carnival cruise card tiers

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Carnival Cruise Card Colors Guide (Tiers and Perks EXPLAINED!)

Wondering about the color-coded Sail & Sign cards and perks of the VIFP Club on your Carnival Cruise? From Blue to Diamond, each tier represents a new level of benefits and rewards.

Explore the meaning behind each color, the point ranges, and how to activate your membership to make the most of your vacation.

Table of Contents

Carnival Cruise Card Color Basics

Purpose of the cruise card.

When you embark on a Carnival Cruise, you’ll be given a Sail & Sign card in a specific color. This card serves multiple purposes during your vacation.

Designed with both convenience and recognition in mind, the cruise card acts as your room key, payment method for onboard purchases, and identification for getting on and off the ship.

On top of that, the color of your card indicates your status in Carnival’s VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club.

Understanding Different Colors

As you cruise with Carnival and accumulate vacation days, you’ll advance through their VIFP Club and earn corresponding card colors.

Each color represents a different tier in the program, offering various benefits and perks for your loyalty.

To make sense of these colors, here’s a brief rundown:

Blue : This is the color you’ll receive on your first-ever Carnival cruise. It signifies that you are a cruise rookie and have yet to accumulate any VIFP Points.
Red : Once you have 2-24 VIFP Points under your belt, you’ll be upgraded to the Red tier card. This color reflects your second Carnival cruise and beyond, up until you reach 25 VIFP Points.
Gold : When you earn 25-74 VIFP Points, your Sail & Sign card will turn Gold in color, highlighting your growing Carnival experience and earned recognition.
Platinum : By accumulating 75 or more VIFP Points, you’ll receive a Platinum card, an indication of your significant time spent cruising with Carnival.
Diamond : This is the ultimate achievement for Carnival cruisers. To reach the prestigious Diamond tier, you need to have cruised with Carnival for an impressive amount of time, achieving the required VIFP Points as specified by Carnival’s program.

Keep in mind that every day you spend on a Carnival cruise earns you one VIFP Point, helping you rise through the ranks of the club and earn increasingly exclusive benefits.

As you progress, you’ll reap the rewards of your loyalty, enjoying a variety of perks, such as priority boarding, reserved seating, and even complimentary laundry services.

Card Color Tiers

Blue Tier – First-Time Cruisers

As a first-time Carnival cruiser, you will receive a blue Sail & Sign card, automatically registering you in the VIFP Club program.

However, the Blue tier of the program provides minimal benefits, with only two available: access to exclusive cruise offers for members and receipt of a members-only electronic newsletter.

This card is unique because you only get the blue card once. After your initial cruise, you’ll move up to the next tier – the Red Tier.

Red Tier – Second Cruise and Beyond

After your first cruise, you’ll enter the Red Tier of the VIFP Club program. This tier applies to your second cruise and up to 24 points.

Your Sail & Sign card will change to red, indicating your new status.

The Red tier, on the other hand, offers the same two benefits as the Blue tier, along with an additional one: a free, one-liter bottle of water that will be delivered to your cabin during sailings. However, it’s best not to consume it all at once.

As you continue to sail with Carnival, you’ll accumulate more points and advance through the tiers.

Gold Tier – 25 to 74 Days At Sea

Once you reach 25 points, you’ll enter the Gold Tier and your Sail & Sign card will be in gold color.

This tier covers 25 to 74 points or days at sea with Carnival.

With the Gold tier, you get a complimentary drink that can only be ordered on the final night of a cruise, but this perk is only available for cruises lasting five nights or more.

We believe that Carnival’s decision to limit the free drink to the last night of the cruise is an excessive measure to deter customers from availing it.

Additionally, Gold level members receive a Gold VIFP pin on each sailing.

Platinum Tier – 75 to 199 Days At Sea

Upon reaching 75 points, you’ll move up to the Platinum Tier. Your Sail & Sign card will now be platinum colored, representing 75 to 199 points or days at sea.

This tier provides even more exclusive benefits, making your cruise experience even more enjoyable.

To sum it up, reaching the Platinum level grants you priority status from the moment you step onto the ship until the moment you disembark.

This is a significant advantage. Priority boarding enables you to board the ship faster than other passengers, allowing you to enjoy its amenities for a longer period on your first day.

Moreover, priority access to restaurant reservations ensures that you secure the best table times.

Diamond Tier – 200 Days or More At Sea

Finally, when you’ve spent 200 or more days at sea with Carnival, you’ll reach the highest tier – Diamond.

Your Sail & Sign card will now be diamond colored, and you’ll enjoy the best benefits and privileges available to VIFP Club members.

As a Diamond Tier member, your dedication and loyalty to Carnival are truly rewarded.

You get a complimentary cabin upgrade or the offer of free sailing for third and fourth passengers that come with achieving Diamond status. However, disappointingly this benefit is only available once.

Another noteworthy but one-time-only perk of Diamond status is a free meal for two at a specialty restaurant of your choosing.

Carnival Cruise Card Privileges

Exclusive Offers and Perks

As a member of Carnival’s VIFP Club, you’ll enjoy exclusive offers and perks that enhance your cruising experience.

As you move up through the different card colors, you’ll unlock even more benefits. The higher your tier, the more you’ll gain access to exceptional services and opportunities.

Keep an eye out for members-only promotions and join the VIFP Club today to start enjoying these advantages.

Discounts and Priority Services

Your Sail & Sign card makes your cruise smoother and more convenient. With it, you can enjoy various discounts and priority services on board. Carnival Cruise Line offers different card colors to help identify your level in their VIFP Club.

This means the more you cruise with Carnival, the more benefits you’ll be eligible for. For instance, higher-tiered members receive attractive discounts on spa treatments, internet packages, and shore excursions.

Plus, you’ll love the priority boarding, check-in, and embarkation processes that make your cruise experience even more seamless.

Onboard Benefits and Amenities

In addition to discounts and priority services, your card color signifies the onboard benefits and amenities that come with being a loyal Carnival cruiser.

Starting at the Blue tier, you’ll receive a complimentary welcome drink on your first day aboard.

As you progress to Red level, you’ll get a complimentary one-liter bottle of water in your cabin. The higher your tier gets, the more impressive your perks will become.

Each status level introduces new and exciting benefits to make your Carnival Cruise vacation truly memorable.

Remember to take the time to activate your VIFP Club membership at least eight weeks before your next sailing.

By doing so, you’ll ensure you receive the appropriate card color, reflecting your membership level and unlocking all the fabulous privileges that come with it.

Do I Earn Points For Booked Cruises?

Yes, you do earn points for booked cruises! As a member of Carnival’s VIFP Club, you’ll receive one VIFP Point for every day you’re at sea (aka cruise day).

This means that if you take a seven-night cruise, you’ll earn seven points.

You don’t have to worry about different earning levels for different cabin categories or types of bookings. It’s a simple one-to-one ratio – 1 VIFP Point equals 1 Cruise Day.

However, please note that certain charter sailings and nonrevenue fares may not earn you any points.

As you accumulate points, you’ll advance through the various levels of the VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club:

Blue : Cruise Rookies
Red : 2-24 VIFP Points
Gold : 25-74 VIFP Points
Platinum : 75-199 VIFP Points
Diamond : 200+ VIFP Points

Your VIFP status will advance on your next cruise after reaching the required number of points.

The higher you go, the more benefits you’ll enjoy, such as priority boarding, complimentary laundry service, and more.

How To Find Your Carnival VIFP Number

To find your Carnival VIFP number, head to the Carnival Cruise Line website and log in to your account. You have to use the email address associated with your cruises to ensure you see the correct information.

If you haven’t created an account yet, you’ll need to do so by providing your past booking details and setting up a username and password.

Once you’ve logged in, look for your name in the top right corner and click on it. This will take you to your VIFP profile page, where you can manage your account and cruise information. You’re one step away from finding your VIFP number now.

Here comes the fun part. Click on the “My Cruises” section of your profile. This is where you’ll see a list of your previous and upcoming cruises, as well as any associated points.

Take a moment to review your cruise history and, more importantly, locate your VIFP number. It should be displayed prominently on this page, near your name and current status.

If, for some reason, you’re unable to find your VIFP number on the website, there’s still an option to retrieve it.

You can call Carnival’s customer service and provide your booking history details. They’ll assist you in locating your VIFP number, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of those fantastic benefits.

Remember, your VIFP number is your ticket to unlocking a world of rewards and recognition within the Carnival family.

Do I Get Special Fares For Being A Member?

While there are no specific discounts or reduced fares tied directly to the VIFP Club membership, you can still reap various benefits that can enhance your overall cruise experience based on the club’s different tier levels.

First off, remember that joining the VIFP Club is free and membership never expires. As soon as you join, you start earning points for every Carnival cruise you take.

Over time, these points will help you climb the club’s tiers – starting at Blue, followed by Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond levels.

Each tier comes with its own set of perks, some of which can indeed help you save money.

For example, after you complete your first sailing, you’ll be able to take advantage of members-only promotions that offer better deals on select cruises.

One way to earn additional rewards and save on your future cruises is by using the Carnival World Mastercard.

This card allows you to earn FunPoints when making purchases. These points can be redeemed for statement credits towards your next cruise or towards any onboard expenses such as shore excursions.

In fact, using the card for a Carnival shore excursion earns you a 10% statement credit, saving you a bit on your travel activities.

While there might not be direct, across-the-board fare discounts for being a member, the rewards, offers, and benefits you can access through the VIFP Club and Carnival World Mastercard will undoubtedly help make your Carnival cruise experience more rewarding and budget-friendly.

What Kind Of Cruise Deals Will I Receive With The VIFP Program?

With the Carnival VIFP Club, you’ll experience a loyalty program that rewards you for your continued vacation adventures.

As you accumulate points, you’ll progress through various status levels, each with their own perks and benefits to enhance your cruising experience.

Upon joining the VIFP Club, you’ll automatically be placed at the Blue level, which kicks in the moment you step on board your first Carnival cruise.

As a Blue member, you’ll have access to member-only fares and promotions, making it easier for you to start planning your next ocean getaway.

Even as a newbie, it’s nice to know that you’re recognized from your very first sailing.

As you continue sailing with Carnival, you’ll earn more VIFP points and progress through the Red (second sailing to 24 points), Gold (25 to 74 points), Platinum (75 to 199 points), and finally, the Diamond level (200 or more points).

The higher your status, the better the vacation deals you’ll receive, such as discounts on future cruises, priority boarding, room upgrades, and more.

Keep in mind that the number of VIFP points you accumulate is determined by the number of days you sail. This means that each day you’re on a Carnival cruise counts toward your point total.

Therefore, longer cruises or frequent shorter getaways will both contribute to your VIFP status and bring you closer to unlocking more amazing deals and perks.

The more you sail, the better the deals get, enabling you to make the most of your time on board and enjoy your cruising experience to the fullest.

And don’t forget that these benefits apply to everyone in your family or party who cruises with Carnival, making it a fantastic way for all to share in the excitement of your well-deserved ocean adventures!

What If I Have A Past Cruise Without Points?

Sometimes, you might have cruised with Carnival before the VIFP Club was introduced or in the early days when the recognition program had not yet started tracking points.

In these cases, you may be wondering if you can still earn points for those past cruises to improve your membership tier and get better perks during your future voyages.

First, let’s clarify the rules about earning points. You earn VIFP Points for all qualifying Carnival cruises from March 9, 1972, onwards. Non-qualifying cruises include charter cruises and non-revenue cruises.

If you’ve found that a past cruise with Carnival is not reflected in your VIFP Club account, don’t worry.

You can still receive points for past cruises by providing proof of your cruise history with Carnival.

To do this, start gathering any documentation you may have from that specific sailing, such as boarding passes, reservation confirmations, or even photographs from the cruise.

If you have sailed with sister cruise lines, such as Princess, your travel agent may have secured past passenger rates that Carnival does not account for since they occurred before 1990.

After collecting the necessary proof, contact Carnival’s customer service team and request to add the missing points to your account.

Be prepared to share your documentation and be patient, as it might take some time for the team to update your account and allocate the appropriate points.

Once your past cruise points have been added to your VIFP Club account, your membership tier may be updated accordingly – Blue for your first sailing, Red for 2-24 points, Gold for 25-74 points, Platinum for 75-199 points, and Diamond for 200 or more points.

With every tier upgrade, you unlock new perks and benefits that will make your future cruise even more enjoyable.

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Carnival Cruise Card Colors Explained

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When you sail with Carnival, you’ll be given a Sail & Sign card. This is your room key, but it’s also the card that you’ll charge any onboard spends to, whether that’s drinks at the bar, or paying for something in the onboard stores.

However, you might notice other people have different colored cards from you. And as you cruise with Carnival, your card color might change as well. This isn’t random – let me explain what the different card colors represent.

What Do the Different Colored Carnival Cards Mean?

The different Carnival card colors represent what level of the VIFP program you have reached. This is the cruise line’s loyalty program and indicates how much time you’ve spent cruising with Carnival and the benefits that you’re entitled to receive.

There are multiple different Carnival color levels of the VIFP program, ranging from first-time cruisers to those who have been loyal to the cruise line for years. And while you don’t need the Sail & Sign card to show off your status – you’ll be able to claim the benefits without flashing the card – it’s a nice status symbol to show off.

What Does VIFP Stand For?

VIFP stands for Very Important Fun Person – after all, Carnival is all about the fun when you’re on a cruise. Everybody who sails with Carnival is considered a VIFP, even if it’s your first time, although as you keep returning to the cruise line, you’ll move up the ranks.

As you do, you’ll unlock different perks. At lower levels, these aren’t particularly special, but it’s still nice to have your loyalty rewarded. As you move higher up the VIFP program, you’ll start to get some really worthwhile benefits for your holiday.

What Are the Different Levels of Carnival VIFP?

There are five different levels of the VIFP club, and five different Carnival Sail and Sign card colors. When you first sail with Carnival you will join on the Blue tier, before progressing to the Red tier for your second. From there you will progress through Gold, Platinum, and eventually, Diamond, based on the number of nights you’ve cruised.

Blue: First Cruise
Red: 2-24 VIFP Points
Gold: 25-74 VIFP Points
Platinum : 75-199 VIFP Points
Diamond: 200+ VIFP Points
Milestone: 25th, 50th, 75th and 100th cruise

What A Blue Card Means On A Carnival Cruise

Having a blue Sail and Sign card means that you’re on your first cruise with Carnival. Every Carnival guest is automatically registered in the VIFP program, and you only get a blue card once – after that, you move up to red.

Your blue Sail & Sign card will, therefore, become something of a memento for you – an item to celebrate your first time with the cruise line.

Blue Level VIFP Benefits

Because every person who sails with Carnival is a Blue-level VIFP, the list of benefits is hardly exciting.

You’ll get:

A members e-newsletter
Access to members-only offers

It’s not really a list of perks to get excited about. The offers aren’t too special. But it’s the first step on your VIFP journey, and you’ve done nothing to earn them beyond booking a cruise.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

See the latest Carnival cruise offers…

What A Red Card Means On A Carnival Cruise

Being a red card holder with Carnival Cruises means you’ve reached the second stage of the VIFP program. You get the red Sail & Sign card on your second cruise, and you’ll stay at this level until you have completed 24 nights on a Carnival cruise.

This is the first time that ‘VIFP points’ becomes important. You get one point for every night you spend on a Carnival ship, and you remain a Red level VIFP member until you’ve accumulated 25 points, at which point you’ll move up to the next level.

It doesn’t happen immediately, but on your next cruise. So if you are on a Red level cruise and you pass 25 nights mid-way through, you’ll stay at the Red level until the end of that sailing.

Red Level VIFP Benefits

As well as the members’ e-newsletter and the access to the members-only offer, being a Red level VIFP member only qualifies you for one extra benefit:

Complimentary 1.5-litre bottle of water

You can claim it at any bar or restaurant, or through room service. You get one bottle on every cruise.

That’s it, a bottle of water? Yep, I’m afraid so. It seems that the vast majority of people get pretty much nothing when it comes to VIFP perks.

What A Gold Card Means On A Carnival Cruise

Once you have cruised with Carnival for 25 nights or more, you’ll have accrued enough points to reach the Gold level of VIFP. This is the mid-level tier, and you’ll stay here until you’ve cruised for 75 nights, at which point you’ll move up.

A lot of people will reach Gold and never progress further – after all, it’s the equivalent of taking ten 7-night cruises, which for most people is quite a lot. I’ve certainly never had close to ten cruises with any particular cruise line.

But if you prefer longer cruises, or you start cruising with Carnival at a young age and shun other brands in favor of ships with whale tails, you may get past this level.

Gold Level VIFP Benefits

As a Gold-level VIFP you’ll enjoy the same perks as those on the Blue and Red levels, along with:

An Appreciation Drink on cruises of 5 nights or more
A Gold VIFP pin badge on every cruise

You can get the drink from any bar on the ship on the last evening of your cruise from 5pm onwards, while the pin badge can be claimed at the Photo Gallery, but don’t leave it too late – you can’t claim it in the last two days of your cruise.

What A Platinum Card Means On A Carnival Cruise

If you cruise with Carnival for 75 nights or more, you will reach Platinum level in the VIFP program, and your Sail & Sign card will be platinum-colored. At this stage, you will unlock a long list of benefits, which improves when you pass 200 nights.

To put this into perspective, in order to reach Platinum you need to book 11 week-long cruises with Carnival, which is quite a lot for most people. But if you do that, then you are certainly revered as you unlock a long list of perks.

These include:

Priority check-in and boarding
Complimentary drinks and parties
Unique pins
Free gifts on every cruise

And a lot more. Platinum is where the VIFP program starts to feel like a loyalty program that’s worth being involved in, as it should, considering the number of nights you need to sail with Carnival in order to qualify.

Read more: Carnival Cruise Platinum Perks

What A Diamond Card Means On A Carnival Cruise

Diamond is the very top level of the VIFP program – in order to reach this level, you must cruise with Carnival for 200 nights or more – if you choose 7-night sailings exclusively, this means taking 29 cruises.

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There are a number of perks exclusive to this top tier, including unlimited laundry during your cruises, priority reservations at specialty restaurants, and a one-time complimentary meal. You also get a one-time free cabin upgrade or you can have a third and fourth guest sail with you for free.

Plus, a nice addition is that for every person who reaches Diamond status, Carnival makes a $100 donation to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

How To Sign Up For Carnival VIFP

You’re signed up to the Carnival VIFP program automatically when you first sail with the cruise line. You’ll be assigned a number which you can see when you log onto the Carnival website. Points are tracked automatically too – there’s nothing you need to do.

You don’t even need to sail on your first cruise to join the program. As soon as you register an account on the Carnival website, you’re in!

Is VIFP Club free?

The VIFP Club is completely free to join – you won’t be charged for being a member at any stage. It is just a loyalty program that rewards you for the number of nights you spend on a Carnival cruise ship.

So technically, it’s not free to move through the different stages, since you have to pay for your cruises (unless you have a very generous family member paying for you). But the actual club doesn’t have any costs associated with it.

How To Check Your Carnival VIFP Status

You can check your Carnival VIFP status at any time just by logging into your account on the Carnival website . Once logged onto the website, click on ‘Your Name’ to see your profile, and then ‘My Cruises’ to see your VIFP level.

If you don’t have an account with Carnival, you can register at any time. If you’ve sailed with Carnival before, you’ll be able to add booking details to bump you onto the second tier immediately.

How To Find Your Carnival VIFP Number

You can find your Carnival VIFP number on your online Carnival account. Log into the website, click on ‘Your Name’ and then ‘My Cruises’ and you’ll see your VIFP number and your current status. If you can’t find it, you can call Carnival and they can locate it from your booking history.

You may need to enter your VIFP number in future when booking a cruise if you want to claim the VIFP points, so it’s worth keeping it noted. Usually it’s automatic, especially if you book direct with Carnival.

To Conclude

Most cruise lines have a loyalty program, and Carnival likes to show theirs off with their Sail & Sign cards being different colors to match your status. It’s fun for passengers who feel proud to be loyal.

The lower levels – Blue, Red and to some extent Gold – don’t have perks that are super exciting. But once you reach Platinum, you’ll unlock some great extras to make every cruise even more special.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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>So if you are on a Red level cruise and you pass 25 nights mid-way through, you’ll stay at the Red level until the end of that sailing.

But that’s not the case. If you are set to pass a level (like your 25th or 75th night) in the middle of a cruise, you get the update at the start of the cruise.

So if you’re Red, with 19 nights, and you book a 12 day cruise, you’ll be Gold for that whole cruise.

Unlocking the Secrets of Carnival Cruise Card Colors: Your Passport to Exclusive Perks!

