Carnival shakes up cruise loyalty; Royal Caribbean to revamp ships

Complaints are pouring in on social media after Carnival Cruise Line announced facts of its completely overhauled loyalty program on June 18.

Even supposing Carnival has been talking a couple of planned loyalty program revamp for months, the cruise line had not yet revealed any facts referring to the changes except now. And it seems that the structure of the brand new program isn't sitting effectively with many real passengers.

Connected: Carnival Cruise Line takes on a new passenger concern

The new Carnival Rewards program, which rolls out in June 2026, follows a fully assorted model than Carnival’s original Very Crucial Fun Particular person (VIFP) loyalty program.

Many Carnival cruisers who were constructing their VIFP reputation for a lot of years to realize Platinum or Diamond ranges on this system anxiousness that the brand new Carnival Rewards system gained’t mark their long-time loyalty as effectively as the original program.

On the opposite hand, Carnival says that the brand new loyalty program shows a dedication to growing more meaningful recognition for its real passengers. The new rewards model will place the cruise line loyalty program on par with in style dart back and forth loyalty purposes supplied by airways and resorts.

Doug Parker shared more facts on the brand new Carnival Rewards loyalty program, and other cruise recordsdata including Royal Caribbean’s 2026 ship modernization tasks, on the June nineteenth model of Cruise Data Lately.

Decide the most up-to-the-minute cruise recordsdata and deals? Check in for the Reach Cruise With Me e-newsletter.

Carnival Cruise Line finds predominant loyalty program changes

Transcript:

This is Cruise Data Lately with Doug Parker.

Good morning, this is your cruise recordsdata for Thursday, June nineteenth.

Carnival Cruise Line is overhauling its loyalty program. Beginning next June, the original VIFP Membership can be modified by Carnival Rewards, which means lifetime reputation is ending. Passengers should now re-qualify every two years, and this may very effectively be in accordance with spending, not the amount of cruise nights you have. This places the corporate more according to airline and hotel loyalty purposes.

Connected: Carnival Cruise Line fixes big passenger agonize point

They're also shedding the Blue tier as a ways as their loyalty program, and all guests will commence at Crimson. Better tiers like Gold, Platinum, and Diamond will require more spending to connect and preserve your perks.

Some advantages, just like the gold pins and the complimentary dining and limitless laundry for Diamond individuals, are also being scaled reduction in the direction of this commerce.

There is a lot to unpack here, and it be fully detailed on CarnivalRewards.com.

I am unfamiliar what you judge about Carnival inviting in opposition to a more pay-to-play model. Let me know in the feedback.

Be the first to ascertain the valid deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Check in for the Reach Cruise With Me e-newsletter.

Flee Guard investigates Big title Edge’s shut to-collision in Juneau

And a apply-up to the sage we introduced you the day prior to this of Big title Edge breaking loose while it used to be docked in Juneau, Alaska.

The U.S. Flee Guard is now investigating the shut to-collision between two cruise ships after a storm broke Edge loose from its moorings.

Excessive winds pushed Big title Edge in opposition to Carnival Luminosa as it used to be leaving port, forcing Luminosa to reduction up to dwell away from being hit. Big title Edge did fall the anchor simply in time to dwell away from a crash. No accidents or agonize had been reported.

Flee Guard officers are reviewing public video submissions and speak a probe is now underway.

Connected: Video: Big title Cruises ship goes adrift in busy Alaska port

Royal Caribbean to upgrade three cruise ships in 2026

And Royal Caribbean is decided to overtake three of its ships next year — Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas — as part of its ongoing modernization program. The upgrades will consist of new dining alternatives, enhanced leisure, and redesigned pool areas.

Ovation will debut in Alaska, Harmony will shift from Europe to Florida, and Liberty will stride from England before heading to Galveston, Texas. All three ships will debut fully revamped.

Connected: Royal Caribbean, Carnival add ship enhancements cruisers can be pleased

And cruise stocks ended greater on Wednesday. Carnival Corporation: up 1%, 23.61. Royal Caribbean: up 2%, 267.78. Norwegian: up 1%, 18.39. And Viking: up 2%, 48.66.

In the event you have a lead on a sage, allow us to know: [email protected].

And this week's Cruise Radio Podcast: a overview of Carnival Panorama, where you be wide awake of your accepted podcasts.

I am Doug Parker with Cruise Data Lately. Beget your self to take into accounta good Thursday.

(The Arena Community will attach a commission whenever you happen to e-book a cruise.)

Invent a free appointment with Reach Cruise With Me's Hasten back and forth Agent Companion, Postcard Hasten back and forth, or email Amy Put up at [email protected] or call or text her at 386-383-2472.