Carnival Cruise Line’s New Carnival Rewards Program Is Now Live

Carnival Cruise Line has replaced its long-running Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program in favor of something much bigger. The new Carnival Rewards program is now live, introducing a new name, a points-based system, and entirely new ways to earn — including through cruise fares, onboard spending, and even credit card use.

Here’s a closer look at what’s changed, how you can earn, and what happens to your previous status.

What Is Carnival Rewards?

Carnival Rewards is a complete overhaul of the cruise line’s existing VIFP program. The biggest shift: Guests no longer earn status based only on the number of nights sailed. Instead, a dual-earning system splits your activity as follows:

• Carnival Rewards points can be redeemed for Carnival purchases, such as onboard experiences, spa treatments, specialty dining, and even future cruises.
• Status Qualifying Stars determine your tier level in the program.

Carnival announced the new program on June 18, 2025. Carnival Rewards has 4 status tiers, and they have the following earning requirements:

• Red: Earned when joining the program
• Gold: 10,000 stars
• Platinum: 50,000 stars
• Diamond: 100,000 stars

You’ll earn status based on a rolling 2-year activity period. Once earned, your status is valid for the following 2 years. Diamond members will enjoy a longer runway, with their status lasting 6 years through May 31, 2032.

How To Earn Carnival Rewards Points

In the new program, you’ll earn points on nearly all Carnival expenses, including cruise fares, onboard expenses like spa treatments and drinks, and more.

You can also earn points by spending with the Carnival Rewards Mastercard, which is currently offering an elevated welcome bonus of 50,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days. That bonus is worth $500 toward a Carnival cruise. The card’s previous FunPoints system has now been replaced by Carnival Rewards.

You’ll be able to redeem points in numerous ways, including for specialty dining, onboard experiences, and even future cruise credits.

How To Earn Status Qualifying Stars

Status is now tied to your spending habits, which is advantageous for some customers but may be a loss for others. Cruise nights won’t play a role.

You’ll earn as follows:

• 3 Stars per $1 spent on eligible Carnival purchases
• 1 Star per casino point, earned by playing slots, video poker, or table games
• Stars can be earned by credit spending as well

Over a 2-year period, you’ll need to spend roughly $3,333 to reach Gold status. However, you’ll need to spend a whopping $33,333 to hit Diamond status — unless you earn stars through credit card spending or casino play. This is no small expense.

What Happens to the VIFP Program?

Carnival is giving current VIFP members a soft landing. Status tiers now carry over into the new Carnival Rewards program and remain valid through May 31, 2028. Additionally, if you have Diamond status, you’ll keep it for 6 years, making it valid through May 31, 2032.

Additionally, previous FunPoints held on the current Carnival Rewards Mastercard now convert to Carnival Rewards points.

Final Thoughts

Carnival Rewards marks a significant shift for Carnival loyalists, with status now based more heavily on overall spending and engagement rather than simply the amount of time spent cruising.

Although some previous VIFP perks have disappeared, particularly at the Platinum and Diamond tiers, the new structure could help high-spending guests — including Carnival Rewards Mastercard users and casino players — move through the loyalty tiers faster.

For existing Carnival cruisers, previous VIFP progress has helped determine where they begin under Carnival Rewards. Going forward, understanding how points and status qualifying stars are earned will be key to getting the most from the new program.