Ever noticed the colorful cards fellow cruisers flash around on a Carnival voyage? Or perhaps you’ve heard whispers of the coveted VIFP Club and wondered what the buzz is all about?

Dive in with us as we unravel the mysteries of Carnival’s VIFP Club, from the significance of each card color to the exclusive perks they unlock. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a cruise newbie, there’s a world of benefits waiting just for you.

Imagine priority boarding, exclusive events, and surprise gifts making your cruise even more memorable. With the VIFP Club, every voyage transforms into a tailor-made experience, designed to pamper and delight.

So, anchor down and let’s set sail on this enlightening journey. Discover how you can elevate your Carnival cruise experience and become a Very Important Fun Person!

Table of Contents

Carnival Cruise Card Colors Explained

If you’ve ever been on a Carnival cruise, you might have noticed that not all cruise cards are created equal. They come in a variety of colors, and each color has its own special meaning. Just like how we all have our favorite vacation spots, Carnival has a way of making each journey unique, starting with these cards.

What do the different colored Carnival cards mean?

Carnival Cruise Line, in its warm and welcoming manner, uses different colored cards to denote the loyalty level of their guests. Think of it as a friendly nod to those who’ve sailed with them over the years.

Blue Card : Ah, the first-timers! If you have a blue card, it means this is your maiden voyage with Carnival. Welcome aboard!
Red Card : You’ve returned for more fun! This card is for guests who’ve sailed with Carnival 2-24 days.
Gold Card : For the seasoned sailors among us. If you have a gold card, you’ve sailed between 25-74 days. Quite the achievement!
Platinum and Diamond Cards : The crème de la crème of Carnival cruisers. These cards are for those who’ve sailed 75 days or more. It’s like being part of an exclusive club, without the pretense.

Remember, no matter the color of your card, every journey with Carnival is special. Each card is a testament to the memories you’ve made and the adventures yet to come.

What does VIFP stand for?

Ever heard a fellow cruiser mention “VIFP” and wondered what it meant? Well, my friend, VIFP stands for Very Important Fun Person . It’s Carnival’s endearing way of acknowledging their loyal guests. It’s not just a title; it’s a badge of honor. Being a VIFP means you’re part of a community that values fun, adventure, and making the most of every cruise vacation. So, the next time someone mentions VIFP, you can smile knowingly and maybe even share a personal anecdote from one of your own Carnival adventures.

What A Blue Card Means On A Carnival Cruise

Ah, the Blue Card! If you’re holding one of these, it means you’re setting sail on a Carnival cruise for the very first time. Welcome to the family! The Blue Card is more than just a piece of plastic; it’s your passport to a world of fun, adventure, and relaxation. Remember the excitement of your first school trip or the thrill of your first roller coaster ride? That’s the feeling Carnival wants to evoke with the Blue Card. It’s the start of a journey, filled with new experiences, delightful cuisines, and breathtaking views. And while it’s just the beginning, Carnival ensures that every Blue Card holder feels like a VIP. So, here’s to making the most of your cruise vacation and to many more adventures ahead!

Blue Level VIFP Benefits

Being a Blue Level VIFP is like being handed a golden ticket to a world of fun. While it’s the starting tier, Carnival doesn’t skimp on the perks:

Member e-newsletter : Stay updated with the latest Carnival news, offers, and exclusive deals. It’s like getting a postcard from a dear friend.
Member-only offers : Special deals tailored just for you. Because every VIFP deserves a treat.
A memorable first cruise : While this isn’t a tangible benefit, the memories you’ll make, the friends you’ll meet, and the experiences you’ll cherish are priceless.

Remember, the Blue Level is just the beginning. As you sail more with Carnival, the benefits only get better, and the adventures more exciting.

What A Red Card Means On A Carnival Cruise

Ah, the Red Card! If this vibrant card graces your pocket, it signifies that you’ve returned to the Carnival family for another round of fun and adventure. It’s like reuniting with an old friend and picking up right where you left off. Holding a Red Card means you’ve sailed with Carnival for between 2 to 24 days. It’s a gentle nod from Carnival, acknowledging your budding relationship with them. Remember the joy of revisiting a favorite vacation spot or the comfort of a familiar tune? That’s the essence of the Red Card. It’s Carnival’s way of saying, “We’re thrilled you’re back, and we’ve got more incredible experiences in store for you!”

Red Level VIFP Benefits

Being a Red Level VIFP is akin to getting a backstage pass to some exclusive Carnival delights:

Priority boarding : Skip the regular lines and get on board faster. It’s like being ushered to the front of the queue at your favorite amusement park.
Special invites : Get invited to VIFP parties where you can mingle with fellow cruisers and enjoy some delightful entertainment.
Exclusive offers : Enjoy special deals and discounts tailored just for Red Level members. It’s Carnival’s way of adding a cherry on top of your cruise experience.

With every voyage, your bond with Carnival deepens, and the perks only get sweeter.

What A Gold Card Means On A Carnival Cruise

The Gold Card is a testament to your love for the open seas and Carnival’s unparalleled cruise experience. It’s like being recognized in your favorite café or getting a nod from the captain as you board. If you’re a Gold Card holder, you’ve sailed with Carnival for a commendable 25 to 74 days. It’s not just about the days but the sunrises you’ve witnessed, the laughter you’ve shared, and the memories you’ve created. The Gold Card is Carnival’s way of saying, “You’re special to us, and we cherish every moment you spend with us.”

Gold Level VIFP Benefits

Being a Gold Level VIFP is like holding a golden ticket to a plethora of Carnival perks:

Priority check-in : Breeze through the check-in process and start your vacation sooner.
VIFP Gold Member pin : A stylish pin to wear with pride, showcasing your loyalty to the Carnival family.
Exclusive events : Get access to special Gold Member gatherings, where you can revel in the company of like-minded cruise enthusiasts.
Gifts : Receive surprise tokens of appreciation during your cruise. It’s Carnival’s way of adding a personal touch to your journey.

With the Gold Card, every cruise feels like a well-deserved getaway, filled with surprises and special moments.

What A Platinum Card Means On A Carnival Cruise

The Platinum Card is like a badge of honor among Carnival cruisers. If you’re holding this card, it’s a testament to your passion for cruising and your cherished relationship with Carnival. It means you’ve sailed with them for an impressive 75 to 199 days. Imagine the number of sunsets you’ve seen, the diverse cuisines you’ve tasted, and the myriad of cultures you’ve experienced! The Platinum Card is Carnival’s way of saying, “You’re not just a guest; you’re family.” It’s like being recognized in your favorite restaurant or getting a special nod from the crew every time you board. With the Platinum Card, every voyage feels like coming home.

What A Diamond Card Means On A Carnival Cruise

Ah, the Diamond Card! The pinnacle of Carnival’s VIFP program. If this card graces your possession, it means you’ve sailed with Carnival for a staggering 200 days or more. It’s not just about the time spent but the adventures embarked upon, the friendships forged, and the memories etched in your heart. Holding a Diamond Card is akin to being part of an exclusive club, where every member shares a deep love for the sea and Carnival’s unparalleled hospitality. It’s Carnival’s way of saying, “Thank you for making us a part of so many chapters of your life.”

How To Sign Up For Carnival VIFP

Thinking of joining the Carnival family and reaping the rewards of the VIFP program? Great choice! Signing up is as easy as a sea breeze. Here’s how:

Visit the Carnival website : Head over to Carnival’s official website . Look for the VIFP Club section.
Create an account : If you’re new, you’ll need to create an account. If you’ve sailed with Carnival before, simply log in.
Fill in the details : Provide the necessary information. Remember, the more details you give, the better Carnival can tailor offers and perks for you.
Stay updated : Once signed up, you’ll receive member-only offers, news, and updates directly in your inbox. It’s like getting letters from a dear friend, sharing exciting news and offers.

And that’s it! You’re now a part of the VIFP Club. As you sail more with Carnival, you’ll climb the ranks, unlocking more benefits and making every cruise even more special.

Is VIFP Club free?

Absolutely! Joining the VIFP Club is like receiving a warm invitation to a close friend’s party – no entry fee, just pure fun and camaraderie. Carnival believes in celebrating its loyal guests, and the VIFP Club is their way of saying “thank you” without any strings attached. So, whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, the VIFP Club welcomes you with open arms, offering a plethora of perks and benefits. It’s all about enhancing your cruise experience and making every voyage feel like a well-deserved getaway.

How To Check Your Carnival VIFP Status

Curious about where you stand in the VIFP Club? Checking your status is as easy as pie. Here’s how:

Log in to your account : Head over to the Carnival website and sign in to your account. If you’ve ever felt the thrill of finding a hidden treasure, this is it!
Navigate to the VIFP section : Once logged in, look for the VIFP Club section on your dashboard. It’s like opening a special diary filled with your Carnival memories.
View your status : Your current VIFP status, along with the number of days you’ve sailed and the perks you’re entitled to, will be displayed. It’s a delightful reminder of your adventures with Carnival and the exciting journey ahead.

Remember, every cruise adds to your VIFP status, bringing you closer to the next tier of rewards and benefits.

How To Find Your Carnival VIFP Number

Lost your VIFP number? Don’t fret! Retrieving it is a breeze. Follow these steps:

Visit the Carnival website : Start by heading to Carnival’s official website. It’s like stepping into a virtual cruise lobby.
Sign in : Use your account credentials to log in. If you’ve forgotten your password, there’s an option to reset it.
Access your profile : Once inside, navigate to your profile or account details section. It’s akin to opening a personal cruise journal.
Locate your VIFP number : Your VIFP number will be prominently displayed in this section. It’s your unique identifier, a testament to your bond with Carnival.

If you still face challenges, Carnival’s friendly customer service is always there to assist. After all, ensuring you have a smooth sailing experience, both on and off the ship, is their top priority.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on a Carnival cruise is more than just a vacation; it’s an experience, a journey filled with memories waiting to be made. From the moment you step on board to the time you bid farewell, every detail is meticulously crafted to ensure you have the time of your life. And the VIFP Club? It’s Carnival’s way of adding a cherry on top, a gesture of gratitude for choosing to sail with them.

Whether you’re a Blue Card newbie excitedly setting sail for the first time or a Diamond Card veteran with countless voyages under your belt, the VIFP Club ensures every journey feels special. With perks tailored to each tier and a seamless system to keep track of your status, Carnival truly goes the extra mile to make you feel cherished.

So, the next time you’re planning a getaway, remember that with Carnival , you’re not just booking a trip; you’re becoming part of a community. A community that values fun, adventure, and, most importantly, its members. Here’s to many more sunsets on the deck, laughter-filled nights, and the joy of being a Very Important Fun Person!

Annie Nelson

Most recently, she sailed with Virgin Voyages , bringing her own splash of fun and creativity to the crew.

When she's not on the deck enjoying the ocean breeze, Annie loves sharing her tales and experiences on her blog. Dive into her stories, and you'll feel like you're right there with her, cruising the high seas with a cocktail in hand.

Follow her on Twitter and LinkedIn

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Carnival VIFP Club: How It Works, Benefits, and More

With millions of passengers sailing the cruise line each year, Carnival’s VIFP Club lists as one of the most popular loyalty programs in the industry. No matter your status, the program offers perks to being a member. And with it being free to join, why wouldn’t you take advantage?

Still, you might have questions regarding the program, how it works, and the benefits for members. Here’s everything to know about the VIFP program.

The basics are simple. For each day you sail, you earn points within the program. Sail more and you’ll earn more points, putting you in a higher status level. From there, each status level comes with more benefits for your cruise.

For more details about the program and answers to common questions, we have you covered below…

In This Article...

What Is the VIFP Club?

The VIFP Club is the loyalty program for Carnival Cruise Line . (VIFP stands for Very Important Fun Person.) As a member of the program, passengers earn points for each day that they cruise with Carnival. The more a person cruises, the more points they earn, which leads to a higher status level in the VIFP Club.

With higher status, a passenger earns perks and rewards, including everything from special fares to freebies on the ship to expedited boarding and much more.

Why Should I Join the VIFP Club?

When it comes to Carnival’s loyalty program, there is really no reason not to join. Membership is completely free and can only benefit you by providing rewards. It’s also simple to sign up. Since you are going to be cruising anyway (which is exactly how you earn points toward higher status), not being a part of the VIFP Club doesn’t make much sense.

How Do I Sign Up for the VIFP Club?

You can sign-up to register as a VIFP member on Carnival’s website , whether you’ve taken cruises in the past or never sailed before. It is free to join and takes just seconds to sign up. As well, you can get an account when you book your first cruise. Having trouble signing up? You can also call Carnival at 1-888-227-6482 to register.

How Do I Earn Points?

Earning points is simple. For each night that you cruise, you earn one point. So a seven-night cruise earns you seven points. Take a three-night trip? That’s three points. Over time the points you earn add together to increase your status in the program.

In addition, you may see other opportunities to earn points, possibly without taking a cruise. According to the VIFP Club’s terms and conditions, Carnival may “offer opportunities to earn extra VIFP Points through participation in different promotions, contests or sweepstakes.”

The most common and reliable way to earn by far, however, is to sail on the cruise line.

Do I Earn Points for Booked Cruises?

No, points are earned for sailed nights only. So if you sailed a seven-day cruise last summer and have a five-day cruise booked for next year, then you will only have seven points as a member, not 12.

Do I Earn More Points for Spending More on a Room?

While you might think you’d earn higher status for spending more money on your cruise, that’s not the case. Whether you a sailing in an interior cabin or a top-of-the-line suite, they both earn you one point per day for your VIFP status.

That’s not to say that Carnival couldn’t do something like award double points to suite guests as an incentive to book a higher-grade cabin. For now at least, even if you book the cheapest room on the ship or the best cabin available, you’ll earn points just like everybody else aboard.

Do VIFP Club Points Expire or Does the Status Level Drop?

At least right now, VIFP Club points don’t expire. So if you earn 25 points within the program but then don’t sail for a few years, you’ll still have the same point level and status as before. This is different than loyalty programs like with airlines where the points you earn often “drop off” after a length of time. If you’ve earned Gold status, then you don’t have to worry about being dropped back to Red status just because you don’t sail for a while.

So even if you are only an occasional cruiser or only sail Carnival sometimes, there’s still a reason to be a member and rack up those rewards.

What Status Levels Are There in the Carnival VIFP Club?

Within the club, there are five different status levels for passengers to earn. Each is known by a color, which is shown as the background of your Sail & Sign card. (Around the ship, you might see people showing off their status with their card in a lanyard!)

Blue (First Sailing) : This status is earned on a person’s first cruise. It’s where everyone starts.
Red (Second Sailing-24 Points) : Earned from a second Carnival sailing through 24 points.
Gold (25-74 Points) : Gold membership is awarded to those with 25-74 points in the VIFP Club.
Platinum (75-199 Points) : The second-highest status, Platinum is awarded for 75-199 points.
Diamond (200+ Points) : Have more than 200 nights sailed? That earns Carnival’s highest status of Diamond level.

What Are the VIFP Club Benefits?

As you would expect, different membership levels provide different benefits. The higher your status, the more benefits you earn.

The good news is that no matter your status there are benefits to enjoy. You don’t have to be a Diamond member to get a freebie.

Perks and rewards range from a free bottle of water in your room to priority check-in/boarding, Carnival souvenir gifts, collectible pins, priority debarkation, and priority reservations.

Do I Get Special Fares for Being a Member?

Yes. As a VIFP member, you will often see pricing that is different from the headline prices advertised to the general public.

One thing to watch, however, is that we have personally seen rates actually be higher with the VIFP number entered than when searching without. While we are far from Diamond members, it was strange to see the higher rates. That’s why we would suggest searching with and without the club number entered, just to be sure you’re getting the best rate.

What If I Reach a New Status During a Cruise?

Say you have 20 nights sailed, giving you Red status in the VIFP Club, but you are embarking on a seven-night cruise. At the end of the cruise, you’ll have 27 points, enough to be granted Gold status.

In this case, Carnival grants passengers the higher status at the start of the cruise. So while you board with 20 points, you’ll still be given the Gold status at the start of the trip, giving you extra benefits.

According to Carnival’s website:

“Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event a Member books a Cruise in which such Member will attain the necessary VIFP Points to reach a new Level during or by the end of such Cruise (a “Crossover Cruise”), CCL may, in its sole discretion, offer such Member the Benefits offered to Members of the higher Level during the Crossover Cruise.”

What If I Have a Past Cruise Without Points?

Typically points are automatically applied to your account within 14 points of the end of the trip. Passengers normally don’t have to do anything.

There might be times where points don’t apply automatically or there might be cruises you took in the past that haven’t been added. In that case, you can login into your Carnival account. From there, click on “My Cruises” and scroll down to “Claim a Past Cruise”. Enter your information about your missing cruise, and it will be reviewed to add the trip to your VIFP profile.

Is Carnival’s VIFP Club Worth Joining?

The VIFP loyalty program doesn’t offer a ton of benefits until reaching Platinum status, which is reached only after 75 nights of sailing. Even so, there are some benefits to joining at lower levels. For instance, even Red status members receive a complimentary bottle of water in the cabin that would otherwise be a charge.

That said, given it’s free to join, there’s no real reason not to sign up. At the very least you can get a few freebies, while passengers that sail Carnival regularly can see some even bigger perks.

So in our opinion, it’s definitely worth joining Carnival’s VIFP Club. We don’t see a downside.

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Carnival VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Cruise Loyalty Program

Carnival Cruise Line's Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club is a five-tier cruise line loyalty program available to all passengers. The program is structured on a point system, in which members receive one VIFP point for each day cruised with Carnival.

The best part of the VIFP Club is that it's free to join, and even first-time Carnival cruisers reap some rewards. Benefits start with a free bottle of water and progress to include priority check-in, boarding, debarkation, tender boarding, and restaurant and spa reservations. At higher levels, perks also include VIFP parties, unlimited laundry services, casino discounts, complimentary specialty dining for two, and a one-time free cabin upgrade (or, alternately, free fares for third and fourth passengers in one cabin).

The biggest drawback of the VIFP Club is that true benefits don't really kick in until a member has sailed at least 75 days.

Carnival also offers the "Milestone Rewards Program" to its VIFP members. Passengers who sail on their 25th, 50th and 75th Carnival cruises receive onboard credits of 25, 50 or 75 percent of the cruise fare paid, respectively, as well as a special Milestone Sign & Sail card for the corresponding milestone. On the 100th cruise milestone, members receive a complimentary Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska or Australia voyage of up to eight days for two people in accommodations up to the Ocean Suite level.

VIFP Club Levels and Benefits

Vifp level blue.

Available on or before first sailing

Receive members-only offers, promotions and discounts

Receive member e-letter

VIFP Level Red

Available on second cruise, through 24 VIFP points

Receives all Blue VIFP perks

A complimentary one-liter bottle of water

VIFP Level Gold

From 25 to 74 VIFP points

Receives all Red VIFP perks

Complimentary appreciation drink on five-night cruises or longer, available after 5 p.m. on the last evening of each cruise

Gold VIFP pin on every sailing

VIFP Level Platinum

From 75 to 199 VIFP points

Priority check-in and boarding

Platinum and Diamond VIFP party on five-night cruises or longer, with complimentary drinks and appetizers

Complimentary drink at sea day brunch (on ships where brunch is not available, complimentary beverage at breakfast or lunch in the main dining room)

A "Chocolate Delight" dessert plate delivered to member's cabin on five-night cruises or longer

Unique, collectible ship- and year-specific pin on each sailing

Priority spa reservations

Priority tender boarding (from ship to shore only)

Buy one tournament entry at the casino, get one free (Blackjack or slots only; for passengers 21 years or older)

Complimentary arcade credits (a $5 value; for passengers 18 and under)

Carnival logo gift on every sailing

Dedicated onboard Guest Services phone number

Priority line at the Guest Services desk

Priority debarkation

Priority selection of main dining room seating (early, late or YourTime flexible dining) and priority specialty restaurant reservations

Complimentary wash-and-fold laundry services (two bags on three- to six-night cruises; three bags on seven- to 12-night cruises; five bags on 12-night cruises or longer)

VIFP Level Diamond

From 200 VIFP points

Receives all Platinum VIFP perks

Guaranteed main dining room and specialty restaurant reservations, in lieu of Platinum's priority reservations

Unlimited complimentary wash-and-fold laundry services

Invitation from the Captain to a special event (such as dinner, a bridge tour or a cocktail party) on each sailing

One-time free cabin upgrade, or free third- and fourth-passenger fares

One-time donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, upon reaching Diamond level

One-time complimentary meal for two at a specialty restaurant of choice

Complimentary VIFP Club luggage tag set, given once upon reaching Diamond level

Dedicated toll-free number for sales and services

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Home » Cruise » Carnival Cruise Line » Everything You Need to Know About the Carnival VIFP Club

Everything You Need to Know About the Carnival VIFP Club

Here's everything you need to know about the Carnival VIFP Club including how to become a member, how to earn points, and the benefits.

