Carnival's loyalty program members react to new rewards structure

Travel Weekly

6 hours ago

Teri West
Carnival Cruise Line is restructuring its rewards program, but the change, which includes a new name -- Carnival Rewards -- and a new accrual plan, isn't being embraced by all of its loyalty members.
Members of the line's current program, called Very Important Fun Person, or VIFP, have posted complaints about the change on cruise-themed Facebook groups and pages, TikTok videos and posts on X.
Objections largely focus on a couple of key points: Under the new Carnival Rewards structure, loyalty program status will only be guaranteed for a finite period of time rather than indefinitely, and status will no longer be based exclusively upon days cruised but also on spend.
The change brings the program more in line with airline and hotel loyalty programs. The four biggest airlines in the U.S. base their loyalty programs on customer spending, Nerdwallet says, and status earned for major hotel loyalty programs is only valid for a certain period, which varies by brand, according to The Points Guy. Lines like Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line still base loyalty status on nights customers book rather than total spending.
Amidst robust discussion about the change in the 117,000-member Melanin at Sea Facebook group last week, some Carnival customers indicated that they had stayed loyal for years with the expectation that it earned them a valuable status that they could keep for life. Amongst the current perks for Diamond members, which is the highest status within VIFP, are priority check-in, an exclusive party on sailings that are five days or longer and unlimited free laundry.
Once Carnival Rewards launches in June 2026, Diamond members will retain that status through 2032, and all other members are guaranteed to retain theirs for two years. From then on, status will be based on points earned in a two-year qualifying period and be guaranteed for a two year "enjoyment period."
Carnival said that there are now more ways to earn and accumulate points, including through spending with its branded Mastercard credit card.
And it indicated that it expected the change would result in fewer loyalty program members at the highest tiers. "When so many guests have elite status, it is much more difficult to make everyone feel special," Carnival president Christine Duffy wrote to customers. "These realities will only continue to erode the recognition and rewards of the current VIFP Club program, and we feel that change is necessary in order to better recognize our guests."
Still, Carnival brand ambassador John Heald wrote on Facebook this weekend that an "unprecedented" number of comments and questions had been directed to him. Heald said he had been tirelessly responding and posting updates following the announcement Wednesday.
Heald told his Facebook followers that he has been relaying their concerns to senior members of the leadership team.
Carnival did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but on Monday Heald posted a message from Carnival to its guests, which promised them that "we are reading your comments and taking in your feedback."
Carnival emphasized that new program won't launch until next June and said it announced the change well in advance to give guests time to understand it. Carnival will continue to listen and answer questions, it said.
"Thank you for your continued loyalty as we work through this transition together," Carnival said. "We recognize that this is a big change but believe that this new program will unlock greater opportunities and benefits to you, our valued guests."