Carnival Cruise Line Policy Changes
Two Carnival changes reached almost every guest in 2026. Here is what happened, with dates and sources, and what it means for you.
Ask a Cruise AdvisorCarnival carries more guests than any other cruise line, so Carnival cruise line policy changes attract more attention than most. In 2026 two changes stood out: a completely new loyalty program and an adjustment to gratuities and a drink package. Below is what was confirmed, where it was confirmed, and the practical questions to ask. We do not print amounts; check Carnival’s own pages or your advisor for the current figures.
1. Carnival Rewards Replaced VIFP (September 1, 2026)
Carnival first described its new program in June 2025, with a start date of June 1, 2026. According to Carnival’s own help center, the switch actually took place on September 1, 2026. Key points from that page:
- Your VIFP number became your Carnival Guest Number; every guest has one.
- To take full part, eligible guests must enroll and accept the terms.
- Status levels are Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond.
- Points and status are earned on eligible spending, not only on nights sailed.
- Status is set in two-year windows rather than kept for life.
- Guests who reached VIFP Diamond by August 31, 2026 receive lifetime Diamond after enrolling.
- The old VIFP gift and Gold pin are no longer included.
What it means: frequent cruisers who book short, inexpensive sailings may reach status more slowly than before, while guests who spend more on board and on longer trips may reach it faster. Long-time Diamond members were protected. If you were a VIFP member, log in and enroll so your history carries across.
2. Gratuities and Bottomless Bubbles (April 2026)
In February 2026 Cruise Industry News reported that Carnival would raise its daily gratuities from April 2, 2026, with ships based in Australia excluded because gratuities are already included in their fares there. The adult price of Bottomless Bubbles, Carnival’s non-alcoholic drinks package, also rose in early April. Carnival said guests who had already bought gratuities or the package would keep the earlier price.
What it means: for future bookings, budget for the current daily rate shown on Carnival’s site. If a further change is ever announced, prepaying before the effective date is the usual way to keep the old rate.
How to Keep Up With Carnival Changes
- Bookmark Carnival’s help center; it is where Carnival publishes program rules.
- Read the emails sent to your booking; changes to your sailing arrive there first.
- Check the effective date and whether existing purchases are honored.
- Look at our story-checking guide before sharing a screenshot.
Carnival Questions
What replaced Carnival’s VIFP Club?
Carnival Rewards. Carnival’s help center says the transition took place on September 1, 2026, and that each guest’s VIFP number became their Carnival Guest Number.
Do I have to sign up for Carnival Rewards?
Carnival says eligible guests must enroll and accept the program’s terms and conditions to take full part. Having a guest number alone is not enrollment.
Did my prepaid gratuities go up in April 2026?
Carnival said it would honor existing gratuity and beverage package prices for guests who purchased before the adjustment, as reported by Cruise Industry News in February 2026.
Booking Carnival? Ask Us First
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will explain how Carnival Rewards and current onboard pricing apply to the sailing you are considering.
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