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Like many cruise brands, Carnival Cruise Line has its own loyalty program that rewards repeat guests with perks that increase the higher they move up the ranks. This program, called the VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club, operates on a points system with five tiers to move through.

Here, we’re providing information on everything you need to know about the Carnival VIFP Club including how to become a member, how to earn points, and the Carnival VIFP Club benefits. We also go over some frequently asked questions about the program.

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What is VIFP Club and how do I enroll?

The Carnival VIFP Club is a points-based loyalty program that awards repeat cruisers with more perks the more they sail. Everyone who has already sailed with Carnival is automatically enrolled in the VIFP Club, but to view your loyalty status and other information you need to activate your account.

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If you haven’t yet taken your first cruise, we recommend joining the VIFP Club ahead of time. To activate your account or join for the first time, go to Carnival Cruise Line’s VIFP webpage and click the ‘join’ button. When you click the button, you’ll need to input your email address and create a password.

Once you set up an account, you’ll automatically begin receiving offers from Carnival via email. In your account profile, you’ll be able to access what level you’re currently on and what benefits you’ll receive based on that level. You can also see a history of cruises you’ve previously taken and how many points each awarded you.

How do I earn VIFP points?

Now that you’re signed up, let’s answer the important question — how do you get VIFP points on Carnival? The system is pretty simple: you earn one point for each night you cruise. That means if you’re taking a four-night voyage to the Bahamas , you’ll get four points. A seven-night sailing will award you with seven VIFP points.

Unlike some cruise lines, the type of cabin you book does not play into how many VIFP points you receive; it’s one per night whether you’re staying in an interior stateroom or a massive suite. Similarly, the cost of your Carnival cruise does not impact the number of points earned.

If a cruise is cut short for reasons beyond the control of guests, they will still earn the amount of points that they would have earned with the original itinerary. If a cruise is extended for reasons outside of guests’ control, they’ll receive points for the additional cruise days in addition to the originally scheduled days.

How many levels are in Carnival’s VIFP Club and what are the benefits?

Carnival Cruise Line ’s VIFP Club has five tiers. As you move higher in the program’s ranks, your benefits and privileges will improve. The color of your Sail & Sign card will reflect the tier that you’re on.

Here are the five VIFP levels and the benefits each provides:

Blue – First Cruise

You’ll be a Blue VIFP member on your first cruise. This tier includes members-only offers and a member e-newsletter via email.

Red – Second Cruise to 24 points

Starting with your second cruise and up to 24 points, you’ll be on the Red tier. This provides the same email benefits as Blue, plus a complimentary 1.5 liter bottle of water on the ship.

Gold – 25 to 74 points

With Gold, you’ll get everything from the Red level plus a free beverage on 5+ day cruises (redeemable at any bar on the last evening of the cruise after 5 pm) and a Gold VIFP pin on every sailing. To receive your pin, head to the onboard Photo Gallery no later than two days before the end of the cruise.

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Platinum – 75 to 199 points

Here’s where the benefits to taking lots of cruises with Carnival start to pay off. The difference in the number of perks from Gold to Platinum is a big jump and an exciting treat for anyone who finally reaches this status. In addition to everything that Gold comes with (though the pin may have a different design), Platinum includes:

Priority check-in and boarding on embarkation day
Access to the Platinum and Diamond VIFP Party on 5+ day sailings complete with free beverages
Complimentary beverage at Seaday Brunch in the main dining room (On ships where brunch is not available, guests will get a free beverage at breakfast or lunch in the main dining room.)
“Chocolate Delight” on 5+ day cruises (call room service to schedule delivery of this treat)
Priority spa reservations (must be made prior to 6 pm on embarkation day )
Priority tender boarding at ports where tendering is required
$25 in FunPlay casino money (redeemable at slots or table games)
$5 worth of arcade credits (for kids and teens under 18 only)
VIFP logo gift on every sailing (redeemable at the Photo Gallery no later than two days before the end of the cruise)
Priority Guest Services assistance by phone
Priority line at the Guest Services desk onboard
Priority debarkation
Priority MDR and specialty restaurant reservations
Complimentary Wash & Fold laundry service (2 bags on 3-6 day cruises, 3 bags on 7-13 day cruises, 5 bags on 14+ day cruises)

Diamond – 200+ points

Diamond is the pinnacle of Carnival’s VIFP Club — the highest tier you can reach. In addition to everything included for Platinum members, those who are Diamond receive:

Guaranteed seating time requested in the main dining room for dinner
Unlimited complimentary Wash & Fold laundry service
Special event invitation from the captain on each sailing
One-time free cabin upgrade OR third, fourth, and fifth guests sail free
One-time donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
One-time complimentary meal for two at a specialty restaurant of choice
VIFP Club luggage tag set (presented once you reach Diamond level)
Dedicated toll-free number for sales and service

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Do Carnival VIFP points expire?

No, Carnival VIFP points do not expire. This means that you don’t need to sail within a certain time frame from your last cruise to keep your points, which is the case with some other lines. Even if your last Carnival cruise was a decade ago, you will still retain your VIFP points.

What happens if I reach a new tier in the middle of a cruise?

If you’ll reach the next tier during a sailing, you will receive the privileges of that higher tier for the entire duration of the cruise. This means that even if you were going to cross over from the red tier to the gold on the second to last day of a cruise, you will be assigned a gold card (and get gold privileges) starting on day one.

Are points reciprocal with other Carnival Corporation cruise lines?

No, VIFP points apply only to Carnival Cruise Line and can only be earned by sailing Carnival Cruise Line. Other cruise brands within the Carnival Corporation family (such as Holland America, Princess Cruises , Costa Cruises, and others) have their own loyalty programs.

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How do I find my Carnival VIFP Club number?

There are a couple of ways to find your Carnival VIFP number. When you log into your Carnival account with your email/username and password, click on your name in the top right corner of the screen on the blue bar next to the ‘logout’ button. That will take you to your profile. On your profile, your VIFP number will be located under your name on the left sidebar.

If you need to find your VIFP number and can’t remember your Carnival login information, you can look it up at this link by entering your first and last name and birth date.

Some of my past cruises aren’t showing up on my VIFP account. Can I add them?

If you notice that some of your past cruises are missing from your VIFP account, you can submit a request to have them added. Go to the bottom of the ‘My Cruises,’ page and click ‘Claim a Past Cruise’ in the ‘Missing a Cruise?’ box.

Keep in mind that if you just got back from a sailing, it can take up to 14 business days for the system to update a guest’s cruise history.

A nice thing about the VIFP Club is that it’s very simple and straightforward. You don’t have to keep track of points based on the stateroom category you book or the type of cruise you’re taking. But if you’re looking to get really good, usable perks as quickly as possible through a cruise line loyalty program, the VIFP Club probably isn’t your best bet.

The benefits are just about negligible all the way up to Platinum status, which you hit once you reach 75 cruise nights. If you take mostly seven-night cruises, you’ll reach Platinum at around your 11th cruise. If you take lots of shorter sailings, it’ll take much longer to reach that level.

But if you already love Carnival Cruise Line and would sail with them whether or not you get loyalty perks, the benefits are great additions to your experience once you reach the top tiers.

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Did you find this guide to everything you need to know about the Carnival VIFP Club helpful? Are you part of this Carnival Cruise Line loyalty program? Drop us an anchor below to share if you prefer to stay loyal to a brand for these benefits or sail with various cruise lines.

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Carnival’s VIFP Loyalty Program and Benefits

Orlando Martinez

February 2, 2022

Set sail for serious perks with Carnival’s VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) loyalty program!

The more you cruise, the more Carnival spoils you get. We’re talking complimentary drinks, free laundry service, priority boarding, guaranteed dining times, and even cabin upgrades.

Read on to learn about the different tiers of Carnival’s VIFP loyalty program and the benefits you get to enjoy with each tier.

How to Sign Up For VIFP

The VIFP Club is a point-based program. There are five levels: Blue, Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Your level will increase as you complete more cruises, but first, you must enroll in the program.

Long cruises and spontaneous getaways will get you to the next level quicker than cruising once yearly.

You’ll need a member number to join the VIFP Club. Before you book your first Carnival cruise, visit the Carnival VIFP Club website and click the ‘Join’ button. Provide your email address and create a password, and you’re in.

You can access your account information and profile once you’ve signed up for an account. You can also find out what benefits you’ll get based on how much you’ve cruised.

You’ll immediately start receiving cruise offers from Carnival by email, and you may be eligible for discounts or special offers on your first cruise but can opt out at any time.

How to earn VIFP Loyalty Points

The real benefits kick in once you’ve sailed your first cruise!

You’ll receive one (1) VIFP Club point for each day you cruise. On a three-night cruise to the Bahamas? That’s 3 points. Are you enjoying a 14-night Carnival Journey cruise to Hawaii? You just scored 14 VIFP Club points.

Note: In 2012, Carnival changed its program. It used to be one point per cruise, and 10 cruises would have you at Platinum status.

Sailing on the Carnival Cruise Line is the only way to earn VIFP points.

While Carnival Corporation owns and operates other cruise lines, VIFP Club points and benefits are not reciprocal to Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, or any other cruise brand in the portfolio. They have their own loyalty programs.

READ MORE: Best Cruise Line Loyalty Programs

VIFP Tiers and Benefits

The VIFP Club has five membership tiers. You’ll move up to a higher tier with more earned points and enjoy more benefits.

Note: Your Sail and Sign Card will reflect the color of your VIFP tier at the start of each cruise.

As you climb the VIFP loyalty program, your privileges and benefits will improve. Priority boarding and disembarkation are only the beginning.

You’ll be able to access VIP lounges, priority terminal access, priority Captain’s Lounge entry, and even free drinks at cocktail receptions and VIP parties.

Blue Level (First Cruise)

When you initially sign up for the VIFP Club, you’ll be known as a “Blue Card,” a first-time Carnival cruiser. You’ll receive Carnival’s VIFP Club newsletter at this level and qualify for special cruise offers.

Red Level (up to 24 points)

After you’ve sailed on your first Carnival cruise, you’ll be upgraded to Red. In addition to the VIFP Club newsletter and special offers, you’ll receive a complimentary 1-liter bottle of water that you can pick up from any bar on the ship.

Gold Level (25 to 74 points)

Once you’ve sailed on Carnival for at least 25 days, you’ll receive Carnival Gold status and be eligible for a complimentary appreciation drink on cruises of 5 nights or longer.

You’ll receive a Gold VIFP pin on every cruise in addition to the Red benefits.

Platinum Level (75 to 199 points)

With increased cruise days come increased benefits, and this is where things start getting good.

Carnival Platinum benefits include a special event invitation to the Platinum and Diamond VIFP Party on cruises of 5 days or more, offering complimentary drinks and appetizers.

During the cruise, you’ll get a complimentary beverage at the Seaday Brunch. Do you love to indulge in chocolate while at sea? A complimentary chocolate delight will be delivered to your room on cruises for five nights or longer.

A complimentary Carnival logo gift on every sailing and a collectible pin. Past gifts have been Bluetooth speakers, blankets, headphones, tote bags, and mugs.

You’ll also be provided with a dedicated toll-free number for reservations and access to many services onboard, including priority check-in and boarding, priority spa reservations, a priority line at the guest services desk, priority debarkation, complimentary wash and fold laundry service, and priority tender boarding (water shuttle).

You’ll also get a buy-one-get-one-free tournament entry for blackjack or slots in the casino.

Diamond Level (200+ points)

Carnival rolls out the Diamond carpet for their most loyal passengers (figuratively, of course), with all of the Platinum benefits plus a host of other perks.

The benefits are generous once you reach the Diamond level (200 cruise days or more). One of the most unique perks is a $100 donation made in your name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Other Diamond tier perks include:

An invitation to a special event hosted by the Captain
A one-time free cabin upgrade
Priority reservations
A one-time complimentary meal for two at a specialty restaurant of choice
Priority specialty restaurant reservations
Guaranteed seating time of choice in the main dining room
VIFP Club luggage tag set

You can get a detailed look at the VIFP program and unique perks here .

Cruise line loyalty programs are typically about “what’s in it for me?” but Diamond cruisers on Carnival can help others just by cruising.

Carnival VIFP Club Login

You can look up your Carnival VIFP Club number by logging into your account on the Carnival website.

If you don’t know your login information or haven’t sailed on Carnival since the VIFP Club was created in 2012, you can access your account information by clicking here .

Tips to Maximize Your Perks With Carnival

Carnival makes it easy to earn VIFP points, where you get one point for each day sailed. That said, there are ways to accelerate the earning process and earn more perks!

Take Longer Cruises: Booking cruises of 7 nights or longer will quickly boost your point total compared to taking only short weekend getaways.
Book Multiple Cruises Per Year: Cruising at least twice a year rather than just once can make a huge difference over time.
Join the Casino Program: Joining the Players Club casino program allows you to earn casino points. The more points you earn, the more benefits you get.
Check Out Cruise Packages: As a VIFP member, you can unlock big savings and add to your points by opting for trending and limited-time offers

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what happens if i reach a new vifp tier in the middle of a cruise.

Guests who change to the next VIFP tier, even if it is the last sailing day, will be entitled to the perks associated with the new tier for the duration of the voyage. That means that if you were to go from Gold to Platinum during your voyage, your card would be Platinum for the entire voyage.

2. What kind of cruise deals will I receive with the VIFP Program?

Past guests will receive some special cruise rates, but those will vary from guest to guest. If you are enrolled in Carnival’s casino program Player’s Club, you should check to ensure there aren’t better deals.

3. Does the cruise fare I pay impact my VIFP points?

Most cruise fares will not impact the sailing days associated with the VIFP levels. The main exception is for those who have won a free cruise or are given a complimentary cruise for some special event/gathering onboard.

4. Is Carnival’s VIFP program worth it?

Yes! From complimentary drinks to priority check-in, boarding, and reservations, Carnival’s VIFP program is definitely worth it. And the best part about it is that it’s free to join, even for first-timer Carnival cruisers!

5. How do I check my Carnival VIFP status?

To check your Carnival VIFP status, simply log into your account, load your VIFP profile by clicking on “Your Name,” and then click on “My Cruises.”

Your current VIFP level will be displayed, in addition to how many points you have and how many you need to get to the next level.

Alternatively, you can check the color of your Sail and Sign Card as the start of each cruise.

Final Thoughts

VIFP member Becky Smith says, “It is certainly nice not to have to pay for the Faster to the Fun program, as it is included as a platinum/diamond member.

And when on a longer voyage, having the complimentary laundry perk is a big help, as it lets you avoid having to spend money on having laundry done or going to the self-serve laundromats on the ships.”

She continued, “As a Diamond guest, sometimes there are “unofficial” perks that go along with it. It might be a special invitation to go up to the bridge [and] several other things that are not publicized. These will vary depending upon the ship and officers on board.”

Are you looking for another cruise line loyalty program? You can find a detailed overview of each cruise line program here .

This article was initially published in October 2020. It was updated and republished in July 2023.

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Carnival’s vifp loyalty club changes (2024).

On March 21, 2024, Carnival Brand ambassador John Heald once again teased big changes coming to Carnival’s VIFP Loyalty Club. The loyalty club is Carnival’s way of recognizing and rewarding each Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) that sails with the cruise line. It’s been around in current state since 2012-2013 with few updates – and it’s become clear that changes are needed.

What does it take to earn status in the current VIFP Club?

Carnival’s VIFP Club is made up of 5 tiers. As a first-time cruiser, you’re in the Blue Tier. By your second cruise, you’ve already moved up in the club to the Red Tier. From here, the VIFP Club changes from number of cruises to number of nights. The Gold Tier is not far off from the Red Tier at only 25 nights. Then, the big jump happens: the fourth level in the club (Platinum Tier), requires 75 nights. Finally, and this one’s a whopper, to reach the top-level of the club – Diamond Tier – you need to sail 200 nights on Carnival Cruise Lines.

The table below summarizes each what you need for each tier:

Why change is necessary – and probably overdue

John Heald shared today that, “there is no doubt it needs a massive refresh” while speaking about impending changes. And while 75 and 200 nights may seem like a lot to some, the reality is the program has become overcrowded. When they give out the award for Youngest Cruiser at the Platinum and Diamond Party, it regularly goes to someone under the age of 10. In fact, we recently sailed with a Diamond cruiser that was just four years old.

More and more, we’ve seen Carnival limit the benefits to Platinum and Diamond cruisers as the cruise operator struggles to deliver based on the number of loyal cruisers on board. It’s really apparent with new ship launches, Journeys Cruises, and unique sailings, however, even on standard sailings, the Platinum/Diamond line for guest services sometimes is just as long as the standard line.

Not a huge shock… VIFP benefits around embark/debark and dining not honored on our upcoming Carnival Conquest Journeys cruise. This is standard protocol with unique sailings due to the overcrowding of Carnival’s VIFP Loyalty Program. VIFP changes coming late summer! 🤞 pic.twitter.com/dtutDyRiHN — This Cruise Life (@thiscruiselife) January 22, 2024

If you still wonder if change is needed or not – just read through any one of the many VIFP groups or message boards out there. Loyal cruisers have been requesting change for some time, and those voices are getting louder. For example, in today’s program there is very little to differentiate between Platinum and Diamond Tiers. Then, once you get to the top tier, there’s not a lot of incentive to keep you coming back. Sure, the free laundry is definitely a nice perk, but take a look at some of the top-tier benefits on the other cruise lines and you’ll begin to see why people are looking for change.

While we don’t have the specifics yet about what will change, we know that Carnival will target the overcrowding that leads loyal cruisers feeling not very “important.” As Delta execs famously said last year, when everyone has status, no one has status. This could mean the number of nights to reach a specific tier becomes larger, or, it could signal an overhaul of the tier system altogether.

Could we see new tiers introduced? A lot of cruisers ask for a level between Platinum and Diamond to help bridge the gap. However, what we’d most like to see is maybe a Double Diamond or Triple Diamond Level to really differentiate, recognize, and reward the most loyal cruisers to the line (free WiFi each sailing perhaps?).

What’s likely not to change, however, is how they measure the program in number of nights. With that said, there is some chatter that Carnival could add cruiser spend into the calculation, in addition to nights. For example, those who book a suite accommodation or spend more on board could get more VIFP points for a given sailing. Whether or not one believes $$$ equals loyalty is likely irrelevant to Carnival as they look to bring in as much income as they can to pay down debt taken on during the pandemic.

We also hope they keep the Diamond Lunch! 😉

Every time it seems there’s something new! Twitter, I need your help again – what do I get at the Diamond Lunch?? #VIFP #DiamondLunch #CarnivalConquest pic.twitter.com/73nymiXXGS — This Cruise Life (@thiscruiselife) January 30, 2024

When will VIFP Club changes roll out?

Today is the third time Heald has referenced changes to the program. It’s also the third timeframe he’s shared for when changes would roll out. Originally, changes were set to roll out in the spring of 2024. In a future update, that got moved to end of summer. But that, too, was short lived. In today’s live stream, Heald shared that we would see a new program before the end of the year.

We’re hopeful these changes reflect wanting to get the program right the first time. I’m sure they’re taking a lesson from the backlash against Delta Airlines received when they overhauled their status program. We’re ok with the cruise line taking a little extra time to make sure they get it right.

VIFP Club Grandfathering

There’s almost as much speculation about what happens to existing VIFP Club members as there is about changes to the program! When Carnival announced changes to the VIFP Club in 2012, they gave cruisers until the end of 2013 to achieve status within the then current framework.

Cruisers who sailed more than 10 cruises by December 31, 2013 became Platinum in the new Club whereas guests who were previously Platinum became Diamond! As for the rest:

“All guests who sailed with Carnival fewer than 10 times were placed in the level that corresponds with their VIFP Points (i.e., cruise days). Guests with fewer than 25 VIFP Points were placed in the new Red level. Those who have earned 25-74 VIFP Points were placed in the Gold level.”

Will Carnival grandfather once again? Will the cruise operator give those working on the next level time to get there? What about those cruisers that have cruise days that far surpass the Diamond Tier 200 night requirement, will they recognize their tremendous status?

Lots of questions, but very few answers. We’ll be waiting and watching.

What do you think?

Are you ready for Carnival to change the program? We’d love to hear what you’d want to see in the new VIFP Club. Be sure to leave a comment below.

Carnival Cruise Card Colors | Ultimate Guide!

