Carnival Rewards Changes the Status Game for Loyal Cruisers

When Carnival announced Carnival Rewards, I figured the biggest complaints would come from Diamond and Platinum members.

But after going through the program and doing the math, I came away thinking something different.

The passengers I’d be watching are longtime Gold members sitting just below Platinum when the VIFP Club ends Aug. 31.

Carnival Rewards changes how status is earned, how long you keep it and what actually moves you up the ladder. Once you translate the new system into real dollars, the impact becomes a lot clearer.

I break it down my in the video below from All Aboard with Joe.

Here’s what stood out to me.

Diamond members who reach Diamond by Aug. 31 keep it for life, while Platinum members also receive transition protection. But someone sitting at 68 sailing days could be only a couple of short cruises from Platinum under the old 75-day system.

Then the rules change.

Carnival Rewards shifts status toward eligible spending, with passengers earning three Status Qualifying Stars per dollar.

And Carnival isn’t alone in rethinking what loyalty means. We recently published our second annual cruise loyalty program analysis, comparing 24 ocean, expedition and river brands and looking at what they reward, when meaningful benefits begin and how far status can travel.

If you’re close to Platinum with Carnival, I’d take a very close look at where you stand before Aug. 31.