Saturday, June 21, 2025

Carnival Cruise Line’s announcement of the upcoming Carnival Rewards program has stirred frustration among its loyal passengers, with many expressing their disappointment over the sweeping changes slated to take effect in June 2026. The overhaul, which promises a completely revamped loyalty structure, has left long-time cruisers feeling betrayed and blindsided by the new direction the cruise line is taking.

Carnival Cruise Line has long been known for its Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program, which has allowed passengers to earn benefits based on the number of nights they’ve sailed with the cruise line. For years, loyal cruisers accumulated points through their sailings, working their way up to coveted tiers such as Platinum and Diamond. This model, while not perfect, had a sense of familiarity and long-term rewards for repeat guests, particularly for those who had invested years into reaching the highest levels.

The new Carnival Rewards program, however, is set to drastically shift the way loyalty benefits are earned and maintained. Unlike the VIFP program, which was based on the total number of nights sailed, Carnival Rewards will adopt a points-based system akin to those of major airlines. In this model, passengers will earn points based on how much they spend rather than how many nights they spend aboard the ships. The shift from a sailing-centric model to a spending-centric approach has left many passengers questioning whether their long-term loyalty will be adequately rewarded under the new system.

Perhaps the most contentious change in the announcement was the removal of lifetime status. Under the VIFP program, loyal cruisers who reached the Platinum and Diamond tiers were able to enjoy lifetime benefits. These perks provided an ongoing incentive for cruisers to continue sailing with Carnival, even if they sailed less frequently in subsequent years. However, with the Carnival Rewards program, this benefit will be replaced with a system that requires passengers to requalify every two years to retain their status. After the initial two-year period in which passengers earn their loyalty status, it will need to be re-earned every two years, a departure from the lifetime status enjoyed by the top-tier VIFP members.

For many loyal cruisers who had spent years—or even decades—working toward these coveted status levels, the decision to eliminate lifetime status is seen as a major blow. The Platinum and Diamond members, who represent some of the most dedicated customers of Carnival, have been vocal in their frustration. These changes feel like a betrayal of the relationship that has been built over time, and many passengers feel as though their previous loyalty is being disregarded in favor of a system that favors spending over loyalty.

The move to a points-based system also raises questions about fairness and accessibility. While a spending model may be more attractive to passengers who are able to invest more money into their cruise experiences, it leaves those who may not have the financial means to spend lavishly on excursions, drinks, and specialty dining at a disadvantage. Previously, the VIFP system rewarded cruise frequency and longevity, allowing more passengers to qualify for benefits over time, regardless of how much they spent.

As the rollout of Carnival Rewards approaches, the backlash from longtime customers continues to grow. Many have taken to social media and online forums to voice their dissatisfaction with the changes, with some expressing doubts about whether they will continue to book with Carnival in the future. The sentiment is clear: passengers feel that the new program fails to recognize the years of loyalty that have been poured into the brand.

In addition to concerns about the new loyalty system, passengers have also raised issues about how the communication surrounding the program has been handled. The announcement of Carnival Rewards has been seen by some as abrupt, with little advanced warning for those who have been following the cruise line’s updates closely. Many customers expected incremental changes to the VIFP program, not a complete overhaul that fundamentally changes the way loyalty is rewarded.

Despite the criticism, Carnival Cruise Line remains steadfast in its decision to implement the new loyalty program. The company argues that the new system will offer more flexibility and greater rewards for a wider range of passengers, especially those who may have previously felt left out of the VIFP system due to its reliance on nights sailed. With a focus on spending, Carnival hopes to appeal to a broader audience of cruisers, including those who may not have the time to sail frequently but are willing to invest in their onboard experience.

Nevertheless, the response from the cruise line’s loyal customer base raises important questions about how cruise lines balance rewarding frequent passengers with attracting new ones. Will the new program succeed in drawing in new cruisers while keeping the loyalty of the long-time passengers intact? Only time will tell as Carnival prepares for the official launch of Carnival Rewards in 2026.

As it stands, Carnival Cruise Line faces a critical challenge in maintaining the trust and loyalty of its core customers while introducing a new system that some feel alienates them. The coming months will be crucial for the cruise line as it navigates this difficult transition, working to ensure that it can continue to provide value to its loyal patrons without sacrificing the foundation of its brand.