If you’re sailing on a Carnival cruise a Sail & Sign card will be offered to you. Surprisingly, these cards have different colors that’s why most cruisers ask about them.

Usually on the embarkation day you will be given this Sail & Sign card, the card has various purposes, like you can use it as a room key, make payment onboard, identity card, and much more.

But why the carnival cruise cards have different colors, and how you can get the desire color card.

Table of Contents

What Is Carnival Sail & Sign Card?

Whether you’re a first time cursing on Carnival or a veteran cruisers, a special Sail & Sign card will be be provided to you.

Mostly on Carnival cruises this card is used as a payment method, as cash is not acceptable on Carnival fleet. For the convenience of the cruisers the Sail & Sign card is used as a primary payment gateway, a room key, and identification card.

The Carnival Cruise card has different colors each one indicated the rank of a cruisers in VIFP. First time cruisers receive a different color card, and acquaintance cruises will get a different one.

Besides this, Sail & Sign card not only serve as payment method or a room key, it offers host of benefits, the more rank you have the higher rewards you will get.

Understand Carnival VIFP Program

The VIFP stands for very important fun person. Though, every guest on carnival is consider as very important fun person, but it has different level or stages.

This is free program, and you will automatically be signup for VIFP program after booking the cruise. Notably, you can consider VIFP program as a guest recognition program.

Those who have been loyal to the cruise line will be recognized by their VIFP level, and based on their level, a different color Sail & Sign card will be assigned to them.

Different Sail & Sign Card Colors Based On VIFP Level

The colors of Sail & Sign depends on the number of points you have earned after sailing on Carnival. The more points you have the higher will be your rank.

The Carnival Cruise Card colors includes;

Blue Card- First Sailing
Read – Second Sailing – 24 points
Gold – 24 – 75 pints
Platinum – 75 – 199 points
Diamond – 200+ points

If you have a Gold or Platinum card it’s not just to earn respect or to show off your loyalty towards Carnival cruise, these higher tier cards will you number of benefits.

Note: The number of points depends on the number of nights you have stayed onboard. If you took a 5-day Caribbean cruise, you earned 5 points.

What Does Blue Card Mean On Carnival Cruise & Its Benefits?

If you’re first time cursing on Carnival cruise you will be given a blue card. It means you’re on a beginning level of VIFP and you don’t have any points yet.

Even though blue card don’t have bundles of benefits, but it will surely push your VIFP ranks. With this card you can avail members only offers and e-newsletter.

You don’t need to do anything to get the blue Sail & Sign card, it’s free of cost, once you have booked the first Carnival cruise you will automatically become the VIFP member.

Members Only Offers
Member e-newsletter

What Does Red Card Mean On Cranial Cruise & Its Benefits

One level ahead red Carnival card is waiting for you. Once you have completed the first voyage with Carnival fleet, you will be eligible for the red Sail & Sign card.

At this stage you can avail some basic benefits. The red card stage will last until you have spent 24 nights on the Carnival cruise. But it’s still a beginning stage of VIFP, after this stage the real fun begins.

The tenure of the red card will end once you hit the 25 points; staying each night on cruise will push you 1 point.

It means that you have to sail several times to push the rank in VIFP. Or if have booked 24 trans-pacific voyage it can pull you out of the red card tenure.

Benefits Of Red Card:

Members-only offers
E-Newsletter
Complimentary 1.5 liter bottle of water

What Does Gold Card Mean On Carnival Cruise & Its Benefits?

Reaching on Gold tier will open the door for some exclusive benefits. Once you hit the 25 points your VIFP rank will reach the third level.

Gold card holder earn enough respect from Carnival crew. However, jumping to next tier from Gold is much challenging, you need to stay 74 nights onboard to hit the next level.

But if you are a true devotee of Carnival cruises and love to take a 24-day cruise, you can overcome the gold card tenure.

Benefits Of Gold Card:

Appreciation drink on 5+ day cruise
Gold VIFP pin on every sailing.

What Does Platinum Card Mean On Carnival Cruise & Its Benefits?

Fewer people reach the Platinum tier in VIFP. But at this level you will earn lot of amenities onboard, and respect too.

To get the Platinum Carnival Card you need to spend 75 nights onboard, and it covers 75 to 199 points at the sea. Achieving Platinum status is a Drawn-out process.

If you’ve been cruising with Carnival since you were a kid, you might qualify for the Platinum Card. But who has logged over 75 nights on a single cruise line?

I really appreciate the loyalty of individuals who hit this stage. But now, it’s reward time. Here are some the exclusive benefits to avail at Platinum Level.

Benefits Of Platinum Card:

Priority Check-in and boarding.
Complimentary drinks on Platinum & Diamond VIFP parties.
Complimentary beverages at seaday brunch.
Chocolate Delight on 5+ day cruises.
VIFP pin on every sailing
Priority Spa reservation
Priority water shuttle boarding
$25 in FunPlay
$5 worth of complimentary arcade credits
VIFP logo gift on every sailing
Priority Debarkation
Priority Reservation At Main Dining Room.
Free laundry service

What Does Diamond Tier Mean On Carnival Cruise & Its Benefits?

Lastly there comes a Diamond Tier which is an elite level offering exclusive benefits. Unluckily, you have to spend 200+ night onboard to reach this level.

Means you have to take at least 8 cruises, if you’re choosing 24 day long sailing.

But this top tier will bring numerous benefits for you, and you will consider as a truly loyal person on the vessel.

At diamond level you will get a white card (no color) with a silver strip, Indeed you’re now entitled to showoff your Diamond Tier card.

Benefits Of Dimond Card:

Priority reservations at restaurants
Unlimited laundry service.
Special event invitation from captain
The cruise will donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
VIFP club luggage tag set
Free meal for two at a Specialty Restaurant

Is Carnival Sign And Sail Card Free?

The Carnival Sign & Sail card is best way to unlock the free amenities onboard. But is this card is free? Or do you have to pay for it?

Thankfully, the Sign & Sail card is free of cost, every cruiser get this card free of cost on day of embarkation. The card is not only serve as a room key, or payment method, but it will also provide other facilities to veteran cruisers.

This card has different colors that depends on the your VIFP level, so basically you will reach the top tier level if you spend more night on cruise.

It means that the more nights you spend, the higher your expenses will be, which ultimately benefits Carnival cruise lines.

A person who is spending over 75 nights on a Carnival cruise is definitely entitled to free amenities. That’s why Carnival Cruises gives free Sign & Sail cards to every cruise; it technically benefits them.

When Do You Get Your Sail And Sign Card?

On Carnival Cruise you will receive Sail & Sign card while check in, after boarding the card is will be functional.

This card is your room key as well as payment option onboard. To check the balance in your card you can install Carnival’s HUP app on your phone.

A day before embarkation you have to activate the Sail & Sign card on official Carnival website. To make payment with this card you have to deposit USD at Guest services.

Carnival cruise has specified the minimum deposit amount for different cruises.

2-4 day cruise: Minimum $100 per person.
5 – 8 day cruise: Minimum $200 per person.
9 days cruise: Minimum $350 per person.

The Carnival bars and cafe hardly accept cash, only Sail & Sign cards are allow to make payment. If can add more funds to card by visiting guest service desk onboard.

How Do I Check My Carnival VIFP?

Every guests you ever sail with Carnival cruise line can check the VIFP points. Just login Carnival official website , tap on your name, and My Cruises, here you can thee all the information regarding VIFP points.

The number of nights you spend onboard will reflect the points. Everything is automatic you don’t need to do anything, the Carnival cruises automatically track your VIFP point and record keep updating on website.

How To Find Carnival VIFP Club Number?

You have to provide the VIFP club number at the time of booking. So you should remember the VIFP number. In case if you forget the number you can grab it from the Carnival website.

To update the status of your VIFP point you have to provide this number at the time of booking.

Do VIFP Members Get Special Fares?

No, you won’t get any discount of sailing fares. Even if you have a diamond card the cruise fare will be same to person having blue card.

It doesn’t mean that VIFP club is useless, with every stage of this program you will unlock various families onboard. So if you remain loyal with the cruise you will jump from blue to red and then gold.

At tier 3 you will be given a Gold card, at stage you will be able to enjoy complimentary appreciate drinks.

Similar, higher tiers will unlock more facilities like free laundry, complimentary beverages, priority check in / out, Priority Dining room service, special even invitations, and much more.

Final Thoughts

The cruise line want to streamline the payment gateway onboard with these cards, with Sail & Sign card you can make quick payments, and it will be also your cabin key.

The card colors is not random it depends on VIFP level, the more night you say onboard the higher will your VIFP level.

Basically there are five tiers of VIFP program, and each tier has different card color. In the above article I have explained the every thing about Carnival card colors.

I hope you’re now aware of different colors of Carnival Cruise card. Thanks and have a safe sailing.

I am Zoe Grace, a passionate enthusiast of cruise ships. With a decade of firsthand experience in the cruising industry, I have developed a deep understanding of the intricacies and wonders that these majestic vessels hold.

Now, I am excited to embark on a new journey as an author, sharing my knowledge and insights with readers who share my fascination for the world of cruising.

Join me as we explore the captivating world of cruise ships together.

Cruise Card Colors: Unveiling Carnival’s Loyalty Program

When I first stepped onto a Carnival Cruise Line ship, I was mesmerized by the vibrant colors of the Sail Sign cards that passengers proudly displayed. Little did I know, these colors represented different levels of loyalty in Carnival’s VIFP program.

As I continued to cruise with Carnival, I became more intrigued by the benefits that came with each card color and how to earn points to level up. In this article, I will unveil the Carnival loyalty program and explore the perks available to frequent cruisers.

Are you someone who craves the freedom of exploring new destinations while enjoying the comforts of a floating resort? Do you find yourself drawn to the excitement of cruising with dozens of onboard activities and endless dining options? If so, you may want to join Carnival’s VIFP program and earn rewards for your nights spent on board.

By understanding the different levels and benefits of the program, you can unlock exclusive perks on your next Carnival cruise. Join me as we explore the world of Carnival’s loyalty program and the colorful cards that represent it.

Carnival Cruise Line has a loyalty program called VIFP with five levels: Blue, Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.
The Sail Sign card color represents the level of loyalty in the program.
Members can redeem points for rewards such as free drinks, specialty dining, and even a free cruise.
Diamond level members get unlimited laundry, priority reservations at specialty restaurants, and a one-time complimentary meal.

VIFP Loyalty Program Levels

As a frequent Carnival cruiser, I know that the color of my Sail Sign card represents my level in the VIFP loyalty program. Benefits increase as I move up from Blue to Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. The VIFP program is free to join and points are automatically tracked based on the number of nights spent on Carnival cruises.

Membership benefits include a range of perks. At the Red level, members get exclusive offers and a complimentary 1.5-liter bottle of water. At the Platinum level, members enjoy priority check-in and boarding, complimentary drinks and parties, unique pins, and free gifts on every cruise. Diamond level members get unlimited laundry, priority reservations at specialty restaurants, and a one-time complimentary meal.

Comparing with other cruise lines, the VIFP program stands out for its generous rewards. Additionally, for every passenger who reaches Diamond status, Carnival donates $100 to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Benefits by Level

Reaching higher levels in the VIFP loyalty program is like climbing a mountain, with each step bringing new benefits and rewards. As you ascend from the Blue level to the Red, Gold, Platinum, and ultimately the Diamond level, you’ll unlock a world of exclusive perks and privileges that will make your Carnival cruise experience even more enjoyable.

At the Blue level, you’ll receive an e-newsletter and access to members-only offers.

At the Red level, you’ll be treated to a complimentary 1.5-liter bottle of water.

Gold level members will enjoy an appreciation drink and a Gold VIFP pin badge.

Platinum level members will have access to priority check-in and boarding, complimentary drinks and parties, unique pins, and free gifts on every cruise.

Diamond level members will receive unlimited laundry, priority reservations at specialty restaurants, and a one-time complimentary meal.

When compared to other loyalty programs, the VIFP program stands out for its generous rewards and benefits. However, due to the impact of COVID-19 on the cruise industry, some benefits may be subject to change or modification.

Regardless, the VIFP program remains a valuable way to enhance your Carnival cruise experience and enjoy exclusive perks and privileges.

Earning Points

To earn points in the VIFP loyalty program, I simply need to spend nights on a Carnival cruise.

The more nights I spend onboard, the more points I earn and the higher my loyalty level becomes.

Carnival automatically tracks my progress and updates my loyalty status accordingly.

Once I have earned enough points, I can redeem them for rewards such as free drinks, specialty dining, and even a free cruise.

It’s important to note that points expire after 24 months, so it’s best to use them before they expire.

Overall, the VIFP loyalty program is a great way to earn rewards for simply enjoying a Carnival cruise vacation.

Additional Perks and Benefits

As a member of the VIFP loyalty program, I can enjoy numerous perks and benefits that enhance my cruise experience.

For starters, I get to enjoy priority check-in and boarding, which saves me valuable time and ensures that I can quickly settle into my cabin and start exploring the ship.

Additionally, I can look forward to complimentary drinks and parties, unique pins, and free gifts on every cruise. These little extras make me feel appreciated and valued as a loyal Carnival customer, and they add an extra layer of enjoyment to my vacation.

But that’s not all. As a VIFP member, I can also take advantage of suite perks, such as priority embarkation and debarkation, and a dedicated concierge. This is especially useful if I’m traveling with a larger group or if I want to indulge in a more luxurious cruise experience.

I can also use onboard credit for various purchases, which allows me to be more flexible with my spending and take advantage of all the amenities and activities that Carnival has to offer.

And let’s not forget about shareholder benefits and new cruise deals, which provide additional savings and opportunities for me to explore different destinations and itineraries.

All in all, being a VIFP member is a great way to enhance my Carnival cruise experience and make the most of my vacation.

Does Carnival offer any benefits for first-time cruisers?

As a first-time cruiser with Carnival, there are onboard incentives available such as complimentary drinks at the Captain’s Cocktail Party and a special offer for future cruises. Eligibility requirements vary, so it’s best to check with Carnival before booking.

Can VIFP points be earned on non-Carnival cruises?

Unfortunately, VIFP points can only be earned on Carnival cruises. However, Carnival’s loyalty program benefits for repeat customers increase with each level, including priority check-in, complimentary drinks, and unique gifts.

How often are VIFP levels updated based on earned points?

VIFP levels are updated after each Carnival cruise. Points never expire and are automatically tracked. As you earn more points, you move up in level and gain more benefits.

Are there any age restrictions for joining the VIFP loyalty program?

To join the Carnival VIFP loyalty program, there are no age restrictions. However, eligibility criteria include earning points through nights spent on Carnival cruises. The program is free to join and benefits increase with each level.

Can VIFP points be transferred or gifted to another person?

Unfortunately, VIFP points cannot be transferred or gifted to another person. Points are tracked automatically for individual members and can only be redeemed by the member who earned them.

Home » Carnival Cruise Loyalty Programs: Sailing Towards Rewards and Benefits

Carnival Cruise Loyalty Programs: Sailing Towards Rewards and Benefits

Last updated on January 29th, 2024 at 03:08 pm

Carnival Cruises , one of the most recognizable names in the cruise industry, understands the value of building lasting relationships with its passengers. To achieve this, Carnival has developed a comprehensive loyalty program known as the “ VIFP Club ,” which stands for “Very Important Fun Person Club.”

Enrolling in a reward program, even if you are unsure how often you may use it, is a good idea. Just as it is a good idea to get travel insurance regardless of which cruise line you intend to sail with. You never know when you will benefit from either a rewards program or insurance , so it is better to have the peace of mind of being covered by both benefits.

This program is designed to reward and recognize the loyalty of Carnival cruisers, offering a range of benefits and perks based on a passenger’s level of loyalty to the cruise line. In this article, we will explore the Carnival Cruise Loyalty Program in detail, covering its various levels, benefits, and how it enhances the cruise experience.

The Levels of Membership

The Carnival Cruise Loyalty Program features several membership tiers, each with its own set of perks and rewards. As passengers continue to cruise with Carnival, they progress through these levels. Let’s delve into each level:

1. Blue: All guests are automatically enrolled in the VIFP Club at the Blue level after their first Carnival cruise. At this entry level, members start experiencing the program’s basic benefits, including members-only offers, setting the stage for further rewards.

2. Red: (24 points) After completing their second cruise with Carnival, guests move up to the Red level. Here, they begin to enjoy additional privileges such as early boarding, which can significantly enhance the embarkation experience.

3. Gold: (25-74 points) Carnival rewards passengers who complete their sixth cruise with the cruise line by promoting them to the Gold level. At this stage, members can access more significant benefits, including onboard discounts and special offers.

4. Platinum: (75-199 points) The Platinum level is achieved after completing 25 Carnival cruises. Platinum members receive even more valuable perks, such as priority reservations for specialty dining and spa treatments, which can enhance the overall cruise experience.

5. Diamond: (200+ points) After an impressive 50 cruises with Carnival, passengers reach the Diamond level. This elite tier grants access to exclusive member events and parties, providing opportunities for socializing and celebrating with fellow Carnival enthusiasts.

Program Benefits and Rewards

The Carnival Cruise Loyalty Program offers a wide range of benefits and rewards, making it an attractive proposition for repeat cruisers. Here are some of the key benefits associated with the program:

1. Priority Check-In and Boarding: Members of the VIFP Club enjoy priority check-in and boarding, reducing wait times and allowing them to embark and disembark more quickly and efficiently.

2. Complimentary Gifts: Carnival shows its appreciation to members through various complimentary gifts, including pins, tote bags, and other exclusive items.

3. Exclusive Member Events: Carnival hosts special events and parties exclusively for VIFP Club members. These gatherings offer a chance to connect with fellow cruisers and create lasting memories.

4. Discounts on Carnival Merchandise: Members can enjoy discounts on Carnival-branded merchandise, providing opportunities to purchase souvenirs and memorabilia at reduced prices.

5. Priority Reservations: Platinum and Diamond-level members can secure priority reservations for popular onboard experiences, such as specialty dining and spa treatments, ensuring they get the best availability and timing.

6. Complimentary Cabin Upgrades: When available, Carnival may offer complimentary cabin upgrades to loyal passengers, enhancing their cruise experience by providing more spacious accommodations or better views.

7. Priority Tender Service: For destinations where ships anchor offshore, members can benefit from priority tender service, allowing them to disembark and explore ports of call more promptly.

Earning Cruise Points

The progression through the VIFP Club levels is based on the accumulation of cruise points. Typically, passengers earn one cruise point for each cruise day, and certain promotions or suite bookings might offer additional points.

The more cruises you take, the more points you accumulate, and the higher your membership level becomes.

Milestone Rewards

In addition to the benefits associated with each level, Carnival Cruise Line offers milestone rewards to celebrate significant cruise achievements. These rewards can be particularly enticing for those who have a deep affection for Carnival and have sailed with the cruise line numerous times.

Milestone rewards may include complimentary cruises, onboard spending credits, and other special perks that recognize and reward loyalty.

Program Accessibility

Joining the VIFP Club is easy and automatic. All guests who take their first cruise with Carnival Cruise Line are enrolled at the Blue level. However, it’s advisable for members to create an online account on the Carnival Cruise Line website to manage their VIFP Club membership and stay informed about their benefits.

Additionally, contacting Carnival’s customer service can provide assistance and answer any questions regarding the loyalty program.

Enhancing the Cruise Experience

The Carnival Cruise Loyalty Program plays a significant role in enhancing the cruise experience for passengers. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned Carnival enthusiast, the program offers something for everyone.

For newcomers, it provides a glimpse into the perks and rewards that await them as they continue to cruise with Carnival. For loyal passengers, it’s a way to be recognized and rewarded for their dedication to the cruise line.

The benefits of the program, such as priority check-in and boarding, help to streamline the boarding process, reducing stress and allowing passengers to start enjoying their vacation sooner.

Complimentary gifts and exclusive member events create a sense of belonging and camaraderie among passengers, fostering a community of Carnival cruisers who share a common love for sea travel.

Discounts on Carnival merchandise provide opportunities to take home souvenirs and mementos, while priority reservations for specialty dining and spa treatments ensure that passengers can enjoy the onboard experiences they desire without the hassle of long wait times.

For those who have reached the Platinum and Diamond levels, the Carnival Cruise Loyalty Program truly shines. These members benefit from exclusive events and parties, allowing them to celebrate their loyalty with fellow cruisers and Carnival staff.

Complimentary cabin upgrades, when available, can transform a standard cruise into an even more luxurious experience, and priority tender service ensures that they can make the most of their time in port.

