Carnival pushes back launch date for rewards program

Carnival Cruise Line announced it has pushed back its Rewards program launch from June 1, 2026 to Sept. 1, 2026. The company said it did this to give customers extra time to use rewards on the current model, according to a report by Cruise Hive.

"To give you extra time — and to let your Summer 2026 cruises count toward your final VIFP Club status — we are moving the launch of Carnival Rewards to Sept. 1, 2026," an email sent to Carnival guests stated "All your cruise activity through August 31, 2026 will count toward your final VIFP status, which will become your starting status in Carnival Rewards."

Through this extension, more customers will have an opportunity to reach the Diamond Level, which is the only lifetime status that will be honored with the new rewards program.

With the program, customers will earn three stars for every $1 spent on cruise fair and onboard purchases. They will also receive one star for every casino point.