Miami – September 07, 2026 -- Carnival Cruise Line has launched Carnival Rewards, a new loyalty program the company calls a first for the cruise industry, giving guests more flexible ways to earn points, climb tier levels, and unlock rewards regardless of how often they sail.
Guests earn points on nearly every dollar spent onboard
Under the program, guests earn three Carnival Rewards points for every $1 spent on eligible Carnival Cruise Line purchases, including gratuities. Guests also earn one point for every Casino Point retained in their account at the end of a voyage. Points can be redeemed for future Carnival cruises and eligible onboard experiences such as shore excursions, specialty dining, and spa treatments. Points post roughly 14 days after a voyage ends and are redeemable as soon as they arrive.
A four-tier status system replaces frequency-based loyalty
Tier Qualifying Stars determine a guest's status level. Guests earn three Tier Qualifying Stars for every $1 spent on eligible purchases, plus one star for every Casino Point earned -- even if that point is later redeemed onboard as Funplay. The four tiers are Red (granted upon enrollment), Gold (10,000 stars), Platinum (50,000 stars), and Diamond (100,000 stars). Status is earned over a two-year qualification period, with benefits lasting through that period plus two additional years. The first qualification period runs from September 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028, giving early members extra time to accumulate stars.
A milestone program rewards cumulative days sailed
Carnival Rewards also introduces a milestone benefits program that recognizes enrolled members based on their total cumulative days sailed with the line, aiming to help long-time cruisers reach milestones faster.
A co-branded Mastercard adds everyday earning power
The new Carnival Rewards Mastercard lets cardholders earn points on everyday purchases outside of cruise vacations. New cardholders who spend $1,000 within the first 90 days can earn 50,000 bonus points, subject to terms. Cardholders earn up to six times points on eligible Carnival purchases -- cruise fares, shore excursions, onboard activities, spa treatments, and dining -- combining three points from the card with up to three more through Carnival Rewards. Eligible restaurant and grocery purchases earn two points, and all other purchases earn one point. Carnival purchases can also earn up to four Tier Qualifying Stars when combined with program stars, while other purchases earn one star. The card offers a six-month 0% promotional APR on cruise bookings and 2,500 anniversary bonus points after $2,000 in annual spending.
Guests can enroll in Carnival Rewards at CarnivalRewards.com.