Unpacking My Thoughts on Carnival's New Reward Progam after Time to Digest

 Carnival released the details of the new Rewards Program on June 18th 2025. It will replace the current VFIP starting June 1st 2026.

I have seen many people say it's bait and switch, scam or a money grab(this one has some merit). Personally, I think it's just poorly thought out and rolled out. 

Where Carnival got it right. Well, other than half heartedly trying to be transparent, nowhere. They haven't even been able to answer questions. The FAQ page is full of "captain obvious" questions and answers. 

Carnival was "somewhat" transparent on why they are doing it. There are so many Platinum and Diamond level members now that the perks aren't "special" anymore. But we all know if this new program works, it will be a huge money maker for them assuming people chase the status. 

Beating a dead horse. It will now be Point based(called stars) and time limited. I am not opposed to this, and trust me other Cruise lines are watching carefully to see if it's worth following. 

Where they got it wrong. I have 5 places I can think of right away. There are more. 

1. The email, if you got one, read like it was complaining as to why this needs to happen rather than promoting it. 

2. Along with removing perks, they made it next to impossible for the average family to even want to try to reach a status. (more on this below) 

3. In 3 days, the only voice from Carnival has been John Herald (please don't harras him) and even he did not know everything to be able to answer many questions. 

4. It feels like a push to get more people to get the Carnival branded Mastercard. I see many problems here too. Most personal one I think is how does this work when trying to get "stars" for every member of the household. 

5. It's like it's Carnival's belief that all people do with their extra time and money is cruise with Carnival. Maybe some do, but most people have other interests. I drove across more than half the continental US last year. Can't do that on a cruise ship. 


Now #2 revisited. Why the "Star" levels are insane. I along with many others have broken down the Star to dollar conversion.  Platinum 50,000 comes to $16,667. That's for one person. So a family of 3 for each member (traveling in same cabin every cruise) comes to $50k for simplicity because money spent is split amongst them. This is every 2 years, so spend 25k a year just with Carnival (assume don't have the branded credit card). 

The Meadian family income in 2023 was $80k. Let's be generous and say in 2026 it will be $100k. This is before tax. Carnival is saying this family should be spending 25% of pre tax money every year not just on vacation but on them. Don't forget, travel to from Port if not local. Hotel possibly if can't fly/drive in day of etc.... 

What this says to me is that Carnival only wants the wealthy to enjoy the perks or put yourself in debt if Carnival perks are that important. 

My wife and I have already come to the conclusion that if this new progam stays as is, we will not be chasing status. We have been Platinum since the time of old when it was 10 cruises total. We don't cruse 2-3 times a year every year. We may do 2 one year and travel the country the next. Spend all our vacation money at Disneyland and World one year. 

Will people still cruise Carnival? Unless prices rise, they are still one of the best options price wise. However, if other cruise lines are not far off, no longer having that extra reason to be loyal is going to make it easier to shop around. 





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