Carnival Cruise Line is shaking up its loyalty program in a major way. The long-standing VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club, which rewarded cruisers based on the number of days they spent at sea, is officially transitioning to a brand-new system called Carnival Rewards in 2026.
If you have been saving up VIFP points for years to reach that coveted Diamond status, you probably have a lot of questions. Here is everything you need to know about the transition, how the new points system works, and what happens to your existing status.
Why is Carnival Changing the VIFP Program?
For years, the VIFP program was strictly based on “days at sea.” Whether you booked a cheap interior room or a massive suite, you earned one point per day. The new Carnival Rewards program shifts to a spend-based model. Carnival wants to reward guests not just for how often they sail, but for how much they spend on their cruise fare and onboard purchases (like excursions, drinks, and specialty dining).
How the New “Stars” System Works
Under Carnival Rewards, the old “points” are being replaced by “Stars.”
- Cruise Fare: You will earn Stars based on the base price of your cruise.
- Onboard Spend: You will earn Stars for purchases made on the ship and pre-cruise via the Carnival Fun Shops.
- Two-Year Cycle: Unlike VIFP points which lasted forever, Stars will operate on a two-year earning cycle to determine your tier status for the following cycle.
What Happens to My Current VIFP Points?
Don’t panic! Carnival has explicitly stated that existing VIFP status will be protected during the transition. If you are currently Platinum or Diamond, you will not lose your hard-earned perks immediately. Your historical points will be converted into the new system to give you a baseline status in Carnival Rewards.
Need to check your current status before the switch? Check out our Carnival VIFP Number Lookup Guide.
The Bottom Line
The shift to Carnival Rewards brings Carnival more in line with airline and hotel loyalty programs, which have heavily favored spend-based models for years. While budget cruisers who sail frequently in interior cabins might find it harder to reach top tiers, guests who book suites or spend heavily in the casino and bars will likely reach higher statuses much faster than under the old system.