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Carnival Cruise Line changed its loyalty program from the VIFP Club to Carnival Rewards on September 1, 2026. Under the new program, members earn Carnival Rewards Points that can be redeemed for eligible Carnival purchases. Your former VIFP number is now your Carnival Guest Number. Carnival Cruises
The important distinction is that Carnival Rewards Points are redeemable points, while Status Qualifying Stars determine your Carnival Rewards status. Stars cannot be spent like points. Carnival Cruises
If you have accumulated Carnival Rewards Points, you can currently use them toward eligible cruise fare during booking or eligible onboard purchases through the Carnival HUB app. Pre-cruise redemption for items such as excursions and drink packages is not yet available, although Carnival says this feature will be introduced in a future release. Carnival Cruises
Carnival Rewards Points are the spendable currency within Carnival's new loyalty program.
Members generally earn 3 Carnival Rewards Points for every $1 spent on eligible Carnival purchases. Members can also earn one point for each casino point remaining at the end of a sailing. Additional earning opportunities may apply to eligible Carnival Rewards Mastercard activity. Carnival Cruises
Eligible spending can include categories such as:
Some fees, taxes and other excluded purchases do not qualify. Carnival's terms and conditions contain the complete list of eligible and excluded transactions. Carnival Cruises
These two rewards can be confusing because both are earned through the Carnival Rewards program.
| Feature | Carnival Rewards Points | Status Qualifying Stars |
|---|---|---|
| Can you spend them? | Yes | No |
| Main purpose | Redeem for eligible purchases | Determine loyalty status |
| Earned from eligible spending | Yes | Yes |
| Determine Red/Gold/Platinum/Diamond status | No | Yes |
| Can be used toward cruise purchases | Yes | No |
| Can be used onboard | Yes, for eligible purchases | No |
Carnival currently lists Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond as its status levels. Status Qualifying Stars accumulate during a defined earning period and determine the status benefits available to the member. Carnival Cruises
There are currently two main ways to redeem Carnival Rewards Points.
You can use available Carnival Rewards Points when booking an eligible cruise.
During the booking process, points can be applied toward the deposit or eligible cruise fare. Carnival also allows a combination of available points and cash, so you do not necessarily have to pay the entire eligible amount with points. Carnival Cruises
A simple process is:
The exact options shown can depend on the booking and the type of purchase.
Carnival Rewards Points can also be redeemed during your cruise through the Carnival HUB app.
Eligible onboard uses can include purchases such as:
Carnival says the onboard redemption feature is designed to let members use their points during the voyage for eligible purchases. Carnival Cruises
This is particularly useful if you want to use your accumulated points during the cruise instead of saving them for a future booking.
If you are already onboard, the Carnival HUB app is the current method Carnival identifies for redeeming points against eligible onboard purchases.
Use the Carnival HUB app while you are sailing.
Choose an available onboard service or purchase that qualifies for Carnival Rewards Point redemption.
Depending on your sailing, this may include options such as dining, Wi-Fi, drinks, spa services or other eligible experiences.
Review your Carnival Rewards balance before confirming the transaction.
Select the available rewards redemption option and apply the number of points you want to use.
If your points do not cover the entire eligible purchase, the remaining amount can be paid using the applicable payment method.
Carnival's current FAQ states that there is no minimum number of points required to begin redeeming, and there is no maximum redemption limit as long as you have enough available points for the eligible purchase. Carnival Cruises
This depends on the type of purchase.
Carnival currently allows points to be used toward eligible cruise fare during booking. However, pre-cruise redemption for purchases such as excursions, dining, spa treatments, drink packages and Wi-Fi is not yet available under the current implementation. Carnival says pre-cruise redemption will be introduced in a future release. Carnival Cruises
This means you should not assume that an item you can purchase before sailing can also currently be paid for with Rewards Points.
Carnival's current FAQ says Rewards Points can be used for eligible shore excursions during the cruise through the Carnival HUB app. However, redemption for pre-cruise purchases is not yet available. Carnival Cruises
So there is an important timing difference:
Eligible specialty dining is among the onboard purchases Carnival currently identifies for Rewards Point redemption through the HUB app. Carnival Cruises
If you want to use points for a particular dining option, check the purchase in the app because eligibility can vary by the specific purchase.
Yes. Carnival's current FAQ lists Wi-Fi among eligible onboard purchases for Rewards Point redemption through the Carnival HUB app. Carnival Cruises
This can be useful for travelers who have accumulated points and want to reduce the amount they pay for eligible onboard internet services.
Carnival lists drink packages among the eligible onboard redemption categories for Rewards Points. Carnival Cruises
However, do not assume that every beverage-related charge qualifies. Carnival's program has specific eligible-purchase rules, so check the purchase presented in the HUB app before completing the redemption.
Eligible spa treatments can also be paid for with Carnival Rewards Points through the onboard HUB app. Carnival Cruises
The important word is eligible. Carnival's rewards terms determine which transactions qualify, so availability of a spa service does not automatically mean every associated charge can be covered with points.
No. Carnival's current FAQ says there is no minimum requirement to begin redeeming Carnival Rewards Points. There is also no maximum redemption limit, provided you have enough available points for the eligible purchase. Carnival Cruises
This gives members flexibility to use points for smaller eligible purchases rather than waiting until they have accumulated a large balance.
Carnival Rewards Points generally do not expire as long as you have qualifying activity within a three-year period.
