MIAMI, 1 September 2026: Carnival Cruise Line has launched Carnival Rewards, a loyalty programme that enables guests to earn points, work towards status levels and receive recognition based on their engagement with the cruise line, according to an official press release.
The programme is open to all guests, including first-time cruisers and returning Carnival guests. It introduces Carnival Rewards Points, Status Qualifying Stars and a Milestone Recognition Programme based on the number of days guests have sailed with Carnival.
“Cruise loyalty has traditionally been built around how often guests sail, and Carnival Rewards was designed to go beyond that,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “The new program recognizes the many ways our guests engage with Carnival, and with both rewards and status, we’re giving guests more flexibility and more value to enjoy the experiences that matter most to them. Simply put: Your cruise, Your rewards. Your way.”
Points can be used for cruises and onboard experiences
Guests earn three Carnival Rewards Points for every US$1 spent on eligible Carnival purchases, including gratuities. They can also earn one Point for every Casino Point remaining at the end of a sailing.
Points may be redeemed against future Carnival cruises and eligible onboard experiences. These include shore excursions, specialty dining and spa treatments. Points are earned at the end of a sailing and are expected to be posted approximately 14 days after the sailing’s end date. Once available, they can be redeemed immediately. The programme allows guests to earn and redeem Points regardless of their status level.
Status is based on qualifying stars
Carnival Rewards also uses Status Qualifying Stars to determine a guest’s status and access to additional benefits. Members earn three Stars for every US$1 spent on eligible Carnival purchases, including gratuities. They earn one Star for every Casino Point earned, including points that have already been redeemed onboard for FunPlay.
The programme has four status levels:
- Red, awarded upon enrolment.
- Gold, reached after earning 10,000 Stars.
- Platinum, reached after earning 50,000 Stars.
- Diamond, reached after earning 100,000 Stars.
Status is earned during a two-year Status Qualifying Window. Guests can enjoy their status for the remainder of that period and throughout the following two-year Status Enjoyment Window.
Carnival said the inaugural qualifying period will run from 1 September 2026 to 31 December 2028. This provides the first group of members with an extended period in which to earn Status Qualifying Stars.
Milestones recognise sailing history
The Milestone Recognition Programme is based on members’ lifetime relationship with Carnival and the number of days they have sailed. Carnival said the programme is intended to enable enrolled members to achieve milestones more quickly.
The cruise line has directed guests to CarnivalRewards.com for specific details about the Milestone Recognition Programme, enrolment and available earning opportunities.
Carnival Rewards Mastercard also launches
Alongside the loyalty programme, Carnival has launched the Carnival Rewards Mastercard. The cruise line describes the card as the first of its kind in the cruise industry and says it allows cardmembers to earn rewards through everyday spending. New cardmembers can receive 50,000 bonus points after spending US$1,000 on purchases during the first 90 days, subject to the applicable terms.
Other listed benefits include:
- Up to six times the points on eligible Carnival purchases, combining three times the points from the card with up to three times the points available through Carnival Rewards.
- Two times the points on eligible restaurant and grocery store purchases.
- One point for every US$1 spent on other eligible purchases.
- Up to four Status Qualifying Stars on Carnival purchases when combined with Stars earned through Carnival Rewards.
- One Status Qualifying Star on all other purchases.
- A 0% promotional annual percentage rate for six months on Carnival cruise booking purchases, subject to the applicable terms.
- A 2,500-point annual card anniversary bonus after US$2,000 in purchases.
Eligible Carnival purchases include cruise fares, shore excursions, onboard activities, spa treatments and specialty dining.
Guests can enrol in Carnival Rewards and find further information about the programme at CarnivalRewards.com.
Source: Official announcement by Carnival Corporation & plc on 1 September, 2026, Miami