Final Thoughts

Carnival Cruise Line’s VIFP Club Loyalty Program is a testament to the cruise line’s commitment to creating memorable experiences for its passengers. It not only rewards loyalty but also enhances the overall cruise experience by providing a range of benefits and perks that make every voyage with Carnival even more enjoyable.

From priority check-in to exclusive events and discounts, the program caters to passengers at various stages of their cruising journey. It’s a way for Carnival to express its gratitude to its passengers while fostering a sense of community among its loyal cruisers.

As the cruise industry continues to evolve, it’s essential for cruise lines to build strong relationships with their passengers, and loyalty programs like the VIFP Club are a key part of that strategy. For those who have experienced the joy of cruising with Carnival, the loyalty program serves as a reminder of the fun and adventure that awaits them on their next voyage at sea.

For more information go here: VIFP Terms And Conditions

This page contains affiliate links for which we may receive financial compensation when a purchase has been made through one of our affiliate partners.

Joy is the Co-Founder & Content Manager/Expert for CruisePortAdvisor.com and one of the founders of the site. She loves to travel, sing & bake.

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VIFP Club - Carnival's Recognition Program FAQs

What is the VIFP Club? The VIFP Club stands for the Very Important Fun Person Club, Carnival’s guest recognition program. If you’re a Past Guest, the program recognises you for your continued loyalty to Carnival with increasing recognition and benefits as you cruise more and more. New to Carnival? The VIFP Club is a warm welcome to the Carnival experience and gives you access to VIFP members-only rates and promotions. How do guests enrol? If guests have cruised with Carnival before, they’re automatically enrolled. They simply activate their account at http://www.carnival.com.au/loyalty/overview.aspx . If guests are new to Carnival, they can join the program at http://www.carnival.com.au/loyalty/overview.aspx . How does the VIFP Club work? Members of the VIFP Club earn one VIFP Point for every day they’ve been at sea (aka cruise day), so 1 VIFP Point= 1 Cruise Day. There are five levels in the VIFP Club: Blue Card: First time Carnival cruise Red Card: 1 – 24 Cruise days / VIFP points Gold Card: 25 – 74 Cruise days / VIFP points Platinum Card: 75 – 199 Cruise days / VIFP points Diamond Card: 200+ Cruise days / VIFP points What are the benefits for each VIFP level? You can view all of the benefits here: http://www.carnival.com.au/loyalty/benefits.aspx What are the terms and conditions for the VIFP Club? The full terms and conditions for the VIFP Club can be found here: http://www.carnival.com.au/loyalty/termsandconditions.aspx How will Carnival know my level when I sail? Guests will receive a color-coded Sail and Sign card during each sailing, which will identify their levels in the VIFP Club. It’s recommended that all guests activate their VIFP Club membership at least eight weeks prior to their next sailing to ensure they’re recognised as a member of their correct level. How do I earn points on a cruise ending and starting in Australia? In order to earn VIFP Points for Cruises that begin and end in Australia (each an “Australian Cruise”), Members must log into their Account and request that VIFP Points be awarded for Days earned on such Australian Cruise(s). Members must review their cruise history and submit a request by clicking on “Missing a Cruise?” and provide the requested information. CCL will not automatically award VIFP Points for any Australian Cruise. I activated my account but noticed that all of my cruises were not included. How long will it take for Carnival to adjust my level? Carnival wants to ensure than all eligible cruises are captured in guests’ cruise history. It takes up to three business days after a sailing for the system to update a guest’s cruise history. If guests notice a discrepancy, they should log into their personal profile on http://www.carnival.com/loyalty/overview.aspx and submit a request form. The request form can be found at the bottom of the “Review My Cruise History” page, in the “Manage My Cruise History” tab. Carnival will review each request on an individual basis. Please be patient, the process may take 6-8 weeks to complete. Cruises beginning and ending in Australia: In order to earn VIFP Points for Cruises that begin and end in Australia (each an “Australian Cruise”), Members must log into their Account and request that VIFP Points be awarded for Days earned on such Australian Cruise(s). Members must review their cruise history and submit a request by clicking on “Missing a Cruise?” and provide the requested information. CCL will not automatically award VIFP Points for any Australian Cruise. Please note, Carnival cannot process requests over the phone. Will benefits change over time? They might someday. Therefore, Carnival Cruise Lines reserves the right to change terms/benefits at any time.

If a cruise is cut short or extended for reasons out of the guests control, how many points will the guests earn since we are basing it on the actual number of days sailed? As a gesture of goodwill we will never decrease the number of cruise days earned as a result of extenuated circumstances. In cases where an additional day is added we will increase the number of cruise days. What is the difference between Past Guest and the VIFP Club membership? Past Guest fares will continue. However, membership in the VIFP Club provides for additional valuable benefits along with special offers. If a guest is sharing a cabin with another guest in a different level (e.g. a Platinum and a Gold), how will benefits apply to the stateroom? Benefits are meant to recognise individual members and are therefore not transferable to travel companions. Can a guest bring another guest to membership functions on board? Generally, benefits requiring an invitation are designated per member. Certain events invite eligible guests to bring one additional person as space permits. Details are provided on invitations for each of the functions. Will guests automatically receive recognition/benefits or must they be requested? VIFP Club members will automatically move from one level to the next level based on their VIFP Points, and will receive the benefits of their level on each sailing. Guests graduating into a new level during a cruise will receive the benefits of the new level they are graduating into from the beginning of the cruise (e.g. those graduating to Gold on the 3rd day of a 8-day cruise will receive Gold benefits for the entire duration of their cruise). While guests are automatically eligible for their benefits, some Diamond level benefits must be requested at the time of booking (e.g. one-time benefits). How long do I have to activate my membership? Guests may activate their membership at any time, but we do encourage everyone to do it as soon as they can. Do VIFP Club members earn points when cruising with sister lines? Benefits of the VIFP Club are unique to Carnival Cruise Lines cruises. VIFP Points may be earned only when sailing on Carnival Cruise Lines. Cruises taken on Carnival Corporation’s other own cruise lines will not earn VIFP Points and VIFP Club benefits will not be offered. Which Carnival Cruise Line cruises count towards my VIFP Points? VIFP Points will be earned for all qualifying Carnival Cruise Lines cruises, starting with Carnival’s first sailing on March 9, 1972. (Non-qualifying cruises include charter cruises, non-revenue cruises, etc.) How much does it cost to become a VIFP Club member? There are no fees to join the VIFP Club, and membership never expires. Does each cruiser in a guest’s family/party/stateroom earn points and receive Club benefits? Yes, each member of the VIFP Club earns VIFP Points and will receive the benefits of their VIFP Club level. However, some benefits are age-restricted. Should everyone activate/join (all members of guests family or party)? All guests who have cruised with Carnival will be automatically enrolled. Still, each guest should individually activate their account to ensure data accuracy. For guests who haven’t sailed with Carnival yet, we recommend at least one adult within each family or party join the VIFP Club to see if you can take advantage of members-only offers or promotions that are offered from time-to-time.

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VIFP Club ®
What you Get

It’s simple: cruise more and the perks just pile up.

Even if you’ve never cruised with Carnival before, join the club today — the benefits begin today.

Start with things like members-only promotions. Then when you sail, you'll start picking up benefits like collectible Carnival items, invites to members-only cocktail receptions, priority boarding and more.

That's called living the VIFP life.

Collecting VIFP rewards is… actually really easy.

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How to Leverage Hotel Elite Status for a $100 Carnival Cruise

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Editors note: The partnership between Hyatt Hotels and MGM Resorts is ending on Sept. 30. This article is being updated to reflect that change. MGM has announced a forthcoming partnership with Marriott Bonvoy set to launch in 2024. Read can more on that here .

Airline and hotel elite status matches are an easy way for travelers to switch loyalties without starting over from scratch in a new program. Did you know you can also use your current elite status to get perks on cruises? It might just take a few steps.

For instance, Marriott elites can get United elite status (and vice versa) and World of Hyatt elites can get MGM Rewards elite status . Those are a good start, but keep in mind that you don't have to stop after just one status match. By completing two status matches, you may be able to turn your hotel elite status into an offer for a $100 Carnival cruise — perhaps even a balcony room on a week-plus voyage.

Here's how you can leverage hotel elite status to get a heavily discounted cruise.

Get elite status

Before you can begin any elite status match merry-go-round, you'll need to have elite status. Specifically for this Carnival promotion, casino status is required. The higher the tier, the better.

No worries if you're not a gambler. You can score casino status by matching from certain hotel elite statuses — such as matching Wyndham Rewards to Caesars Rewards or World of Hyatt to MGM Rewards .

Even if you don't already have elite status in Wyndham or Hyatt, you're not out of luck. Here are some shortcuts to getting either one.

Wyndham Rewards

Travelers can secure Wyndham Rewards elite status with just one credit card. Small-business owners can open the Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Business Credit Card . For a $95 annual fee, you'll get automatic top-tier Diamond elite status. If you don't have a small business, open the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card for a $75 annual fee to get Wyndham Platinum elite status.

Alternatively, you can status match to Wyndham Rewards from another hotel loyalty program.

World of Hyatt

Hyatt doesn't offer an easy credit card shortcut to World of Hyatt elite status. The World of Hyatt Credit Card only offers cardholders entry-level Discoverist elite status. You can generate higher status by using the card: Cardholders start with a five elite-qualifying night boost and earn two elite qualifying nights per $5,000 spent in a calendar year.

The best way to get World of Hyatt elite status may be through a World of Hyatt status match .

FoundersCard

Alternatively, you can bypass the need to generate hotel elite status by getting a FoundersCard. One of the many perks of the FoundersCard is Caesars Diamond elite status. However, signing up for a FoundersCard costs $595 — although you can save a bit by clicking through certain referral links.

Still, consider this method only if you'd benefit from the other FoundersCard perks.

» Learn more: The best hotel credit cards right now

Status match to casino loyalty programs

The next step is to match your hotel elite status to a casino loyalty program. As noted above, Wyndham partners with Caesars and Hyatt partners with MGM. So your next step depends on which hotel elite status you have.

If you have both Wyndham Rewards and World of Hyatt elite status, we recommend matching both. After all, the process only takes a few minutes.

Matching Wyndham to Caesars Rewards

To match your Wyndham elite status to Caesars, start by clicking this link . If you already have a Caesars Rewards account, log in to begin the match process. Otherwise, create a new Caesars Rewards account.

Enter your Wyndham Rewards number and click "request matching status." The confirmation page will likely indicate it takes seven business days for the match to go through.

Once your status match is finished, you'll need your Caesars Rewards membership card to match to Carnival. Unfortunately, a digital membership card isn't available on the Caesars Rewards website. Instead, you'll have to install the Caesars Rewards app to get a digital card.

Matching Hyatt to MGM Rewards

Start your match from Hyatt to MGM Rewards by logging into your World of Hyatt account. Then, go to Hyatt's MGM match page and click "opt in."

When prompted, log into your MGM Rewards account to complete the match process. It may still take up to 24 hours for your new status to reflect in your account.

Once you've completed your match, get a copy of your digital card. You get this in your MGM Rewards account dashboard by clicking the "MGM Rewards" card logo.

» Learn more: Caesars vs. MGM Rewards: Which rewards program is better?

Status match to Carnival

Once you have elite status in a casino rewards program, it's time for the final status match. Start your Carnival Players Club Fun Match Program here.

If you've cruised on Carnival before, enter your Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club number and email to shortcut entering your personal information. Otherwise, enter your name, date of birth, phone number and address.

Before you scroll down to click "register," this is where you show off your newly-minted casino elite status.

Upload images of the front and back of your card to the Carnival Players Club Fun Match application. If you have elite status with multiple casino loyalty programs, click "Add another loyalty card. Have other offers?" and upload photos of those loyalty cards as well.

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

Wait for the right Carnival cruise offer

After all of that, I'm sure you're ready to finally get that discounted cruise offer. However, the key to this promotion is patience. Throughout this process, if an offer doesn't look appealing enough, just ignore it and wait for the next offer.

For example, you might get a disappointing offer to start — such as a free cruise in an interior room or a cash bonus for spending in an onboard casino, like the example below.

Be patient and you'll likely get a follow-up email from the Carnival Player Club with a much better offer — such as a "free" balcony room (before deposit, taxes and fees). This email is typically sent a few days after the first one.

Don't let the deadlines scare you into booking a cruise that you aren't excited about. Since my wife matched her Caesars Diamond elite status in January 2022, she's gotten a new offer each month. A few days after one promotion expires, Carnival Players Club sends her another one.

» Learn more: Cruises where you don’t need a passport

Book your discounted Carnival cruise

Once you get the right offer, here's where all of that work pays off with a heavily discounted cruise. Click the personalized link in your email to see a list of all of the cruises that are currently on offer.

Depending on when you search, free cruise offers can vary from two-night cruises to the Bahamas to three-week repositioning cruises across the Pacific.

Just like the discount offers, these options ebb and flow. If you see an offer that looks good to you, don't drag your feet on booking it.

Keep in mind that "free" offers aren't actually free. You'll generally pay $100 per person — which you typically get back as an onboard credit — plus taxes, fees and port expenses. Also make sure to factor in gratuities for the onboard staff, which can add up on longer sailings.

Still, you can get an incredible deal. For example, a six-night balcony cruise for two passengers costs a total of $720, including prepaid gratuities — and you'll get $200 back as onboard credits.

If you have schedule flexibility, you can take off on a multi-week repositioning cruise. For example, this 22-day cruise from Brisbane, Australia, to Seattle, costs a total of just $1,236 (including gratuities) in a Cloud 9 Spa Balcony room.

» Learn more: Cruises might be a surprisingly affordable way to visit the South Pacific

If you're looking for a cheap Carnival cruise

The Carnival Players Club is clearly investing heavily in marketing to attract gamblers to take Carnival cruises.

Many travelers who have mid- to high-tier elite status with a major casino loyalty program are receiving enticing offers for Carnival cruises. And you don't actually need to be a gambler to get casino elite status thanks to a few partnerships with hotel loyalty programs.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

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What are tier points.

Tier point credits determine your tier level; they are different from reward points that are redeemable for rewards play. There are three distinct levels of membership: Base, Premier and Elite.

How do I earn tier points?

When you play your favorite electronic games and table games using your Club Passport card, you will be eligible to earn tier points that enable you to unlock the next level of tier benefits. Participating electronic gaming machines earn at the rate of $10 played equals one tier point; non-participating electronic games will be marked. Tier points at table games will be earned based on the game played, average bet and the duration of play.

How many tier points do I have to earn for each level?

BASE: 0 – 4,999
PREMIER: 5,000 – 14,999
ELITE: 15,000+

Your tier point balance will reset to zero upon reaching the next tier level. You may advance or decline only one tier level at a time.

How do I check my tier point balance?

Your tier point balance can be easily accessed through a countdown located on your favorite electronic game or at the players club.

How long do I enjoy the benefits once I reach the next tier level?

Once you get to the next tier level, you have six months to enjoy the benefits of that level. The expiration date is conveniently printed on your Club Passport card.

How do I maintain my current tier level?

When you meet the point requirement to maintain your current status by the expiration date printed on your card, your level will remain the same, your tier balance will reset to zero and you will have six months to maintain your current tier level or upgrade to the next level.

If you surpass the tier point requirement to reach the next tier level within the six month qualification period, you will be upgraded to the next highest tier, your tier point balance will reset to zero and your membership benefits will change to reflect your new level.

What happens if I don't earn enough tier points to maintain my current level?

If you do not meet the tier point requirement to maintain your current level by the expiration date printed on your card, you will be downgraded to the next lowest tier, your tier point balance will reset to zero and your membership benefits will change to reflect your new level. You will then have six months to maintain or upgrade to the next tier level.

Will my old card still work?

Upon upgrade or downgrade, your respective benefits will be immediately available to you on your current card. However, you will need to visit a Players Club desk or kiosk to get a new card that reflects your current tier level and new expiration date. You will also need to do this when your card expires, even if you have maintained your tier level.

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All guests must present a valid photo I.D. ( as outlined in the house rules ) at any open Players Club location in order to sign up, change and/or access personal account information. Membership benefits are based on availability, play and Casino Host or management discretion. Management reserves the right to make changes to benefits without notice. Bingo, Keno, Poker and Off-Track Betting play and retail purchases are not eligible for tier point earnings. Express lines available at participating outlets only. All guests must abide by the posted WinStar World Casino and Resort house rules. Failure to comply with house or promotional rules or verbal instructions from property management may result in temporary or permanent loss of membership benefits and/or being barred from the facility. Additional restrictions may also apply. Please note, banned and/or barred individuals may take up to 90 days to be removed from our direct marketing programs, including direct mail pieces, emails, etc.

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Carnival Cruise Line forced to make beverage package change

B oth Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have been forced to make major operational changes after the tragic bridge collapse in Baltimore. After Key Bridge was hit by a freight ship that led to its destruction, the port that both cruise lines use has been closed for the foreseeable future.

It was a terrible tragedy, but neither cruise line could simply stop operating because they had ships at sea scheduled to return to that port. Both Carnival ( CCL ) and Royal Caribbean acted very quickly and shifted their Baltimore sailings to Norfolk, VA.

Related: Carnival follows Royal Caribbean in fixing worst part of cruising

That's a massive operational feat to pull off which both companies achieved in just a few days. Carnival shared how it was handling a sailing that left from Baltimore before the bridge collapse

"Carnival Legend is scheduled to return from its current voyage on Sunday, March 31. It will now return to Norfolk on Sunday, and guests will be provided complimentary bus service back to Baltimore. Carnival Legend’s next seven-day itinerary on March 31 will then operate from and return to Norfolk," the cruise line shared.

The port switch, however, will have a negative impact on future cruises that many passengers will be angry about.

Carnival may get boos for Cheers

Sailing from different ports means that the local laws and taxes may be different. When Royal Caribbean sails from Galveston, for example, people who buy its Unlimited Beverage Package can only order from a limited menu until the ship hits international waters.

Cheers offers unlimited water, soda, juice, and specialty coffee along with 15 alcoholic beverages for $59.95 per day on sailings of six days or more when purchased in advance. Shorter sailings cost $69.95 per day and all packages are charged an 18%b gratuity.

People buying onboard pay an extra $5 per day and you can only buy the package for the duration of the cruise. In addition, all adults sailing in the same room have to buy the drink package (although exceptions may be made if passengers call the cruise line).

Carnival, for its sailings from Norfolk has shared that it has to make a major change to its Cheers Beverage Package on those sailings. The cruise line has adopted the rules it uses on sailings from New York and Texas for its Norfolk cruise.

Carnival changes Cheers for Norfolk sailings

While Royal Caribbean offers a limited drink menu out of Galveston (the cruise line does not sail from New York), it does still offer unlimited drinks to people who buy its beverage package. Carnival takes a different tact and does not offer Cheers! on night one on sailings from New York and Texas.

That's the policy its taking in Norfolk and any passengers who paid for Cheers on upcoming sailings will get a refund for the first day of their cruise.

“Our temporary shift in operations from Baltimore to Norfolk for Carnival Legend necessitates a slight modification in how we implement the Cheers! program. We cannot offer Cheers! benefits while in waters under the Commonwealth of Virginia’s jurisdiction. Therefore, we will not offer Cheers! benefits on the first day of your cruise,” according to an email from Guest Services Vice President Colleen Oliverio.

Can't seems to be more of a question of choice as Royal Caribbean has not made the same change.

"For Royal, you can absolutely use your drink package immediately however TABC law limits cruise ships to only sell alcohol made in the great state of Texas while in port. once the ship has moved into international waters, full bars open up. Carnival on the other hand just chooses to hold off altogether with their drink package making their Cheers begin on day 2 (You don't pay for day 1). you can still purchase drink by drink, but they too have to follow the same TABC laws mentioned," Todd W. poste don the Royal Caribbean blog .

Royal Caribbean has not said it plans to have any drink package limitations on Norfolk sailings.

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Crying Myself to Sleep on the Biggest Cruise Ship Ever

Seven agonizing nights aboard the Icon of the Seas

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Updated at 2:44 p.m. ET on April 6, 2024.

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MY FIRST GLIMPSE of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, from the window of an approaching Miami cab, brings on a feeling of vertigo, nausea, amazement, and distress. I shut my eyes in defense, as my brain tells my optic nerve to try again.

The ship makes no sense, vertically or horizontally. It makes no sense on sea, or on land, or in outer space. It looks like a hodgepodge of domes and minarets, tubes and canopies, like Istanbul had it been designed by idiots. Vibrant, oversignifying colors are stacked upon other such colors, decks perched over still more decks; the only comfort is a row of lifeboats ringing its perimeter. There is no imposed order, no cogent thought, and, for those who do not harbor a totalitarian sense of gigantomania, no visual mercy. This is the biggest cruise ship ever built, and I have been tasked with witnessing its inaugural voyage.

