Carnival Cruise Line is revising its upcoming Carnival Rewards loyalty program to better recognize loyal cruisers, the company announced.
The cruise line announced updates that will enhance benefits for Diamond and Platinum members, following feedback from guests.
Under the revised program, guests who achieve Diamond status before the program launches in June 2026 will now retain that status for life instead of the previous six-year guarantee.
Platinum members will receive 10,000 additional status-qualifying stars every other year starting at launch to help them work toward status upgrades more easily.
Platinum status will remain guaranteed only through May 31, 2028, but Carnival clarified that these members will be guaranteed Gold status after that date.
Children under 18 will now inherit the same status as the adult who booked their sailing. Additionally, if minors earn Diamond or Platinum status on their own by May 31, 2026, they will retain that status when they turn 18.
The new Carnival Rewards program, set to launch June 1, 2026, replaces the current Very Important Fun Person program.
The initial announcement in summer 2025 drew criticism from longtime cruisers who were concerned about losing their lifetime elite status benefits.
In a press release, Carnival President Christine Duffy said the changes were necessary because a growing number of elite-status members has made it harder to offer meaningful rewards.
After a summer of guest feedback, Carnival made these updates to “recognize our appreciation for the loyalty of our top-tier guests,” Duffy said.
For more details on the Carnival Rewards program, guests can visit the Carnival Cruise Line website.
Carnival Cruise Line revises 2026 loyalty program with lifetime Diamond status
