4 Major Carnival Cruise Line Changes, and How They’ll Affect Travelers
Get ready for a revamped rewards program and a new tropical port of call.
Like airlines or hotel chains, cruise lines typically have their loyal customers. And if you’re partial to Carnival Cruises, there are a handful of major changes planned that could affect you in the coming months—some good, some bad. Read on to learn how future voyages will be different and how you can plan ahead for them.
RELATED: Saying These Two Secret Words Will Get You an Instant Cruise Upgrade.
1
Carnival’s loyalty program is getting completely overhauled.
For years, Carnival regulars have racked up status using the line’s Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program, which allowed them to earn higher status based on how many nights they spent on board. By moving up to higher tiers like platinum and diamond, passengers could earn things like a complimentary beverage, priority check-in, unlimited laundry, and even complimentary meals.
However, cruisers won’t be able to take advantage of this program for much longer. In a June 18 press release, Carnival announced it would be sunsetting its existing program and replacing it with the Carnival Rewards program.
While the name change may seem like a basic simplification, the new system will only allow travelers to reach higher status tiers based on the amount they spend with the cruise line, including cabin fare and onboard amenities such as spa treatments and enhanced meal service. Customers can also earn towards a higher loyalty status by spending money on a co-branded credit card.
According to the company’s announcement, the new program is set to launch on June 1 of next year. However, guests will retain their existing status tier for the following two years, through May 2028 (while top-level diamond members will get to enjoy their status for six years). Until then, all guests will continue to earn points in the VIFP system while they “familiarize” themselves with Carnival Rewards.
The decision likely came after the company realized the VIFP program was top-heavy in its higher tiers, making it difficult to manage the extra services and perks amid such high demand, Forbes reports. Many customers were quick to pan the upcoming changes on social media, with some calling it a “spit in a loyal customer’s face” and many others vowing to take their cruising allegiances elsewhere.
RELATED: How to Get Invited to the “Secret Parties” on Popular Cruise Ships.
2
Carnival has a new private island destination.
Carnival regulars may already be familiar with the line’s private islands and properties across the Caribbean, such as Half Moon Cay, RelaxAway, and Isla Tropicale. But beginning this summer, travelers can add another dedicated destination to their lists.
On June 23, the company announced the launch of Celebration Key, an entirely new exclusive spot for its cruise guests. The island has several enticing new features, including a 10-story Suncastle that connects to water slides, over 275,000 square feet of freshwater lagoons for comfortable lounging, and more.
Guests can tailor their visit based on their needs, whether that means renting out a floating AquaBana to get out of the sun, spending time at the Guppy Grotto children’s water play area, taking advantage of the 166-seat swim-up bar at Calypso Lagoon, or renting out a 10-person over-the-lagoon villa.
Those looking for even more peace and quiet can head over to the Pearl Cove Beach Club, an 11,000-square-foot premium beachfront for guests 18 and older. Here, you can sip on drinks at the swim-up bar, order snacks, rest in comfy loungers, and take a dip in the site’s infinity pool.
And if you’re sailing soon, you might be able to be one of the first to experience it: The official kick-off date for visitors is July 19, 2025.
3
Some Carnival ships are getting a helpful cabin upgrade.
The tight quarters of most cruise cabins mean that every little bit of efficiency goes a long way. But thanks to an upcoming change, your next Carnival cruise might be a little easier.
In a recent post to social media from brand ambassador John Heald, it was revealed that the company updated the lighting in many of its staterooms to meet more modern requirements.
“We added these new lamps on the Carnival Valor during dry dock and will be doing this to other ships in future dry docks,” Heald said in the post. “They have USB and the smaller one [USB-C] and a power plug for things like CPAP perhaps.”
The new additions brought plenty of praise from cruisers in the comments section of the post, with some saying they “loved the functionality” and the convenience it provided, especially if it meant packing one less charger.
RELATED: 5 Things You Should Never Bring on a Cruise, Experts Warn.
4
Carnival is launching a new travel partnership.
Booking cabin fare is only the beginning of planning for a cruise, whether that’s airfare to your embarkation port or hotel reservations on either end of your sail. In some cases, this can mean coordinating everything across several websites or booking sites to get it all taken care of. But fortunately, you’ll now be able to smooth out the process a bit when going on a Carnival cruise.
In a March 26 press release, the company announced the launch of a new partnership with Wyndham Rewards. Enrolled members can now use the portal to book everything from their flights and hotel to rental cars and excursions for their trip from the same portal.
Naturally, this also means that booking a cruise can net you extra Wyndham Rewards points. Travelers will earn one point per dollar spent on reservations, as well as a whopping 10 points per dollar on hotel reservations. And not to worry: You’ll still earn reward points with your airline, car rental company, and Carnival when you book, too.