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“Author embarks on their first cruise-ship voyage” has been a staple of American essay writing for almost three decades, beginning with David Foster Wallace’s “A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again,” which was first published in 1996 under the title “Shipping Out.” Since then, many admirable writers have widened and diversified the genre. Usually the essayist commissioned to take to the sea is in their first or second flush of youth and is ready to sharpen their wit against the hull of the offending vessel. I am 51, old and tired, having seen much of the world as a former travel journalist, and mostly what I do in both life and prose is shrug while muttering to my imaginary dachshund, “This too shall pass.” But the Icon of the Seas will not countenance a shrug. The Icon of the Seas is the Linda Loman of cruise ships, exclaiming that attention must be paid. And here I am in late January with my one piece of luggage and useless gray winter jacket and passport, zipping through the Port of Miami en route to the gangway that will separate me from the bulk of North America for more than seven days, ready to pay it in full.

The aforementioned gangway opens up directly onto a thriving mall (I will soon learn it is imperiously called the “Royal Promenade”), presently filled with yapping passengers beneath a ceiling studded with balloons ready to drop. Crew members from every part of the global South, as well as a few Balkans, are shepherding us along while pressing flutes of champagne into our hands. By a humming Starbucks, I drink as many of these as I can and prepare to find my cabin. I show my blue Suite Sky SeaPass Card (more on this later, much more) to a smiling woman from the Philippines, and she tells me to go “aft.” Which is where, now? As someone who has rarely sailed on a vessel grander than the Staten Island Ferry, I am confused. It turns out that the aft is the stern of the ship, or, for those of us who don’t know what a stern or an aft are, its ass. The nose of the ship, responsible for separating the waves before it, is also called a bow, and is marked for passengers as the FWD , or forward. The part of the contemporary sailing vessel where the malls are clustered is called the midship. I trust that you have enjoyed this nautical lesson.

I ascend via elevator to my suite on Deck 11. This is where I encounter my first terrible surprise. My suite windows and balcony do not face the ocean. Instead, they look out onto another shopping mall. This mall is the one that’s called Central Park, perhaps in homage to the Olmsted-designed bit of greenery in the middle of my hometown. Although on land I would be delighted to own a suite with Central Park views, here I am deeply depressed. To sail on a ship and not wake up to a vast blue carpet of ocean? Unthinkable.

Allow me a brief preamble here. The story you are reading was commissioned at a moment when most staterooms on the Icon were sold out. In fact, so enthralled by the prospect of this voyage were hard-core mariners that the ship’s entire inventory of guest rooms (the Icon can accommodate up to 7,600 passengers, but its inaugural journey was reduced to 5,000 or so for a less crowded experience) was almost immediately sold out. Hence, this publication was faced with the shocking prospect of paying nearly $19,000 to procure for this solitary passenger an entire suite—not including drinking expenses—all for the privilege of bringing you this article. But the suite in question doesn’t even have a view of the ocean! I sit down hard on my soft bed. Nineteen thousand dollars for this .

selfie photo of man with glasses, in background is swim-up bar with two women facing away

The viewless suite does have its pluses. In addition to all the Malin+Goetz products in my dual bathrooms, I am granted use of a dedicated Suite Deck lounge; access to Coastal Kitchen, a superior restaurant for Suites passengers; complimentary VOOM SM Surf & Stream (“the fastest Internet at Sea”) “for one device per person for the whole cruise duration”; a pair of bathrobes (one of which comes prestained with what looks like a large expectoration by the greenest lizard on Earth); and use of the Grove Suite Sun, an area on Decks 18 and 19 with food and deck chairs reserved exclusively for Suite passengers. I also get reserved seating for a performance of The Wizard of Oz , an ice-skating tribute to the periodic table, and similar provocations. The very color of my Suite Sky SeaPass Card, an oceanic blue as opposed to the cloying royal purple of the standard non-Suite passenger, will soon provoke envy and admiration. But as high as my status may be, there are those on board who have much higher status still, and I will soon learn to bow before them.

In preparation for sailing, I have “priced in,” as they say on Wall Street, the possibility that I may come from a somewhat different monde than many of the other cruisers. Without falling into stereotypes or preconceptions, I prepare myself for a friendly outspokenness on the part of my fellow seafarers that may not comply with modern DEI standards. I believe in meeting people halfway, and so the day before flying down to Miami, I visited what remains of Little Italy to purchase a popular T-shirt that reads DADDY’S LITTLE MEATBALL across the breast in the colors of the Italian flag. My wife recommended that I bring one of my many T-shirts featuring Snoopy and the Peanuts gang, as all Americans love the beagle and his friends. But I naively thought that my meatball T-shirt would be more suitable for conversation-starting. “Oh, and who is your ‘daddy’?” some might ask upon seeing it. “And how long have you been his ‘little meatball’?” And so on.

I put on my meatball T-shirt and head for one of the dining rooms to get a late lunch. In the elevator, I stick out my chest for all to read the funny legend upon it, but soon I realize that despite its burnished tricolor letters, no one takes note. More to the point, no one takes note of me. Despite my attempts at bridge building, the very sight of me (small, ethnic, without a cap bearing the name of a football team) elicits no reaction from other passengers. Most often, they will small-talk over me as if I don’t exist. This brings to mind the travails of David Foster Wallace , who felt so ostracized by his fellow passengers that he retreated to his cabin for much of his voyage. And Wallace was raised primarily in the Midwest and was a much larger, more American-looking meatball than I am. If he couldn’t talk to these people, how will I? What if I leave this ship without making any friends at all, despite my T-shirt? I am a social creature, and the prospect of seven days alone and apart is saddening. Wallace’s stateroom, at least, had a view of the ocean, a kind of cheap eternity.

Worse awaits me in the dining room. This is a large, multichandeliered room where I attended my safety training (I was shown how to put on a flotation vest; it is a very simple procedure). But the maître d’ politely refuses me entry in an English that seems to verge on another language. “I’m sorry, this is only for pendejos ,” he seems to be saying. I push back politely and he repeats himself. Pendejos ? Piranhas? There’s some kind of P-word to which I am not attuned. Meanwhile elderly passengers stream right past, powered by their limbs, walkers, and electric wheelchairs. “It is only pendejo dining today, sir.” “But I have a suite!” I say, already starting to catch on to the ship’s class system. He examines my card again. “But you are not a pendejo ,” he confirms. I am wearing a DADDY’S LITTLE MEATBALL T-shirt, I want to say to him. I am the essence of pendejo .

Eventually, I give up and head to the plebeian buffet on Deck 15, which has an aquatic-styled name I have now forgotten. Before gaining entry to this endless cornucopia of reheated food, one passes a washing station of many sinks and soap dispensers, and perhaps the most intriguing character on the entire ship. He is Mr. Washy Washy—or, according to his name tag, Nielbert of the Philippines—and he is dressed as a taco (on other occasions, I’ll see him dressed as a burger). Mr. Washy Washy performs an eponymous song in spirited, indeed flamboyant English: “Washy, washy, wash your hands, WASHY WASHY!” The dangers of norovirus and COVID on a cruise ship this size (a giant fellow ship was stricken with the former right after my voyage) makes Mr. Washy Washy an essential member of the crew. The problem lies with the food at the end of Washy’s rainbow. The buffet is groaning with what sounds like sophisticated dishes—marinated octopus, boiled egg with anchovy, chorizo, lobster claws—but every animal tastes tragically the same, as if there was only one creature available at the market, a “cruisipus” bred specifically for Royal Caribbean dining. The “vegetables” are no better. I pick up a tomato slice and look right through it. It tastes like cellophane. I sit alone, apart from the couples and parents with gaggles of children, as “We Are Family” echoes across the buffet space.

I may have failed to mention that all this time, the Icon of the Seas has not left port. As the fiery mango of the subtropical setting sun makes Miami’s condo skyline even more apocalyptic, the ship shoves off beneath a perfunctory display of fireworks. After the sun sets, in the far, dark distance, another circus-lit cruise ship ruptures the waves before us. We glance at it with pity, because it is by definition a smaller ship than our own. I am on Deck 15, outside the buffet and overlooking a bunch of pools (the Icon has seven of them), drinking a frilly drink that I got from one of the bars (the Icon has 15 of them), still too shy to speak to anyone, despite Sister Sledge’s assertion that all on the ship are somehow related.

Kim Brooks: On failing the family vacation

The ship’s passage away from Ron DeSantis’s Florida provides no frisson, no sense of developing “sea legs,” as the ship is too large to register the presence of waves unless a mighty wind adds significant chop. It is time for me to register the presence of the 5,000 passengers around me, even if they refuse to register mine. My fellow travelers have prepared for this trip with personally decorated T-shirts celebrating the importance of this voyage. The simplest ones say ICON INAUGURAL ’24 on the back and the family name on the front. Others attest to an over-the-top love of cruise ships: WARNING! MAY START TALKING ABOUT CRUISING . Still others are artisanally designed and celebrate lifetimes spent married while cruising (on ships, of course). A couple possibly in their 90s are wearing shirts whose backs feature a drawing of a cruise liner, two flamingos with ostensibly male and female characteristics, and the legend “ HUSBAND AND WIFE Cruising Partners FOR LIFE WE MAY NOT HAVE IT All Together BUT TOGETHER WE HAVE IT ALL .” (The words not in all caps have been written in cursive.) A real journalist or a more intrepid conversationalist would have gone up to the couple and asked them to explain the longevity of their marriage vis-à-vis their love of cruising. But instead I head to my mall suite, take off my meatball T-shirt, and allow the first tears of the cruise to roll down my cheeks slowly enough that I briefly fall asleep amid the moisture and salt.

photo of elaborate twisting multicolored waterslides with long stairwell to platform

I WAKE UP with a hangover. Oh God. Right. I cannot believe all of that happened last night. A name floats into my cobwebbed, nauseated brain: “Ayn Rand.” Jesus Christ.

I breakfast alone at the Coastal Kitchen. The coffee tastes fine and the eggs came out of a bird. The ship rolls slightly this morning; I can feel it in my thighs and my schlong, the parts of me that are most receptive to danger.

I had a dangerous conversation last night. After the sun set and we were at least 50 miles from shore (most modern cruise ships sail at about 23 miles an hour), I lay in bed softly hiccupping, my arms stretched out exactly like Jesus on the cross, the sound of the distant waves missing from my mall-facing suite, replaced by the hum of air-conditioning and children shouting in Spanish through the vents of my two bathrooms. I decided this passivity was unacceptable. As an immigrant, I feel duty-bound to complete the tasks I am paid for, which means reaching out and trying to understand my fellow cruisers. So I put on a normal James Perse T-shirt and headed for one of the bars on the Royal Promenade—the Schooner Bar, it was called, if memory serves correctly.

I sat at the bar for a martini and two Negronis. An old man with thick, hairy forearms drank next to me, very silent and Hemingwaylike, while a dreadlocked piano player tinkled out a series of excellent Elton John covers. To my right, a young white couple—he in floral shorts, she in a light, summery miniskirt with a fearsome diamond ring, neither of them in football regalia—chatted with an elderly couple. Do it , I commanded myself. Open your mouth. Speak! Speak without being spoken to. Initiate. A sentence fragment caught my ear from the young woman, “Cherry Hill.” This is a suburb of Philadelphia in New Jersey, and I had once been there for a reading at a synagogue. “Excuse me,” I said gently to her. “Did you just mention Cherry Hill? It’s a lovely place.”

As it turned out, the couple now lived in Fort Lauderdale (the number of Floridians on the cruise surprised me, given that Southern Florida is itself a kind of cruise ship, albeit one slowly sinking), but soon they were talking with me exclusively—the man potbellied, with a chin like a hard-boiled egg; the woman as svelte as if she were one of the many Ukrainian members of the crew—the elderly couple next to them forgotten. This felt as groundbreaking as the first time I dared to address an American in his native tongue, as a child on a bus in Queens (“On my foot you are standing, Mister”).

“I don’t want to talk politics,” the man said. “But they’re going to eighty-six Biden and put Michelle in.”

I considered the contradictions of his opening conversational gambit, but decided to play along. “People like Michelle,” I said, testing the waters. The husband sneered, but the wife charitably put forward that the former first lady was “more personable” than Joe Biden. “They’re gonna eighty-six Biden,” the husband repeated. “He can’t put a sentence together.”

After I mentioned that I was a writer—though I presented myself as a writer of teleplays instead of novels and articles such as this one—the husband told me his favorite writer was Ayn Rand. “Ayn Rand, she came here with nothing,” the husband said. “I work with a lot of Cubans, so …” I wondered if I should mention what I usually do to ingratiate myself with Republicans or libertarians: the fact that my finances improved after pass-through corporations were taxed differently under Donald Trump. Instead, I ordered another drink and the couple did the same, and I told him that Rand and I were born in the same city, St. Petersburg/Leningrad, and that my family also came here with nothing. Now the bonding and drinking began in earnest, and several more rounds appeared. Until it all fell apart.

Read: Gary Shteyngart on watching Russian television for five days straight

My new friend, whom I will refer to as Ayn, called out to a buddy of his across the bar, and suddenly a young couple, both covered in tattoos, appeared next to us. “He fucking punked me,” Ayn’s frat-boy-like friend called out as he put his arm around Ayn, while his sizable partner sizzled up to Mrs. Rand. Both of them had a look I have never seen on land—their eyes projecting absence and enmity in equal measure. In the ’90s, I drank with Russian soldiers fresh from Chechnya and wandered the streets of wartime Zagreb, but I have never seen such undisguised hostility toward both me and perhaps the universe at large. I was briefly introduced to this psychopathic pair, but neither of them wanted to have anything to do with me, and the tattooed woman would not even reveal her Christian name to me (she pretended to have the same first name as Mrs. Rand). To impress his tattooed friends, Ayn made fun of the fact that as a television writer, I’d worked on the series Succession (which, it would turn out, practically nobody on the ship had watched), instead of the far more palatable, in his eyes, zombie drama of last year. And then my new friends drifted away from me into an angry private conversation—“He punked me!”—as I ordered another drink for myself, scared of the dead-eyed arrivals whose gaze never registered in the dim wattage of the Schooner Bar, whose terrifying voices and hollow laughs grated like unoiled gears against the crooning of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”

But today is a new day for me and my hangover. After breakfast, I explore the ship’s so-called neighborhoods . There’s the AquaDome, where one can find a food hall and an acrobatic sound-and-light aquatic show. Central Park has a premium steak house, a sushi joint, and a used Rolex that can be bought for $8,000 on land here proudly offered at $17,000. There’s the aforementioned Royal Promenade, where I had drunk with the Rands, and where a pair of dueling pianos duel well into the night. There’s Surfside, a kids’ neighborhood full of sugary garbage, which looks out onto the frothy trail that the behemoth leaves behind itself. Thrill Island refers to the collection of tubes that clutter the ass of the ship and offer passengers six waterslides and a surfing simulation. There’s the Hideaway, an adult zone that plays music from a vomit-slathered, Brit-filled Alicante nightclub circa 1996 and proves a big favorite with groups of young Latin American customers. And, most hurtfully, there’s the Suite Neighborhood.

2 photos: a ship's foamy white wake stretches to the horizon; a man at reailing with water and two large ships docked behind

I say hurtfully because as a Suite passenger I should be here, though my particular suite is far from the others. Whereas I am stuck amid the riffraff of Deck 11, this section is on the highborn Decks 16 and 17, and in passing, I peek into the spacious, tall-ceilinged staterooms from the hallway, dazzled by the glint of the waves and sun. For $75,000, one multifloor suite even comes with its own slide between floors, so that a family may enjoy this particular terror in private. There is a quiet splendor to the Suite Neighborhood. I see fewer stickers and signs and drawings than in my own neighborhood—for example, MIKE AND DIANA PROUDLY SERVED U.S. MARINE CORPS RETIRED . No one here needs to announce their branch of service or rank; they are simply Suites, and this is where they belong. Once again, despite my hard work and perseverance, I have been disallowed from the true American elite. Once again, I am “Not our class, dear.” I am reminded of watching The Love Boat on my grandmother’s Zenith, which either was given to her or we found in the trash (I get our many malfunctioning Zeniths confused) and whose tube got so hot, I would put little chunks of government cheese on a thin tissue atop it to give our welfare treat a pleasant, Reagan-era gooeyness. I could not understand English well enough then to catch the nuances of that seafaring program, but I knew that there were differences in the status of the passengers, and that sometimes those differences made them sad. Still, this ship, this plenty—every few steps, there are complimentary nachos or milkshakes or gyros on offer—was the fatty fuel of my childhood dreams. If only I had remained a child.

I walk around the outdoor decks looking for company. There is a middle-aged African American couple who always seem to be asleep in each other’s arms, probably exhausted from the late capitalism they regularly encounter on land. There is far more diversity on this ship than I expected. Many couples are a testament to Loving v. Virginia , and there is a large group of folks whose T-shirts read MELANIN AT SEA / IT’S THE MELANIN FOR ME . I smile when I see them, but then some young kids from the group makes Mr. Washy Washy do a cruel, caricatured “Burger Dance” (today he is in his burger getup), and I think, Well, so much for intersectionality .

At the infinity pool on Deck 17, I spot some elderly women who could be ethnic and from my part of the world, and so I jump in. I am proved correct! Many of them seem to be originally from Queens (“Corona was still great when it was all Italian”), though they are now spread across the tristate area. We bond over the way “Ron-kon-koma” sounds when announced in Penn Station.

“Everyone is here for a different reason,” one of them tells me. She and her ex-husband last sailed together four years ago to prove to themselves that their marriage was truly over. Her 15-year-old son lost his virginity to “an Irish young lady” while their ship was moored in Ravenna, Italy. The gaggle of old-timers competes to tell me their favorite cruising stories and tips. “A guy proposed in Central Park a couple of years ago”—many Royal Caribbean ships apparently have this ridiculous communal area—“and she ran away screaming!” “If you’re diamond-class, you get four drinks for free.” “A different kind of passenger sails out of Bayonne.” (This, perhaps, is racially coded.) “Sometimes, if you tip the bartender $5, your next drink will be free.”

“Everyone’s here for a different reason,” the woman whose marriage ended on a cruise tells me again. “Some people are here for bad reasons—the drinkers and the gamblers. Some people are here for medical reasons.” I have seen more than a few oxygen tanks and at least one woman clearly undergoing very serious chemo. Some T-shirts celebrate good news about a cancer diagnosis. This might be someone’s last cruise or week on Earth. For these women, who have spent months, if not years, at sea, cruising is a ritual as well as a life cycle: first love, last love, marriage, divorce, death.

Read: The last place on Earth any tourist should go

I have talked with these women for so long, tonight I promise myself that after a sad solitary dinner I will not try to seek out company at the bars in the mall or the adult-themed Hideaway. I have enough material to fulfill my duties to this publication. As I approach my orphaned suite, I run into the aggro young people who stole Mr. and Mrs. Rand away from me the night before. The tattooed apparitions pass me without a glance. She is singing something violent about “Stuttering Stanley” (a character in a popular horror movie, as I discover with my complimentary VOOM SM Surf & Stream Internet at Sea) and he’s loudly shouting about “all the money I’ve lost,” presumably at the casino in the bowels of the ship.

So these bent psychos out of a Cormac McCarthy novel are angrily inhabiting my deck. As I mewl myself to sleep, I envision a limited series for HBO or some other streamer, a kind of low-rent White Lotus , where several aggressive couples conspire to throw a shy intellectual interloper overboard. I type the scenario into my phone. As I fall asleep, I think of what the woman who recently divorced her husband and whose son became a man through the good offices of the Irish Republic told me while I was hoisting myself out of the infinity pool. “I’m here because I’m an explorer. I’m here because I’m trying something new.” What if I allowed myself to believe in her fantasy?

2 photos: 2 slices of pizza on plate; man in "Daddy's Little Meatball" shirt and shorts standing in outdoor dining area with ship's exhaust stacks in background

“YOU REALLY STARTED AT THE TOP,” they tell me. I’m at the Coastal Kitchen for my eggs and corned-beef hash, and the maître d’ has slotted me in between two couples. Fueled by coffee or perhaps intrigued by my relative youth, they strike up a conversation with me. As always, people are shocked that this is my first cruise. They contrast the Icon favorably with all the preceding liners in the Royal Caribbean fleet, usually commenting on the efficiency of the elevators that hurl us from deck to deck (as in many large corporate buildings, the elevators ask you to choose a floor and then direct you to one of many lifts). The couple to my right, from Palo Alto—he refers to his “porn mustache” and calls his wife “my cougar” because she is two years older—tell me they are “Pandemic Pinnacles.”

