08/11/2026
CARNIVAL REWARDS IS HERE! 🚨 Loyalty is changing—and on this episode of COACH CRUISE LIVE, we’re taking an honest look at what the new Carnival Rewards Program means for longtime Carnival cruisers beginning September 1, 2026, and what it means for the future of Carnival loyalty.
Carnival is moving from the old VIFP model toward a system based on Carnival Rewards Points and Status Qualifying Stars. Members can earn points on eligible Carnival spending and redeem those points toward cruise fares and onboard experiences, while status is earned through Stars over two-year qualifying periods.
But here’s the BIG question:
IS CARNIVAL REWARDS REALLY THE WORST LOYALTY PROGRAM AT SEA? 🤔
We’re putting Carnival head-to-head with MSC, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Margaritaville at Sea and looking at the perks that actually matter to cruisers.
🏆 THE 5 PERKS WE’LL BE WATCHING FROM EACH LINE
🔴 CARNIVAL REWARDS
1. Points that can be redeemed toward future Carnival cruises
2. Priority embarkation and debarkation at qualifying higher tiers
3. Complimentary Wash & Fold laundry at Platinum/Diamond
4. Preferred dining times
5. Diamond Captain’s special-event invitation
Carnival’s new program also introduces milestone rewards based on days sailed, beginning with the 50th day.
🟦 MSC VOYAGERS CLUB
1. Up to 15% booking discounts
2. $50 onboard credit on qualifying advance bookings for higher tiers
3. Complimentary thermal-area session
4. Specialty-restaurant dinner at Diamond
5. Priority check-in / luggage / disembarkation and late checkout at higher levels
⚓ ROYAL CARIBBEAN CROWN & ANCHOR
1. Up to 6 complimentary drinks every day at Pinnacle
2. 40% off Deluxe Beverage Packages at Pinnacle
3. Milestone cruise certificates that can be worth a 7-night balcony or Junior Suite cruise at qualifying point levels
4. 40% off select onboard benefits/amenities and strong suite/lounge access at top levels
5. Priority embarkation and other priority services
🌊 NORWEGIAN LATITUDES REWARDS
1. One-time complimentary 7-day cruise at Ambassador
2. One-time complimentary cabin upgrade at Diamond
3. Up to 20% shore-excursion discounts
4. Up to 30% photo discounts
5. Priority check-in, disembarkation and other premium onboard benefits
🌴 MARGARITAVILLE AT SEA PLAYERS CLUB
1. Complimentary cruises
2. Giftable cruises for your crew through the new Tide Rollers benefit
3. Premium beverages while actively playing
4. Complimentary specialty dining
5. Spa credits and other casino comps
Margaritaville’s new Players Club has four tiers—Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum—and emphasizes faster qualification and casino-based rewards.
🔥 AND THIS IS WHERE THE DEBATE GETS GOOD…
We’ll ask YOU—the Coach Cruisers:
Is Carnival rewarding loyalty… or rewarding spending?
Did Carnival make Rewards better—or did they take away too much from longtime VIFP members?
Which cruise line gives you the BEST loyalty perks?
Would you switch cruise lines because of loyalty benefits?
And most importantly:
WHAT SHOULD CARNIVAL ADD TO MAKE LOYAL CRUISERS HAPPY?
Come join the conversation, bring your opinions, your experiences and your loyalty status—and LET’S TALK CRUISE! 🚢🍹
COACH CRUISE LIVE
🕖 7 PM Central | 8 PM Eastern
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Important: this comparison is based on the programs and published benefits currently available for September 10, 2026 and beyond; cruise lines reserve the right to modify loyalty terms and benefits. Royal Caribbean’s published grid, for example, states that its benefits are valid for sailings from July 7, 2026 onward but can be modified.
