Carnival Cruise Line grants lifetime Diamond status ahead of loyalty program revamp

Other updates include an extension and boost for Platinum members. Those who achieve Platinum status by May 31, 2026, will have their status extended through May 31, 2028. They will also receive a bonus of 10,000 Carnival Rewards qualifying Stars when the new program starts on June 1, 2026, and during each two-year earning cycle after that. This bonus gives Platinum VIFP members a biennial "head start" toward maintaining or reaching higher tiers and guarantees them at least Gold status in future cycles.

Although U.S. privacy laws prevent minors from enrolling directly in rewards programs, Carnival stated that children will match the status of the adult who booked their cruise. When minors turn 18, those who achieved Diamond or Platinum status through an adult by May 31, 2026, can opt into Carnival Rewards with that same level and privileges.

Carnival is also looking into ways for Canadian and Australian guests to earn points through partnerships similar to those available with the Carnival World Mastercard for U.S. residents. Information about this card has been independently collected by The Points Guy; details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer (https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/carnival-world-mastercard/).

The new program draws inspiration from airline and hotel loyalty models linked to travel spending and cobranded credit cards. According to Carnival, it is among the first cruise lines to introduce such a system.

Under the updated rules, most tiers will no longer offer lifetime qualification except for Diamond-level members. Benefits like free Wi-Fi access, laundry service, priority boarding and dining perks are being adjusted according to tier levels. A new currency will be introduced that can be earned and redeemed across nearly all purchases with Carnival.

Members will earn three points per dollar spent on eligible purchases including cruise fares, onboard drinks, specialty dining options, spa treatments and shore excursions. Casino players can earn one point per casino point left at cruise end.

Spending on the Carnival World Mastercard will also generate rewards points under this new structure; existing FunPoints balances will be converted when the new system launches.