Carnival Cruise Line’s new loyalty program, which is coming in 2026, has been making waves since it was announced, but not in a good way.
The new program, which takes effect in June of 2026 if nothing changes, has left many cruisers outraged because the “lifetime” loyalty status has been eliminated.
Instead, guests will earn “stars” based on how much they cruise and spend onboard and will maintain their loyalty tier for two years.
Current and long-time members of the VIFP program have been left feeling hurt and abandoned by the change and are now considering aligning their loyalties elsewhere.
In various online forums, now-former Carnival fans have been encouraging others to switch to MSC Cruises, which will match Carnival cruisers’ existing loyalty status in the MSC Voyager’s Club through the Status Match program.
“Our Status Match program allows you to join the MSC Voyagers Club by bringing your benefits from another cruise line with you and instantly enjoying comparable – or even better – privileges on your next MSC Cruises sailing,” reads the MSC website.
“Once approved, you’ll immediately qualify for a 5% discount on any future MSC Cruises sailing, where you’ll receive onboard discounts for photos, Wi-Fi, spa services, complimentary gifts, and other valuable savings,” continues the information.
While it’s not a new program, it’s quickly become very popular because it allows Carnival guests to maintain many of the perks they spent their time and money earning with the other brand.
However, the loyalty status at MSC Cruises can also expire, but only if guests go more than three years between cruises.
In order to apply for a status match, all guests need to do is submit a quick online form on the MSC website with their name, address, contact information, and information about the loyalty status they are trying to match.
The approval time seems to be quick, with many cruisers saying that they learned of their new loyalty status at MSC in 24 hours or less.
Other Status Match Programs
Although MSC Cruises is the program that has been popping up most in the forums, MSC isn’t the only brand to offer status match programs.
Virgin Voyages, which is an adults-only cruise line, is offering its own status matching option for its loyalty program, called the Sailing Club.
However, this will only be available through October 31, 2025, and the cruise line is accepting applications online.
Once accepted, guests will be put into the Blue Extras level, which is the middle tier that Virgin Voyages’ guests reach at three to four sailings.
This will make them eligible for perks like an exclusive cocktail event, complimentary laundry service, and a dedicated Sailor Services (guest services) support system.
Ponant Cruises, which offers expedition cruises on yachts, also has a status matching program that comes with immediate discounts on future bookings, free laundry services, and onboard credits based on the tier.
Cruise Boards: New Carnival Rewards Loyalty Program Announced
Meanwhile, Carnival has been working to lessen the backlash and alleviate concerns about the changes to the VIFP fun club.
Lee Mason, a popular Fleet Cruise Director, responded to the feedback on Facebook: “Maybe I was living in a dream world, but I truly believed the bond between our crew and our guests came from those shared moments. The laughs, the conversations, the connections. That’s what makes cruising special.”
Brand Ambassador John Heald has also tried to do damage control on his own Facebook page.
Heald has been reassuring his more than 600,000 followers that the cruise line does care about them and that the new program was announced well in advance to give it time to settle (and to possibly even make some more desirable tweaks).
