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has announced enhancements to its upcoming Carnival Rewards™ loyalty program specifically for guests who hold Diamond or Platinum status under the current VIFP Club, as well as those who will achieve those levels before the new program begins on June 1st, 2026.
These adjustments are intended to acknowledge long-standing loyalty and facilitate a smooth transition to the new structure.
Guests who reach Diamond status under VIFP by May 31st, 2026, will not only retain Diamond status through May 31st, 2032, as previously announced, but now will receive lifetime Diamond status in the Carnival Rewards program.
Platinum status holders by that date will have their status extended through May 31st, 2028 and will receive a bi-annual bonus of 10,000 status-qualifying stars at the launch of Carnival Rewards and in every two-year earning cycle thereafter. This boost provides Platinum members with what has been described as a 20% head start toward retaining or elevating to Platinum—and even advancing toward Diamond—in the new rewards framework.
Children under age 18, per U.S. privacy regulations, will not be individually enrolled, but will inherit the status of the adult responsible on the booking for each sailing. Once they turn 18, those who have already met Diamond or Platinum status by May 31st, 2026, will be eligible to opt in to the new program under their earned status and privileges.
CCL is also examining options to extend similar enhanced earning and rewards opportunities to guests in Canada and Australia, in ways comparable to benefits given to U.S. residents, including through the planned Carnival Rewards credit card partnership.
The revised loyalty offering follows guest feedback gathered over the summer, which CCL's leadership reports was instrumental in shaping the enhancements. The company intends for Carnival Rewards—set to debut June 1st, 2026—to align more closely with models used in airline and hotel loyalty programs, where status and perks are tied both to spending and loyalty metrics.