Carnival Cruise Line Launches New Loyalty Program

For your future voyages with Carnival Cruise Line, there are fundamental changes coming to customer loyalty. The cruise line has introduced a new loyalty program called Carnival Rewards. As the company explains in a press release, the system differs from traditional industry models, which usually only consider the number of cruises completed. Instead, the new program rewards guests' financial spending and activities both onboard and in everyday life.

Earn Points and Redeem Onboard

At the heart of the program are the Carnival Rewards Points. According to Carnival Cruise Line, you will receive three points for every US dollar spent on eligible onboard purchases, including gratuities. Casino players are also included: remaining casino points at the end of a voyage can be transferred into the new points system at a one-to-one ratio.

The accumulated points can be used flexibly. According to the cruise line, you can redeem them for future cruises as well as for various onboard experiences. These include, for example, shore excursions, specialty dining, or wellness treatments in the spa. Points are credited approximately 14 days after the end of each cruise and are immediately redeemable from that moment on.

Four Status Tiers Through Activity Stars

In addition to the redeemable points, the cruise line is introducing Status Qualifying Stars, which determine your club status. Here, too, financial spending is key: every US dollar spent earns you three of these stars. In addition, every point earned in the casino counts as one star.

The program is divided into four tiers, which you reach by collecting stars:

• Red: Immediately upon registration
• Gold: From 10,000 stars
• Platinum: From 50,000 stars
• Diamond: From 100,000 stars

The status achieved is valid for the current two-year period as well as for the subsequent two-year phase. For the launch, the cruise line has announced an extended qualification window running from September 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028. Independently of this, a separate Milestone Program will continue to reward the sheer number of days you spend onboard.

Additional Benefits with New Credit Card

To complement the loyalty program, the cruise line is introducing the Carnival Rewards Mastercard. With this credit card, users can also earn points and status stars on everyday purchases off the ship. Cardholders receive, among other things, extra points on dining and grocery purchases, as well as accelerated status qualification when purchasing Carnival vacations.