CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has launched Carnival Rewards, a new loyalty program that expands the ways guests can earn rewards, progress through status levels and receive recognition based on their engagement with the cruise line.
The program is designed to cover the full range of Carnival customers, from first-time cruisers to frequent guests, and replaces a loyalty model based primarily on sailing frequency with a system that also takes eligible onboard and pre-cruise spending into account.
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said the program was developed to recognize the different ways guests interact with the brand. The new structure combines redeemable rewards with status benefits, allowing members greater flexibility in how they accumulate and use their rewards.
Carnival Rewards introduces 2 separate measures: Carnival Rewards Points, which can be redeemed for future cruises and eligible onboard experiences, and Status Qualifying Stars, which determine a guest’s loyalty status. A separate Milestone Recognition Program recognizes members according to the total number of days they have sailed with Carnival.
Guests earn three Carnival Rewards Points for every dollar spent on eligible Carnival purchases, including gratuities. They can also receive one Point for each Casino Point remaining at the end of a sailing. Accumulated Points can be used toward future Carnival cruises and eligible onboard services, including shore excursions, specialty dining and spa treatments.
Points are posted after the end of the sailing, generally around 14 days later, and can be redeemed once they become available.
Status Qualifying Stars operate separately from redeemable Points. Guests earn three Stars for every dollar spent on eligible Carnival purchases, including gratuities, and one Star for each Casino Point earned, including points that have already been redeemed onboard for FunPlay.
Carnival Rewards has 4 status levels. Guests receive Red status when they enroll, while Gold requires 10,000 Stars, Platinum requires 50,000 Stars and Diamond requires 100,000 Stars.
Status is calculated during a 2-year Status Qualifying Window and remains available for the remainder of that period and the subsequent 2-year Status Enjoyment Window. The inaugural qualifying period runs from September 1st, 2026, through December 31st, 2028, providing the first group of members with an extended period in which to accumulate qualifying Stars.
The Milestone Recognition Program operates independently of the status structure and recognizes members according to their lifetime number of days sailed with Carnival. The program is intended to provide additional recognition as guests reach successive sailing milestones.
Carnival has also introduced the Carnival Rewards Mastercard, designed to extend the loyalty program beyond the cruise itself. Cardholders can earn rewards through everyday purchases and use the accumulated Points toward Carnival vacations and eligible experiences.
New cardmembers can receive a 50,000-point bonus after spending US$1,000 on purchases during the first 90 days, subject to applicable terms. The card provides up to 6 Points per dollar on eligible Carnival purchases when the card’s rewards are combined with Carnival Rewards earnings. Eligible spending includes cruise fares, shore excursions, onboard activities, spa treatments and specialty dining.
Cardholders earn two Points per dollar on eligible restaurant and grocery purchases and one Point per dollar on other qualifying purchases. The card can also provide up to 4 Status Qualifying Stars on Carnival purchases when combined with Stars earned through Carnival Rewards, while other purchases earn one Status Qualifying Star.
Additional card benefits include a promotional 0% APR for 6 months on Carnival cruise booking purchases, subject to terms and conditions, as well as a 2,500-point anniversary bonus each year after at least US$2,000 in purchases.