Carnival's New Cruise Loyalty Program: How Many Points Will You Earn?

James

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Post on Jun 19, 2025

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Carnival's New Cruise Loyalty Program: How Many Points Will You Earn?

Carnival Cruise Line has revamped its loyalty program, and cruisers are buzzing with excitement (and maybe a little confusion) about the new system. Gone are the traditional tiers; in their place is a points-based system promising more flexibility and rewards. But how many points will you earn? Let's dive into the details of Carnival's new program and help you understand how to maximize your rewards.

A Farewell to "VIFP" and Hello to a Points-Based System

For years, Carnival's VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) program was the gold standard for loyal cruisers. However, the new, unnamed points-based system offers a more dynamic approach. Instead of progressing through predefined tiers, you accumulate points based on your spending and cruise length. This means more flexibility and potentially faster rewards for frequent cruisers.

How Points are Earned:

The number of points you earn depends on several factors:

• Cruise Fare: The higher the fare, the more points you'll accumulate. This includes the base fare, as well as upgrades and additional onboard spending.
• Cruise Length: Longer cruises naturally generate more points. A 7-day cruise will earn significantly more than a 3-day getaway.
• Onboard Spending: Purchases made onboard, from specialty dining to shore excursions, all contribute to your point total. This incentivizes spending within the Carnival ecosystem.
• Carnival-branded credit cards: Using a Carnival-branded credit card can provide bonus points, increasing your earning potential. Check their website for current promotions.

Redeeming Your Points:

Once you've accumulated enough points, you can redeem them for a variety of perks, including:

• Onboard credits: Use your points to offset the cost of drinks, dining, or shore excursions.
• Future cruise discounts: Reduce the price of your next Carnival vacation.
• Exclusive experiences: Access premium experiences like private cocktail parties or exclusive shore excursions.
• Upgrades: Enhance your cruise experience with upgrades to a better stateroom category.

Estimating Your Point Earnings:

Unfortunately, Carnival hasn't released a precise points-per-dollar or points-per-day formula. The best way to estimate your potential earnings is to:

1. Use Carnival's Cruise Planner: When booking your cruise, the planner will likely display an estimated point accumulation based on your chosen itinerary and spending.
2. Contact Carnival Directly: Reach out to Carnival's customer service for a personalized estimation based on your planned cruise details.

Is the New Program Better?

Whether this new system is superior to the old VIFP program depends on individual cruising habits. Frequent cruisers with higher spending are likely to benefit, while less frequent cruisers might see a similar level of rewards. The increased flexibility and diverse redemption options are significant advantages.

Maximize Your Points:

To maximize your point earnings, consider these strategies:

• Book longer cruises: Longer voyages translate to more points earned.
• Utilize onboard spending: Take advantage of Carnival's amenities and services.
• Consider a Carnival credit card: Bonus points can significantly boost your reward potential.
• Plan ahead and book early: This can secure better fares and potentially more points.

Conclusion:

Carnival's new points-based loyalty program presents a fresh approach to rewarding its loyal customers. While the exact point accumulation remains somewhat opaque, the flexibility and range of redemption options are attractive. By understanding the factors influencing point accrual and employing smart booking strategies, you can significantly maximize your rewards and elevate your Carnival cruising experience. Remember to check Carnival's official website for the latest updates and information on the new loyalty program.