This is the day that my eyes will be opened. Pinnacles , it is explained to me over translucent cantaloupe, have sailed with Royal Caribbean for 700 ungodly nights. Pandemic Pinnacles took advantage of the two-for-one accrual rate of Pinnacle points during the pandemic, when sailing on a cruise ship was even more ill-advised, to catapult themselves into Pinnacle status.

Because of the importance of the inaugural voyage of the world’s largest cruise liner, more than 200 Pinnacles are on this ship, a startling number, it seems. Mrs. Palo Alto takes out a golden badge that I have seen affixed over many a breast, which reads CROWN AND ANCHOR SOCIETY along with her name. This is the coveted badge of the Pinnacle. “You should hear all the whining in Guest Services,” her husband tells me. Apparently, the Pinnacles who are not also Suites like us are all trying to use their status to get into Coastal Kitchen, our elite restaurant. Even a Pinnacle needs to be a Suite to access this level of corned-beef hash.

“We’re just baby Pinnacles,” Mrs. Palo Alto tells me, describing a kind of internal class struggle among the Pinnacle elite for ever higher status.

And now I understand what the maître d’ was saying to me on the first day of my cruise. He wasn’t saying “ pendejo .” He was saying “Pinnacle.” The dining room was for Pinnacles only, all those older people rolling in like the tide on their motorized scooters.

And now I understand something else: This whole thing is a cult. And like most cults, it can’t help but mirror the endless American fight for status. Like Keith Raniere’s NXIVM, where different-colored sashes were given out to connote rank among Raniere’s branded acolytes, this is an endless competition among Pinnacles, Suites, Diamond-Plusers, and facing-the-mall, no-balcony purple SeaPass Card peasants, not to mention the many distinctions within each category. The more you cruise, the higher your status. No wonder a section of the Royal Promenade is devoted to getting passengers to book their next cruise during the one they should be enjoying now. No wonder desperate Royal Caribbean offers (“FINAL HOURS”) crowded my email account weeks before I set sail. No wonder the ship’s jewelry store, the Royal Bling, is selling a $100,000 golden chalice that will entitle its owner to drink free on Royal Caribbean cruises for life. (One passenger was already gaming out whether her 28-year-old son was young enough to “just about earn out” on the chalice or if that ship had sailed.) No wonder this ship was sold out months before departure , and we had to pay $19,000 for a horrid suite away from the Suite Neighborhood. No wonder the most mythical hero of Royal Caribbean lore is someone named Super Mario, who has cruised so often, he now has his own working desk on many ships. This whole experience is part cult, part nautical pyramid scheme.

From the June 2014 issue: Ship of wonks

“The toilets are amazing,” the Palo Altos are telling me. “One flush and you’re done.” “They don’t understand how energy-efficient these ships are,” the husband of the other couple is telling me. “They got the LNG”—liquefied natural gas, which is supposed to make the Icon a boon to the environment (a concept widely disputed and sometimes ridiculed by environmentalists).

But I’m thinking along a different line of attack as I spear my last pallid slice of melon. For my streaming limited series, a Pinnacle would have to get killed by either an outright peasant or a Suite without an ocean view. I tell my breakfast companions my idea.

“Oh, for sure a Pinnacle would have to be killed,” Mr. Palo Alto, the Pandemic Pinnacle, says, touching his porn mustache thoughtfully as his wife nods.

“THAT’S RIGHT, IT’S your time, buddy!” Hubert, my fun-loving Panamanian cabin attendant, shouts as I step out of my suite in a robe. “Take it easy, buddy!”

I have come up with a new dressing strategy. Instead of trying to impress with my choice of T-shirts, I have decided to start wearing a robe, as one does at a resort property on land, with a proper spa and hammam. The response among my fellow cruisers has been ecstatic. “Look at you in the robe!” Mr. Rand cries out as we pass each other by the Thrill Island aqua park. “You’re living the cruise life! You know, you really drank me under the table that night.” I laugh as we part ways, but my soul cries out, Please spend more time with me, Mr. and Mrs. Rand; I so need the company .

In my white robe, I am a stately presence, a refugee from a better limited series, a one-man crossover episode. (Only Suites are granted these robes to begin with.) Today, I will try many of the activities these ships have on offer to provide their clientele with a sense of never-ceasing motion. Because I am already at Thrill Island, I decide to climb the staircase to what looks like a mast on an old-fashioned ship (terrified, because I am afraid of heights) to try a ride called “Storm Chasers,” which is part of the “Category 6” water park, named in honor of one of the storms that may someday do away with the Port of Miami entirely. Storm Chasers consists of falling from the “mast” down a long, twisting neon tube filled with water, like being the camera inside your own colonoscopy, as you hold on to the handles of a mat, hoping not to die. The tube then flops you down headfirst into a trough of water, a Royal Caribbean baptism. It both knocks my breath out and makes me sad.

In keeping with the aquatic theme, I attend a show at the AquaDome. To the sound of “Live and Let Die,” a man in a harness gyrates to and fro in the sultry air. I saw something very similar in the back rooms of the famed Berghain club in early-aughts Berlin. Soon another harnessed man is gyrating next to the first. Ja , I think to myself, I know how this ends. Now will come the fisting , natürlich . But the show soon devolves into the usual Marvel-film-grade nonsense, with too much light and sound signifying nichts . If any fisting is happening, it is probably in the Suite Neighborhood, inside a cabin marked with an upside-down pineapple, which I understand means a couple are ready to swing, and I will see none of it.

I go to the ice show, which is a kind of homage—if that’s possible—to the periodic table, done with the style and pomp and masterful precision that would please the likes of Kim Jong Un, if only he could afford Royal Caribbean talent. At one point, the dancers skate to the theme song of Succession . “See that!” I want to say to my fellow Suites—at “cultural” events, we have a special section reserved for us away from the commoners—“ Succession ! It’s even better than the zombie show! Open your minds!”

Finally, I visit a comedy revue in an enormous and too brightly lit version of an “intimate,” per Royal Caribbean literature, “Manhattan comedy club.” Many of the jokes are about the cruising life. “I’ve lived on ships for 20 years,” one of the middle-aged comedians says. “I can only see so many Filipino homosexuals dressed as a taco.” He pauses while the audience laughs. “I am so fired tonight,” he says. He segues into a Trump impression and then Biden falling asleep at the microphone, which gets the most laughs. “Anyone here from Fort Leonard Wood?” another comedian asks. Half the crowd seems to cheer. As I fall asleep that night, I realize another connection I have failed to make, and one that may explain some of the diversity on this vessel—many of its passengers have served in the military.

As a coddled passenger with a suite, I feel like I am starting to understand what it means to have a rank and be constantly reminded of it. There are many espresso makers , I think as I look across the expanse of my officer-grade quarters before closing my eyes, but this one is mine .

photo of sheltered sandy beach with palms, umbrellas, and chairs with two large docked cruise ships in background

A shocking sight greets me beyond the pools of Deck 17 as I saunter over to the Coastal Kitchen for my morning intake of slightly sour Americanos. A tiny city beneath a series of perfectly pressed green mountains. Land! We have docked for a brief respite in Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts and Nevis. I wolf down my egg scramble to be one of the first passengers off the ship. Once past the gangway, I barely refrain from kissing the ground. I rush into the sights and sounds of this scruffy island city, sampling incredible conch curry and buckets of non-Starbucks coffee. How wonderful it is to be where God intended humans to be: on land. After all, I am neither a fish nor a mall rat. This is my natural environment. Basseterre may not be Havana, but there are signs of human ingenuity and desire everywhere you look. The Black Table Grill Has been Relocated to Soho Village, Market Street, Directly Behind of, Gary’s Fruits and Flower Shop. Signed. THE PORK MAN reads a sign stuck to a wall. Now, that is how you write a sign. A real sign, not the come-ons for overpriced Rolexes that blink across the screens of the Royal Promenade.

“Hey, tie your shoestring!” a pair of laughing ladies shout to me across the street.

“Thank you!” I shout back. Shoestring! “Thank you very much.”

A man in Independence Square Park comes by and asks if I want to play with his monkey. I haven’t heard that pickup line since the Penn Station of the 1980s. But then he pulls a real monkey out of a bag. The monkey is wearing a diaper and looks insane. Wonderful , I think, just wonderful! There is so much life here. I email my editor asking if I can remain on St. Kitts and allow the Icon to sail off into the horizon without me. I have even priced a flight home at less than $300, and I have enough material from the first four days on the cruise to write the entire story. “It would be funny …” my editor replies. “Now get on the boat.”

As I slink back to the ship after my brief jailbreak, the locals stand under umbrellas to gaze at and photograph the boat that towers over their small capital city. The limousines of the prime minister and his lackeys are parked beside the gangway. St. Kitts, I’ve been told, is one of the few islands that would allow a ship of this size to dock.

“We hear about all the waterslides,” a sweet young server in one of the cafés told me. “We wish we could go on the ship, but we have to work.”

“I want to stay on your island,” I replied. “I love it here.”

But she didn’t understand how I could possibly mean that.

“WASHY, WASHY, so you don’t get stinky, stinky!” kids are singing outside the AquaDome, while their adult minders look on in disapproval, perhaps worried that Mr. Washy Washy is grooming them into a life of gayness. I heard a southern couple skip the buffet entirely out of fear of Mr. Washy Washy.

Meanwhile, I have found a new watering hole for myself, the Swim & Tonic, the biggest swim-up bar on any cruise ship in the world. Drinking next to full-size, nearly naked Americans takes away one’s own self-consciousness. The men have curvaceous mom bodies. The women are equally un-shy about their sprawling physiques.

Today I’ve befriended a bald man with many children who tells me that all of the little trinkets that Royal Caribbean has left us in our staterooms and suites are worth a fortune on eBay. “Eighty dollars for the water bottle, 60 for the lanyard,” the man says. “This is a cult.”

“Tell me about it,” I say. There is, however, a clientele for whom this cruise makes perfect sense. For a large middle-class family (he works in “supply chains”), seven days in a lower-tier cabin—which starts at $1,800 a person—allow the parents to drop off their children in Surfside, where I imagine many young Filipina crew members will take care of them, while the parents are free to get drunk at a swim-up bar and maybe even get intimate in their cabin. Cruise ships have become, for a certain kind of hardworking family, a form of subsidized child care.

There is another man I would like to befriend at the Swim & Tonic, a tall, bald fellow who is perpetually inebriated and who wears a necklace studded with little rubber duckies in sunglasses, which, I am told, is a sort of secret handshake for cruise aficionados. Tomorrow, I will spend more time with him, but first the ship docks at St. Thomas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Charlotte Amalie, the capital, is more charming in name than in presence, but I still all but jump off the ship to score a juicy oxtail and plantains at the well-known Petite Pump Room, overlooking the harbor. From one of the highest points in the small city, the Icon of the Seas appears bigger than the surrounding hills.

I usually tan very evenly, but something about the discombobulation of life at sea makes me forget the regular application of sunscreen. As I walk down the streets of Charlotte Amalie in my fluorescent Icon of the Seas cap, an old Rastafarian stares me down. “Redneck,” he hisses.

“No,” I want to tell him, as I bring a hand up to my red neck, “that’s not who I am at all. On my island, Mannahatta, as Whitman would have it, I am an interesting person living within an engaging artistic milieu. I do not wish to use the Caribbean as a dumping ground for the cruise-ship industry. I love the work of Derek Walcott. You don’t understand. I am not a redneck. And if I am, they did this to me.” They meaning Royal Caribbean? Its passengers? The Rands?

“They did this to me!”

Back on the Icon, some older matrons are muttering about a run-in with passengers from the Celebrity cruise ship docked next to us, the Celebrity Apex. Although Celebrity Cruises is also owned by Royal Caribbean, I am made to understand that there is a deep fratricidal beef between passengers of the two lines. “We met a woman from the Apex,” one matron says, “and she says it was a small ship and there was nothing to do. Her face was as tight as a 19-year-old’s, she had so much surgery.” With those words, and beneath a cloudy sky, humidity shrouding our weathered faces and red necks, we set sail once again, hopefully in the direction of home.

photo from inside of spacious geodesic-style glass dome facing ocean, with stairwells and seating areas

THERE ARE BARELY 48 HOURS LEFT to the cruise, and the Icon of the Seas’ passengers are salty. They know how to work the elevators. They know the Washy Washy song by heart. They understand that the chicken gyro at “Feta Mediterranean,” in the AquaDome Market, is the least problematic form of chicken on the ship.

The passengers have shed their INAUGURAL CRUISE T-shirts and are now starting to evince political opinions. There are caps pledging to make America great again and T-shirts that celebrate words sometimes attributed to Patrick Henry: “The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people; it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government.” With their preponderance of FAMILY FLAG FAITH FRIENDS FIREARMS T-shirts, the tables by the crepe station sometimes resemble the Capitol Rotunda on January 6. The Real Anthony Fauci , by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., appears to be a popular form of literature, especially among young men with very complicated versions of the American flag on their T-shirts. Other opinions blend the personal and the political. “Someone needs to kill Washy guy, right?” a well-dressed man in the elevator tells me, his gray eyes radiating nothing. “Just beat him to death. Am I right?” I overhear the male member of a young couple whisper, “There goes that freak” as I saunter by in my white spa robe, and I decide to retire it for the rest of the cruise.

I visit the Royal Bling to see up close the $100,000 golden chalice that entitles you to free drinks on Royal Caribbean forever. The pleasant Serbian saleslady explains that the chalice is actually gold-plated and covered in white zirconia instead of diamonds, as it would otherwise cost $1 million. “If you already have everything,” she explains, “this is one more thing you can get.”

I believe that anyone who works for Royal Caribbean should be entitled to immediate American citizenship. They already speak English better than most of the passengers and, per the Serbian lady’s sales pitch above, better understand what America is as well. Crew members like my Panamanian cabin attendant seem to work 24 hours a day. A waiter from New Delhi tells me that his contract is six months and three weeks long. After a cruise ends, he says, “in a few hours, we start again for the next cruise.” At the end of the half a year at sea, he is allowed a two-to-three-month stay at home with his family. As of 2019, the median income for crew members was somewhere in the vicinity of $20,000, according to a major business publication. Royal Caribbean would not share the current median salary for its crew members, but I am certain that it amounts to a fraction of the cost of a Royal Bling gold-plated, zirconia-studded chalice.

And because most of the Icon’s hyper-sanitized spaces are just a frittata away from being a Delta lounge, one forgets that there are actual sailors on this ship, charged with the herculean task of docking it in port. “Having driven 100,000-ton aircraft carriers throughout my career,” retired Admiral James G. Stavridis, the former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, writes to me, “I’m not sure I would even know where to begin with trying to control a sea monster like this one nearly three times the size.” (I first met Stavridis while touring Army bases in Germany more than a decade ago.)

Today, I decide to head to the hot tub near Swim & Tonic, where some of the ship’s drunkest reprobates seem to gather (the other tubs are filled with families and couples). The talk here, like everywhere else on the ship, concerns football, a sport about which I know nothing. It is apparent that four teams have recently competed in some kind of finals for the year, and that two of them will now face off in the championship. Often when people on the Icon speak, I will try to repeat the last thing they said with a laugh or a nod of disbelief. “Yes, 20-yard line! Ha!” “Oh my God, of course, scrimmage.”

Soon we are joined in the hot tub by the late-middle-age drunk guy with the duck necklace. He is wearing a bucket hat with the legend HAWKEYES , which, I soon gather, is yet another football team. “All right, who turned me in?” Duck Necklace says as he plops into the tub beside us. “I get a call in the morning,” he says. “It’s security. Can you come down to the dining room by 10 a.m.? You need to stay away from the members of this religious family.” Apparently, the gregarious Duck Necklace had photobombed the wrong people. There are several families who present as evangelical Christians or practicing Muslims on the ship. One man, evidently, was not happy that Duck Necklace had made contact with his relatives. “It’s because of religious stuff; he was offended. I put my arm around 20 people a day.”

Everyone laughs. “They asked me three times if I needed medication,” he says of the security people who apparently interrogated him in full view of others having breakfast.

Another hot-tub denizen suggests that he should have asked for fentanyl. After a few more drinks, Duck Necklace begins to muse about what it would be like to fall off the ship. “I’m 62 and I’m ready to go,” he says. “I just don’t want a shark to eat me. I’m a huge God guy. I’m a Bible guy. There’s some Mayan theory squaring science stuff with religion. There is so much more to life on Earth.” We all nod into our Red Stripes.

“I never get off the ship when we dock,” he says. He tells us he lost $6,000 in the casino the other day. Later, I look him up, and it appears that on land, he’s a financial adviser in a crisp gray suit, probably a pillar of his North Chicago community.

photo of author smiling and holding soft-serve ice-cream cone with outdoor seating area in background

THE OCEAN IS TEEMING with fascinating life, but on the surface it has little to teach us. The waves come and go. The horizon remains ever far away.

I am constantly told by my fellow passengers that “everybody here has a story.” Yes, I want to reply, but everybody everywhere has a story. You, the reader of this essay, have a story, and yet you’re not inclined to jump on a cruise ship and, like Duck Necklace, tell your story to others at great pitch and volume. Maybe what they’re saying is that everybody on this ship wants to have a bigger, more coherent, more interesting story than the one they’ve been given. Maybe that’s why there’s so much signage on the doors around me attesting to marriages spent on the sea. Maybe that’s why the Royal Caribbean newsletter slipped under my door tells me that “this isn’t a vacation day spent—it’s bragging rights earned.” Maybe that’s why I’m so lonely.

Today is a big day for Icon passengers. Today the ship docks at Royal Caribbean’s own Bahamian island, the Perfect Day at CocoCay. (This appears to be the actual name of the island.) A comedian at the nightclub opined on what his perfect day at CocoCay would look like—receiving oral sex while learning that his ex-wife had been killed in a car crash (big laughter). But the reality of the island is far less humorous than that.

One of the ethnic tristate ladies in the infinity pool told me that she loved CocoCay because it had exactly the same things that could be found on the ship itself. This proves to be correct. It is like the Icon, but with sand. The same tired burgers, the same colorful tubes conveying children and water from Point A to B. The same swim-up bar at its Hideaway ($140 for admittance, no children allowed; Royal Caribbean must be printing money off its clientele). “There was almost a fight at The Wizard of Oz ,” I overhear an elderly woman tell her companion on a chaise lounge. Apparently one of the passengers began recording Royal Caribbean’s intellectual property and “three guys came after him.”

I walk down a pathway to the center of the island, where a sign reads DO NOT ENTER: YOU HAVE REACHED THE BOUNDARY OF ADVENTURE . I hear an animal scampering in the bushes. A Royal Caribbean worker in an enormous golf cart soon chases me down and takes me back to the Hideaway, where I run into Mrs. Rand in a bikini. She becomes livid telling me about an altercation she had the other day with a woman over a towel and a deck chair. We Suites have special towel privileges; we do not have to hand over our SeaPass Card to score a towel. But the Rands are not Suites. “People are so entitled here,” Mrs. Rand says. “It’s like the airport with all its classes.” “You see,” I want to say, “this is where your husband’s love of Ayn Rand runs into the cruelties and arbitrary indignities of unbridled capitalism.” Instead we make plans to meet for a final drink in the Schooner Bar tonight (the Rands will stand me up).

Back on the ship, I try to do laps, but the pool (the largest on any cruise ship, naturally) is fully trashed with the detritus of American life: candy wrappers, a slowly dissolving tortilla chip, napkins. I take an extra-long shower in my suite, then walk around the perimeter of the ship on a kind of exercise track, past all the alluring lifeboats in their yellow-and-white livery. Maybe there is a dystopian angle to the HBO series that I will surely end up pitching, one with shades of WALL-E or Snowpiercer . In a collapsed world, a Royal Caribbean–like cruise liner sails from port to port, collecting new shipmates and supplies in exchange for the precious energy it has on board. (The actual Icon features a new technology that converts passengers’ poop into enough energy to power the waterslides . In the series, this shitty technology would be greatly expanded.) A very young woman (18? 19?), smart and lonely, who has only known life on the ship, walks along the same track as I do now, contemplating jumping off into the surf left by its wake. I picture reusing Duck Necklace’s words in the opening shot of the pilot. The girl is walking around the track, her eyes on the horizon; maybe she’s highborn—a Suite—and we hear the voice-over: “I’m 19 and I’m ready to go. I just don’t want a shark to eat me.”

