Carnival’s revamped loyalty program gives perks for days sailed

Carnival Cruise Lines’ revamped and renamed loyalty program, the ‘Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club,’ doles our rewards based on days cruised instead of the number of cruises taken. The five-tier program also allows people who haven’t sailed to join the club for access to members-only specials.

The Blue level, for those new to a Fun Ships cruise, will give access to promotions and offers that change regularly.

Benefits for the Red level, for second sailing to 24 cruise days, includes a free alcoholic/specialty beverage at breakfast or lunch or at the Punchliner Comedy Brunch Presented by George Lopez, a new e-newsletter, and members-only cruise specials and other offers.

Gold, 25 to 74 cruise days, awards a member pin, a Gold, Platinum and Diamond members-only shipboard cocktail party with free drinks and appetizers, and all the benefits of Red level VIFP Club membership.

Platinum, 75 to 199 cruise days, includes priority embarkation, debarkation, tender service and dining times (including main dining room and specialty restaurants), an enhanced logo gift item and a ship- and year-specific pin each voyage that will be redesigned annually. Other perks are a dedicated phone number and concierge desk on board, free wash and fold laundry service, casino buy-one-get-one tournament entry, complimentary arcade $5 play for passengers under 18, and the benefits of the Red and Gold level memberships.

Diamond, 200-plus cruise days, gives guaranteed dining times and specialty restaurant reservations, acknowledgement from the captain at the Gold, Platinum and Diamond Party, unlimited wash and fold service, free dinner for two in the specialty restaurant of their choice and luggage tag and passport holder. Plus, Diamond-level members get a one-time complimentary upgrade or a third or fourth passenger sails free offer, a $100 per member contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the benefits of the lower levels.

Carnival will also give Milestone Cruise Rewards to VIFP Club members sailing on their 25th, 50th and 75th cruise in the form of a shipboard credit equal to 25%, 50% or 75% off the cruise fare, respectively, for that voyage. Members sailing on their 100th cruise earn a free Caribbean, Mexican Riviera or Alaska voyage of up to eight days.

VIFP Club members can also review and modify their cruise history, chart their progress to the next level, watch a video overview of the program and see exclusive specials, promotions and other offers at www.carnival.com/VIFP.

All Carnival past passengers are automatically enrolled in the new club and can use their existing past guest number to activate their profile by visiting www.carnival.com/activate.