Carnival Cruise Line passengers are fuming in the wake of the cruise line’s announcement about its new loyalty program, Carnival Rewards, set to roll out in June 2026.
Although many loyal Carnival cruisers knew a loyalty program revamp was in the works, they didn’t think the new program would be so radically different than the current Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line unveils controversial new loyalty program
Following a completely different model than the VIFP program, Carnival’s new approach to loyalty emulates airline loyalty programs. The new points-based system is based on spending instead of the number of nights sailed.
But that’s not the only big change.
In a move that shocked and angered many cruisers, Carnival decided to eliminate lifetime status after the VIFP program became top-heavy over the last few years. Instead of keeping benefits for life, passengers will earn their status over a two-year period and retain it for the following two years under Carnival Rewards.
For many Carnival cruisers who have been building their VIFP status for many years to reach the highest program tiers, Platinum and Diamond, this change feels like a slap in the face.
Doug Parker shared more details on the cruiser criticism for the new Carnival Rewards loyalty program on the June 20th edition of Cruise News Today.
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Carnival Cruise Line passengers revolt against new loyalty program
Transcript:
This is Cruise News Today with Doug Parker.
Good morning, here’s your cruise news for Friday, June 20th.
Carnival Cruise Line is now facing major backlash over its VIFP changes to the loyalty program.
Speaking of the change on Facebook, Carnival’s brand ambassador, John Heald, posted a video saying nothing is finalized yet.
John Heald, Carnival Brand Ambassador: We have a year to look at it, possibly, maybe, fine-tune it and change some things around.
Brand Ambassador John Heald there.
The revamped system ditches lifetime status in favor of a spend-based model requiring you to re-qualify every two years for status.
Now, a longtime cruiser told Cruise News Today that the move erases years of his loyalty and feels like betrayal.
Scott Lara, Platinum VIFP: As a platinum Carnival VIFP member, I’m very upset that every two years I’m going to have to re-qualify for my platinum status.
Perks like welcome gifts, VIFP parties, and loyalty pins are also being eliminated or restricted. Critics call it less of a rewards program and more of a rebate scheme with added incentives for using Carnival’s branded credit card.
The line has until next June to finalize the new Carnival Rewards program.
Related: Carnival shakes up cruise loyalty; Royal Caribbean to revamp ships
Cruise line passenger arrested in Alaska on identify theft charges
And federal prosecutors in Alaska have charged a man with impersonating an American citizen aboard a ship.
Enrico Ronquillo, a Philippine national living in the U.S., allegedly used fake documents including a counterfeit California license and an IRS form to pose as someone else during a cruise last month.
He now faces four federal charges including aggravated identity theft. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and mandatory two-year sentences for each count.
Disney Cruise Line cuts required cruise deposit in half
And Disney Cruise Line is cutting the upfront cost of booking a cruise. Starting this week, new reservations now require just a 10% deposit down from the previous 20% for a cruise.
The move is geared at easing the financial burden of booking a Disney cruise. Guests can still hold a reservation for three days without a deposit. Cancellation fees will also match the new 10% deposit amount.
Related: Disney cruiser shares genius money-saving hack any cruiser can use
And the photo of the week comes from Charlie, of Royal Princess in Ketchikan. Great photo here. Send yours in: photos@cruiseradio.net. All photos are subject to broadcast.
And the market was closed on Thursday. It reopens this morning.
If you have a lead on a story, let us know: tips@cruiseradio.net.
Have yourself a great Friday and weekend. I’m Doug Parker with Cruise News Today.
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