A Smart Cruiser’s Guide from Chasity Lattimore at L.O.A. Travel Agency
If you’re a loyal Carnival guest, you’ve probably heard by now: Carnival Cruise Line is saying goodbye to the VIFP Club and launching a brand-new Carnival Rewards program in 2026.
This means your current cruise status — whether you’re Blue, Red, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond — will eventually be replaced with a points-based system tied to how much you spend, not just how many days you’ve sailed.
But here’s the good news:
There’s still time to maximize your existing status before the switch!
As both a travel advisor and a frequent cruiser, here are my top tips to help you make the most of your Carnival loyalty before the wave of changes arrives.
⏳ 1. Lock In Another Cruise Before the Cutoff
Carnival has said the new program will begin rolling out in mid-2026, with some tracking starting as early as August 2025. That gives you a solid window to:
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Take another sailing (even a short one!)
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Earn more cruise day credits
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Boost yourself to the next VIFP tier while it still counts!
🎯 PRO TIP: If you’re close to Platinum or Diamond, even a 3- or 4-day cruise can push you over the top.
💰 2. Use Onboard Spending Strategically
Carnival’s new program will reward spending, so start practicing now:
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Book spa treatments early (they fill up fast!)
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Try a specialty dining night
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Pre-pay excursions or photo packages through the Carnival Hub App
While these won’t help in the VIFP system, they might earn points under the new program — and get you used to spending in ways that pay off.
🧾 3. Keep Your VIFP Cruise History Safe
Once the program changes, you’ll likely get conversion credit for your cruise history. But just in case:
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Take screenshots of your VIFP profile
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Save confirmation emails
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Download receipts from previous cruises
I always tell my clients: keep a paper trail. You never know when you’ll need it to claim your rightful status.
🎉 4. Book Through a Travel Advisor (Like Me!)
I can help you:
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Identify the lowest-cost cruises to help you reach your next tier
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Score early saver fares and onboard credit deals
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Navigate what’s best to book now vs. later
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Get insight into how your current status may convert
Don’t leave points, perks, or upgrades on the table.
📅 If you’ve been thinking about another cruise, now is the time.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Carnival’s loyalty program is evolving — and while change can be exciting, it also means longtime cruisers need to plan smart.
Your VIFP status still matters. And if you want to sail into Carnival Rewards with a head start, this is the moment to act.
📞 Let me help you cruise smarter:
Chasity Lattimore – Owner, L.O.A. Travel Agency
🌐 www.loatravelagency.com
📧 loatravelagency2@gmail.com
📱 478-284-4660
