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Carnival replaces sailing days with spend-based status

Carnival Rewards went live on September 1: members earn stars on cruise fares, casino play and onboard spend, and lifetime status ends for most future members.

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Updated
News source USA Today

Carnival Rewards went live on September 1, 2026. Guests now earn status through spending on cruise fares, casino play and onboard purchases, instead of the sailing days that drove the old VIFP Club.

Members earn three stars per eligible dollar and one star per Casino Point. Tiers start at Red, then Gold at 10,000 stars, Platinum at 50,000 and Diamond at 100,000. Status is earned over two years and kept for the following two years, so lifetime status ends for most future members; VIFP members who reached Diamond by August 31 keep it for life. Separate points, earned at the same rate, can be redeemed for fares, dining and excursions.

The first qualifying period runs from September 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028. The change prompted mixed reactions from some long-time guests, USA Today reports.

For travel programs, Carnival shows the cost of moving from recognition for time to recognition for spend: it rewards value, but it can unsettle the most loyal members.

Source: USA Today.