Carnival Gives Guests 3 More Months To Achieve Lifetime Status

November 20, 2025 Randy Young

Carnival’s new rewards program, which replaces its long-running loyalty system, has had a rough start. Since the original announcement, many long-time Carnival loyalists have felt pushed aside, and some have openly said they are looking at other cruise lines after their concerns went unanswered. Even competing cruise lines have taken playful jabs at the negative reception during travel agent events and investor calls. Carnival has made a few small tweaks, but for the most part, the company has stuck to its plan.

Previously, Carnival announced an adjustment that helped guests with the highest levels of loyalty. Members who reach Diamond under the current VIFP program will be able to keep lifetime Diamond status in the new structure. Guests who reach Platinum will receive a 10,000 star boost every two-year cycle, which places them at Gold status by default.

Now, the line is giving cruisers even more time to reach the levels that will carry over.

Carnival Pushes the Launch Date

In an email sent on November 20, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy announced that the rollout of the new rewards program will be delayed. Instead of launching on June 1, 2026, the new start date will be September 1, 2026.

This change gives guests an additional three months to sail under the old VIFP rules. For anyone trying to reach Platinum or Diamond before the transition, those extra months could make a big difference.

Why the Extra Time Matters

The biggest concern with the new loyalty program has been the loss of lifetime status for most guests. Instead of earning permanent tiers, the new program resets every two years and is based on spend rather than nights sailed. For many loyal cruisers, that shift felt like a massive downgrade after decades of sailing with the brand.

Carnival says “We’ve been listening to your feedback about our upcoming Carnival Rewards program, and we’re excited to share this update.”

By pushing the launch date back, Carnival is giving guests more opportunity to reach higher VIFP levels that will translate into stronger benefits when the new program begins.

But the Core Program Still Is Not Changing

While the extra time is welcome, Carnival has not changed the fundamental design of the new rewards system. The two-year qualification cycle, spend-based earning, and reduced emphasis on lifetime achievements are all still part of the rollout.

Carnival has acknowledged guest feedback and made slight adjustments, but the overall structure remains the same.

Find out more about Carnival’s Rewards Program

What Guests Should Do Now

Check your current nights sailed to see how close you are to Platinum or Diamond
Review your booked cruises to determine if you can reach the next tier by August 31, 2026
Watch for additional program details as Carnival continues finalizing the rollout

The three-month extension is not a full reversal, but it does give loyal Carnival guests a little more breathing room as one of the most controversial program changes in the line’s history moves forward.