Well, did Carnival just screw up big time with its new rewards program? Let’s read about what a mess this could be.

Old Loyalty Program

On the old program, you earned points. For example, I have gone on three cruises, which puts me in the red. I only have 15 points. I have done two short cruises and one seven-day cruise.

The only thing I have going for me are the following:

• Members-only offers
• Member e-newsletter
• Complimentary 1.5-liter bottle of water.

For those who have been loyal to Carnival, Diamond status means they have more than 200 points.

That is like a point a day for a cruise.

Was it worth it? I don’t know. But it is a program, and a lot of people were diamond members, and they had some benefits. They were loyal to Carnival. They may have gone on one cruise a year and saved up for it.

New Thing

Carnival just rolled out a new thing: a reward program. Now, you are thinking, that sounds like a great idea. What did they do that is different? Well, they revamped it and screwed the people who were the most loyal to them.

Yeah, they went a different direction in revamping the program.

Reward Program

Yes, you heard that right. It is a reward program, not a loyalty program. The program is all about stars now.

• To move up from red to gold on the new program, you have to get 10,000 points.
  • For the first 50 nights, you get 5,000 points.

So, how can you get to be a diamond member? Good question.

• To get to 100,000 stars is a lot of cruising.

So, how do you get the stars? Well, this is where the trick comes into play. You must apply for a Master Card, not just an MC, but a Carnival Master Card. The more you spend, the higher your stars are.

• You get 3 points (stars) for every $1 you spend
  • If you spend on eligible carnival purchases, you can multiply your stars
• If you go to the casino, then you get 1 point (star) for every casino point

Earn points on everything

• Earn when you book
• Earn when you cruise
  • Shore excursions
  • Drinks
  • Onboard shopping
  • Specialty Dining
  • Spa and relaxation
  • Onboard activities
• Earn when you game
• Earn when you shop

It appears that spending money on a Master Card earns you higher status. But it is only good for a little bit. Yes, you read that right. It is only good for a couple of years.

When this goes into effect, you will retain your status as you are now. So I will be gold until the end of May 31, 2028.

Once June 1, 2028, hits, however many points I earn from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2028. Then, for the next 2 years, I will be at that level. This will continue until June 1, 2030. At that point, it will reset to however many points I have during those 2 years.  So it doesn’t matter how loyal you were to Carnival; you would only cruise with them. You are are kind of screwed.

Master Card

You might say, “Well, just get the Carnival Master Card and use that.” But for me, I might be loyal to American Express. I’ve been using American Express or Visa for a long time.

I have been on more Princess Cruises than any other line, but I don’t have a Princess Visa Card.

If you were to get a credit card for every cruise line, which one would you use?

Why would I get a master card?

Opinion

I would not get a master card for Carnival. If that is the best way to get a higher status, I won’t be getting that gold status again soon. I guess it will be a very long time before I achieve it. I will use what I am used to.

So, did Carnival screw over its customer base, which has been loyal to them for years? Most likely. But as I see it right now, it is all about money and how much it can earn.

Let’s just hope Princess doesn’t change the loyalty program there. I enjoy my 50% discount on the internet.

YouTube

Yep, I sure did make a video.