Qualifying activity includes earning or redeeming points. Each qualifying activity extends the expiration period by another three years. Carnival also states that points do not expire for Carnival Rewards Mastercard cardholders while the applicable cardholder rule remains in effect. Carnival Cruises
Because program rules can change, it is sensible to check your current Carnival Rewards account and terms before deliberately leaving a large balance unused.
If you redeem points for onboard credit and do not use all of that credit during the cruise, Carnival says the unused portion automatically converts back into Carnival Rewards Points, subject to the applicable eligible-purchase restrictions. Carnival Cruises
That is different from assuming unused onboard credit simply disappears, so members should review their final account and Rewards balance after sailing.
Yes. When redeeming points toward an eligible cruise fare, Carnival allows members to combine cash and available Rewards Points. Carnival Cruises
For example, if your eligible cruise balance is greater than the amount you want to cover with points, you can use available points and pay the remaining amount separately.
No. Carnival states that Rewards accounts, Points and Status Qualifying Stars are non-transferable.
This includes transfers to family or household members. Carnival Cruises
Therefore, you generally cannot move your points into another person's Carnival Rewards account simply because you are traveling together.
Carnival states that redeemed points are refunded according to the same rules that apply to cash payments and remain subject to applicable cancellation penalties. Carnival Cruises
Because cancellation terms can depend on the booking, fare and timing, check the specific cancellation conditions attached to your reservation before canceling.
You can access your Carnival Rewards account by logging in to Carnival.com. Carnival says your current Rewards status is displayed in your profile. Carnival Cruises
Your account is the best place to check your current points balance rather than relying on an older VIFP balance or previous loyalty-program information.
Carnival's transition also changed terminology: the former VIFP number became the Carnival Guest Number. Carnival Cruises
Carnival Rewards replaced the VIFP Club as Carnival's guest loyalty program on September 1, 2026. Existing VIFP members transitioned into the new program framework, subject to Carnival's transition and enrollment rules. Carnival Cruises
The change is important if you are searching older Carnival information online because many older articles still refer to VIFP points or VIFP status.
For current information, look for Carnival Rewards Points and Status Qualifying Stars instead.
Rewards Points are designed to be redeemed against eligible purchases. Status Qualifying Stars are used to determine your Carnival Rewards tier.
The current status levels are:
For example, Carnival currently lists Gold from 10,000 Status Qualifying Stars, Platinum from 50,000 and Diamond from 100,000. These thresholds concern status, not the number of points you can spend. Carnival Cruises
So if you are trying to pay for Wi-Fi, dining or a future cruise, look at your Points balance. If you are checking whether you qualify for a higher loyalty tier, look at your Stars.
Before paying for a new cruise, log in to your Carnival account and check how many points are available.
A major current distinction is between cruise-fare redemption and onboard redemption. Pre-cruise redemption for many experiences is not yet available. Carnival Cruises
Stars increase your Rewards status; they are not a payment currency.
Not every Carnival charge necessarily qualifies. Carnival excludes certain fees, taxes and other transaction categories from earning and redemption. Carnival Cruises
If you want to preserve your points, remember Carnival's three-year qualifying-activity rule. Earning or redeeming points can extend the expiration period. Carnival Cruises
Carnival Rewards launched recently, and the company says additional redemption capabilities will be introduced in future releases. Always check Carnival's current FAQ and terms before making a purchase based on an older explanation of the program. Carnival Cruises
Yes. Carnival currently allows eligible members to redeem points toward the deposit or eligible cruise fare during the booking process. You can combine points with cash. Carnival Cruises
Yes. Eligible members can currently redeem points through the Carnival HUB app for eligible onboard purchases. Carnival Cruises
Yes. Carnival currently lists Wi-Fi among the eligible onboard categories for Rewards Point redemption. Carnival Cruises
Yes, eligible shore excursions can currently be paid for with Rewards Points during the cruise through the Carnival HUB app. Pre-cruise redemption is not yet available. Carnival Cruises
Yes. Carnival identifies eligible specialty dining as an onboard category where Rewards Points can be redeemed through the HUB app. Carnival Cruises
Generally, points do not expire if you have qualifying earning or redemption activity within a three-year period. Carnival Rewards Mastercard cardholders have a separate applicable rule. Carnival Cruises
No. Carnival says Rewards Points and accounts are non-transferable. Carnival Cruises
No. Points can be redeemed for eligible purchases, while Stars determine your Carnival Rewards status. Carnival Cruises
No. Carnival currently says there is no minimum redemption requirement. You must simply have enough available points for the eligible purchase you are making. Carnival Cruises
Not generally at this stage. Carnival says redemption for pre-cruise purchases will be introduced in a future release. Cruise-fare redemption during booking is currently available. Carnival Cruises
Using loyalty points with Carnival Cruise Line is now handled through Carnival Rewards, which replaced the VIFP Club in September 2026. Members can currently redeem Rewards Points toward eligible cruise fare during booking and eligible onboard purchases through the Carnival HUB app. Carnival Cruises
The key thing to remember is the difference between Points and Status Qualifying Stars. Points are redeemable, while Stars are used to establish your Carnival Rewards status. Before using your balance, check your Carnival account and confirm that the purchase is eligible under the latest program rules.
For the most current program details, use Carnival's official Carnival Rewards information and Help pages. Carnival Cruises
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