Before the cruise is finished, I talk to Mr. Washy Washy, or Nielbert of the Philippines. He is a sweet, gentle man, and I thank him for the earworm of a song he has given me and for keeping us safe from the dreaded norovirus. “This is very important to me, getting people to wash their hands,” he tells me in his burger getup. He has dreams, as an artist and a performer, but they are limited in scope. One day he wants to dress up as a piece of bacon for the morning shift.

THE MAIDEN VOYAGE OF THE TITANIC (the Icon of the Seas is five times as large as that doomed vessel) at least offered its passengers an exciting ending to their cruise, but when I wake up on the eighth day, all I see are the gray ghosts that populate Miami’s condo skyline. Throughout my voyage, my writer friends wrote in to commiserate with me. Sloane Crosley, who once covered a three-day spa mini-cruise for Vogue , tells me she felt “so very alone … I found it very untethering.” Gideon Lewis-Kraus writes in an Instagram comment: “When Gary is done I think it’s time this genre was taken out back and shot.” And he is right. To badly paraphrase Adorno: After this, no more cruise stories. It is unfair to put a thinking person on a cruise ship. Writers typically have difficult childhoods, and it is cruel to remind them of the inherent loneliness that drove them to writing in the first place. It is also unseemly to write about the kind of people who go on cruises. Our country does not provide the education and upbringing that allow its citizens an interior life. For the creative class to point fingers at the large, breasty gentlemen adrift in tortilla-chip-laden pools of water is to gather a sour harvest of low-hanging fruit.

A day or two before I got off the ship, I decided to make use of my balcony, which I had avoided because I thought the view would only depress me further. What I found shocked me. My suite did not look out on Central Park after all. This entire time, I had been living in the ship’s Disneyland, Surfside, the neighborhood full of screaming toddlers consuming milkshakes and candy. And as I leaned out over my balcony, I beheld a slight vista of the sea and surf that I thought I had been missing. It had been there all along. The sea was frothy and infinite and blue-green beneath the span of a seagull’s wing. And though it had been trod hard by the world’s largest cruise ship, it remained.

This article appears in the May 2024 print edition with the headline “A Meatball at Sea.” When you buy a book using a link on this page, we receive a commission. Thank you for supporting The Atlantic.

Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki: Carnival Cruise Line's Japanese restaurants (with menus)

When my husband and I took our first Carnival cruise 17 years ago on Carnival Conquest, the sushi completely won us over. At the time, the ship had a pop-up station that served small plates of fresh (and free) sushi and sake for a limited time before dinner. It was one of the highlights of our cruise, and when the line rolled out the permanent for-fee Bonsai Sushi restaurant in 2012, we were over the moon.

Today, Carnival's onboard sushi offering has extended to include a takeaway sushi venue and a teppanyaki-style restaurant on many ships. Whether your Carnival ship features a Bonsai Sushi, Bonsai Sushi Express or Bonsai Teppanyaki, I wholeheartedly encourage you to check it out.

Here's everything you need to know, from what's on the menu to which ships feature the popular sushi outposts.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

What are Carnival's Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki?

Bonsai Sushi is an extra-charge a la carte sushi restaurant. The line launched the venue on Carnival Breeze in 2012, and today, it's on 15 Carnival ships. It opens for lunch at noon (on sea days) and for dinner at 5 p.m. (on sea days and port days).

Select ships without a Bonsai Sushi outpost feature a Bonsai Sushi Express takeaway counter. The condensed menu features shrimp, salmon and yellowfin tuna sushi or sashimi and four rolls — California, spicy tuna, bang bang Bonsai and tempura. You'll find a Bonsai Sushi Express on Carnival Conquest, Carnival Elation, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Luminosa, Carnival Miracle and Carnival Paradise.

Bonsai Teppanyaki, Carnival's first Japanese teppanyaki-style restaurant, debuted on Carnival Horizon in 2018.

As with land-based teppanyaki-style dining, the experience is part dinner and part theater. The restaurant features teppanyaki chefs who prepare tableside dishes with a dramatic flourish of knives and spatulas, often flinging food about for effect. It's a fun show, and kids usually go bananas over it.

The restaurant is intimate, with just two or three cooking stations that seat about 16 (depending on the ship), so you'll want to make reservations early.

Carnival Bonsai Sushi and Carnival Bonsai Teppanyaki menus

The Bonsai Sushi menu features starters like wagyu short ribs with caramelized onion and teriyaki sauce and a refreshing Bonsai noodle salad with ginger, sake, cold rice noodles, tomatoes, mushrooms and a chilled tomato dressing.

One of my favorite rolls here is the tempura roll with fried shrimp, cucumber, yuzu mayo, avocado and Bonsai Sushi sauce. Anther personal favorite is the California roll which is filled with crab, avocado, cucumber, sesame and tobiko mayo. My daughter orders the spicy tuna roll without fail — spicy tuna, tempura flakes, asparagus, tobiko, Yukon gold potato straws and spicy mayo.

You can also pair your meal with a Japanese beer, a glass of wine or sake.

As with land-based teppanyaki-style restaurants, the Bonsai Teppanyaki menu includes a choice of miso soup or salad, starters like teppanyaki white shrimp or pork belly yakitori, and a variety of protein options for your entree. Choose among teriyaki salmon, shichimi spiced grilled chicken, filet mignon, lobster, black cod and grilled tofu.

Can't decide? Opt for one of the combinations — shrimp and spiced grilled chicken or a filet mignon paired with shrimp, salmon or lobster tail.

What does it cost to eat at Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki?

A la carte prices at Bonsai Sushi range from $1.50 (per piece) for sushi or sashimi to $22 for the "Ship for 2" chef special; this includes miso soup, a side salad, two rolls and six pieces of sushi.

Bonsai Teppanyaki is priced at a flat $38 per person for lunch and $42 per person for dinner.

Which Carnival ships have Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki?

Bonsai Sushi is currently on 15 Carnival ships — Carnival Breeze, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Dream, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Legend, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Pride, Carnival Radiance, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Sunshine , Carnival Venezia, Carnival Vista and Carnival Mardi Gras.

You'll find Bonsai Teppanyaki on six Carnival vessels — Carnival Jubilee , Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras, Carnival Venezia , Carnival Panorama and Carnival Horizon.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships and itineraries
43 Carnival Cruise Line tips, tricks and hacks to enhance your vacation at sea
Best Carnival cruise ships: Here's which ship you should sail, based on your travel style
Carnival cruise packing list: What to pack for a cruise, Fun Ship style
The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly

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Award-Winning Actress & Performer Hannah Waddingham to Serve as Godmother of Stunning Sun Princess

Newest “love boat” to be officially christened in star-studded ceremony in barcelona on april 23, 2024.

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FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. , (April 8, 2024) - Award-winning actress and performer Hannah Waddingham will serve the time-honored, maritime tradition as the official Godmother of Princess Cruises’ newest “Love Boat” Sun Princess. The star-studded naming ceremony will take place at the Port of Barcelona on April 23, 2024.

Waddingham joins an esteemed group who have served as Godparent to Princess ships: Diana, Princess of Wales (Royal Princess, 1984), Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales (Royal Princess, 2013); Audrey Hepburn (Star Princess, 1989); Sophia Loren (Crown Princess, 1990); Martha Stewart (Crown Princess, 2006), among many notable celebrities.

British actress and singer, Waddingham is beloved for her role as Rebecca Welton in Apple TV+’s “Ted Lasso,” in which her performance garnered a Primetime Emmy, Critics Choice Television Award and Screen Actors Guild Award, as well as two individual Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations. She will next be seen in the highly anticipated Universal film “The Fall Guy” opposite Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt in theaters on May 3, 2024. Earlier this year, Waddingham earned a BAFTA TV Award nomination for her own Apple TV+ holiday special “Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas.” Waddingham made her worldwide hosting debut in April 2023 at The Olivier Awards (she returns as host for the 2024 ceremony on April 14) followed swiftly by the BBC Eurovision Song Contest 2023, for which she has gained her second BAFTA TV nomination and won The Royal Television Society award for “Best Entertainment Performance” in 2024. Her upcoming films include Sony Animation film “Garfield” out May 24, 2024 and in 2025 “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two.”

“We’re delighted to welcome the illuminous and elegant Hannah Waddingham to serve as Godmother for our sensational new Sun Princess,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “Just like Sun Princess, she exudes sophistication, beauty and wonderment through her inspiring work as a talented and award-winning actress and performer. We’re truly honored Hannah will officially name our most impressive, luxurious and stunning Love Boat ever created, and join an esteemed group of Princess Godparents including members of the Royal family.”

The new 177,882-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess introduces an innovative new ship platform designed exclusively for the world’s most iconic cruise brand. A true engineering marvel, Sun Princess officially started the inaugural cruise season on February 28, 2024, and currently is sailing a series of Mediterranean voyages before debuting in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in October for the ship’s first Caribbean season.

Princess ships are renowned for offering spacious venues and Sun Princess takes that to the next level. Sun Princess debuts new eye-catching experience venues including The Dome, a groundbreaking geodesic, glass-enclosed structure at the top of the ship inspired by the terraces of Santorini. The outward and suspended Sphere Atrium, the namesake of this new class of ship, takes the central Piazza hub of the ship into a new dimension. Here guests are enveloped with expansive ocean views and an open concept, inspired to deliver the desired lifestyle of relaxed indoor and outdoor living.

Sun Princess offers an extraordinary cruise experience with not-to-be-missed culinary, entertainment and luxury accommodations, including:

The Greatest Foodie Destination at Sea

Sun Princess serves up 30 inviting restaurant and bar venues with an unprecedented collection of celebrity collaborators, high-end ingredients and culinary experiences from:

Spellbound by Magic Castle : Blending the captivating world of magic with the art of culinary and mixology to create an extraordinary, innovative and immersive dining experience, steeped in magic and adventure.

Makoto Ocean : Reshaping traditional sushi with a creative approach, the Master of Edomae-style sushi, Chef Makoto Okuwa brings his 25 years of experience with a new concept crafting playful, exquisitely presented dishes paying tribute to Japanese traditions.

Love by Britto : A high-end boutique restaurant with the most romantic view from the ship celebrating love and art from world-renowned artist Romero Britto.

The Butcher’s Block by Dario : A new specialty pop-up restaurant from the world’s most famous butcher Dario Cecchini, guests enjoy perfectly prepared beef and steak, including Cecchini’s signature cuts.

The Catch by Rudi : An exceptional dinner concept from renowned Chef Rudi Sodamin showcasing delectable treasures from the sea.

Good Spirits at Sea with Rob Floyd : Destination-inspired, one-of-a-kind cocktail creations from celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd.

Debuting a three-story dining room with endless aft views, inaugural menus have been created in collaboration with the Culinary Institute of America. While retaining what guests love about Princess, the ship also features favorites like Crown Grill, Sabatini’s and Crooners with new design elements to impress.

Showstopping Entertainment in Technically Advanced Spaces

The Princess Arena is the most technologically advanced theater at sea, offering showstopping and original productions including performances in the round. At night, The Dome astonishes audiences with acrobatic Cirque Éloize performances while the Piazza dazzles with a retractable stage and immersive Champagne Waterfall.

Elevated & Welcoming Areas & Accommodations

Sun Princess also features the cruise line’s largest casino, two-story Lotus Spa, and an expanded retail environment with more than 200 premium brands. The retail space also includes several firsts a sea including an upscale showroom dedicated to luxury horology showcasing TAG Heuer and Breitling and more than 25 new brands available to cruise guests like Italian handbag brand, Pinko and athleisure favorites Beyond Yoga and Varley.

The first-ever family activity zone, Park19, offers multi-generational fun from the top deck. Within decks 19, 20 and 21, guests can experience everything from the Sea Breeze, a glider ride that offers panoramic views of the ocean and breathtaking ports of call to the Coastal Climb, an engaging climbing structure where guests can take in the gorgeous views.

With diverse accommodations to suit every preference and more than 1,500 cabins with balcony views, Sun Princess’ re-imagined staterooms include exceptional suites and new Cabana Mini-Suites with extra space for secluded outdoor relaxation.

Rooted in sustainability, Sun Princess is the first LNG (liquefied natural gas) vessel for the cruise line, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and features ingenious energy recovery systems for eco-conscious cruising.

Sun Princess cruises to the Mediterranean and the Caribbean are on sale now. More ship details can be found at www.princess.com/sunprincess .

Additional Sun Princess assets can be found here .

More information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com .

Media Contacts

Contact information for members of the media

Negin Kamali, +1 661-753-1539, [email protected]

Briana Latter, +1 661-753-1538, [email protected]

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Additional media information is available at princess.com/news

Not a member of the media?

More contact information is available on our Contact Us page

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Carnival Cruise Card Colors Guide (Tiers and Perks EXPLAINED
Carnival Cruise Card Colors Explained
Carnival VIFP points
Carnival Cruise Card Colors Guide (Tiers and Perks EXPLAINED
The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships and itineraries
Carnival Cruise Card Colors Explained

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Carnival Cruise Card Colors Guide (Tiers and Perks EXPLAINED!)
This color reflects your second Carnival cruise and beyond, up until you reach 25 VIFP Points. Gold: When you earn 25-74 VIFP Points, your Sail & Sign card will turn Gold in color, highlighting your growing Carnival experience and earned recognition. Platinum: By accumulating 75 or more VIFP Points, you'll receive a Platinum card, an ...
What You Get
Casino: $25 in FunPlay ® Redeemable for play on either Slots or Table games. . . $5 worth of complimentary arcade credits (guests under 18 only) . . VIFP logo gift on every sailing Redeemable at the Photo Gallery no later than two days before the end of the cruise. . .
VIFP Club
Cruises taken on Carnival Corporation's other own cruise lines will not earn VIFP Points and VIFP Club benefits will not be offered. Which Carnival Cruise Line cruises count towards my VIFP Points? VIFP Points will be earned for all qualifying Carnival Cruise Line cruises, starting with Carnival's first sailing on March 9, 1972. (Non-qualifying ...
Carnival Cruise Line VIFP Club loyalty program: The complete guide
Blue (your first sailing). Red (second sailing to 24 points). Gold (25 to 74 points). Platinum (75 to 199 points). Diamond (200 or more points). One of the nice little surprises of Carnival's loyalty program is that you hit the first tier level, Blue, the moment you walk on board your first cruise with the brand.
Carnival Cruise Card Colors Explained
When you first sail with Carnival you will join on the Blue tier, before progressing to the Red tier for your second. From there you will progress through Gold, Platinum, and eventually, Diamond, based on the number of nights you've cruised. Blue: First Cruise. Red: 2-24 VIFP Points. Gold: 25-74 VIFP Points.
Carnival Cruise Line's VIFP Club Loyalty Program [2024]
Carnival Cruise Lines VIP Club Tiers and Benefits. There are five different status levels within the club. Blue: Your first sailing. Red: Your second sailing to 24 points. Gold : 25 to 74 points. Platinum: 75 to 199 points. Diamond: 200 points or more. Your status level depends on the number of points you accumulate.
Carnival Cruise Card Colors: Unlock Your VIP Perks!
If you have a blue card, it means this is your maiden voyage with Carnival. Welcome aboard! Red Card: You've returned for more fun! This card is for guests who've sailed with Carnival 2-24 days. Gold Card: For the seasoned sailors among us. If you have a gold card, you've sailed between 25-74 days.
Carnival VIFP Club: How It Works, Benefits, and More
Blue (First Sailing): This status is earned on a person's first cruise.It's where everyone starts. Red (Second Sailing-24 Points): Earned from a second Carnival sailing through 24 points. Gold (25-74 Points): Gold membership is awarded to those with 25-74 points in the VIFP Club. Platinum (75-199 Points): The second-highest status, Platinum is awarded for 75-199 points.
Carnival VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Cruise Loyalty Program
3 min read. Carnival Cruise Line's Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club is a five-tier cruise line loyalty program available to all passengers. The program is structured on a point system, in ...
Everything You Need to Know About the Carnival VIFP Club
The color of your Sail & Sign card will reflect the tier that you're on. Here are the five VIFP levels and the benefits each provides: Blue - First Cruise. You'll be a Blue VIFP member on your first cruise. This tier includes members-only offers and a member e-newsletter via email. ... Even if your last Carnival cruise was a decade ago ...
Carnival's VIFP Loyalty Program and Benefits
A guide to Carnival Cruise Line's VIFP loyalty program, including the different tiers, perks, and answers to frequently asked questions. ... Note: Your Sail and Sign Card will reflect the color of ...
Carnival's VIFP Loyalty Club Changes (2024) › This Cruise Life
Mark March 22, 2024. On March 21, 2024, Carnival Brand ambassador John Heald once again teased big changes coming to Carnival's VIFP Loyalty Club. The loyalty club is Carnival's way of recognizing and rewarding each Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) that sails with the cruise line. It's been around in current state since 2012-2013 with few ...
Carnival Cruise Card Colors
Mostly on Carnival cruises this card is used as a payment method, as cash is not acceptable on Carnival fleet. For the convenience of the cruisers the Sail & Sign card is used as a primary payment gateway, a room key, and identification card. The Carnival Cruise card has different colors each one indicated the rank of a cruisers in VIFP.
Cruise Card Colors: Unveiling Carnival's Loyalty Program
By understanding the different levels and benefits of the program, you can unlock exclusive perks on your next Carnival cruise. Join me as we explore the world of Carnival's loyalty program and the colorful cards that represent it. Carnival Cruise Line has a loyalty program called VIFP with five levels: Blue, Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.
Carnival Cruise Loyalty Programs: Sailing Towards Rewards and Benefits
The Carnival Cruise Loyalty Program features several membership tiers, each with its own set of perks and rewards. As passengers continue to cruise with Carnival, they progress through these levels. Let's delve into each level: 1. Blue: All guests are automatically enrolled in the VIFP Club at the Blue level after their first Carnival cruise ...
Carnival Cruise VIFP Status loyalty program (2024)
Gold Members have between 25 and 74 points, while Platinum Members have between 75 and 199. The highest level, Diamond, is reserved for those loyal to Carnival who have earned 200 points. This is a pretty low threshold considering that some lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, require 700 points for their highest tier.
VIFP Club
Members of the VIFP Club earn one VIFP Point for every day they've been at sea (aka cruise day), so 1 VIFP Point= 1 Cruise Day. There are five levels in the VIFP Club: Blue Card: First time Carnival cruise. Red Card: 1 - 24 Cruise days / VIFP points. Gold Card: 25 - 74 Cruise days / VIFP points. Platinum Card: 75 - 199 Cruise days ...
Carnival Cruise Lines Carnival Players Club Funmatch Program
Invited Member is responsible for all TFPE (which range from $63.14 to $427.64 USD USD for Fun Match Program Deals), as well as any other charges or expenses including, without limitation, excursions, dining, airfare, etc. A non-refundable, non-commissionable deposit of $100 USD per guest is required at time of booking.
Carnival Players Club
The more points you earn, the more benefits you'll get — like free drinks while you play and private invitations to Carnival Premier Cruises and tournaments. To make sure you're making the most of your play, keep your Sail & Sign ® card inserted when playing slots, or present your card to the dealer when playing at a table. Once aboard ...
The Ultimate Guide to the Carnival VIFP Club
Red - You'll be bumped up to Red once you embark on your second cruise, and have 24 VIFP points or fewer. Gold - 25-74 VIFP Points. Platinum - 75-199 VIFP Points. Diamond - 200+ VIFP Points. The higher your tier, the more member benefits you'll unlock. Carnival is known for having the 'most fun ships at sea'.
VIFP Benefits
2 bags on 3 - 6 day cruises, 3 bags on 7-13 day cruises, 5 bags on a 14+ day cruises ... Itineraries featured on carnival.com.au may offer different benefits. Learn more at Carnival's VIFP Club Terms and Conditions page. †Priority Water Shuttle for VIFP Platinum & Diamond, Suites (FTTF once program is reinstated) is provided during the ...
How to Use Carnival Fun Match for Cheap Sailings
Start your match from Hyatt to MGM Rewards by logging into your World of Hyatt account. Then, go to Hyatt's MGM match page and click "opt in." When prompted, log into your MGM Rewards account to ...
Casino and Carnival Players Club
Carnival Players Club is a unique casino program that offers something for every level of player. From gaming lessons for beginners to establishing credit lines and betting limits for high rollers, this is a club for anyone who loves to play. All members are eligible to receive benefits and special offers. The Carnival Players Club sends out ...
Tiered Card Program
Eligible for Carnival Cruise once a year; Elite Level 15,000+ Points Elite Tier Level benefits include the following: 100 Points = $1 in Downloadable/Non-Cash Play ... However, you will need to visit a Players Club desk or kiosk to get a new card that reflects your current tier level and new expiration date. You will also need to do this when ...
Carnival Cruise Line forced to make beverage package change
Cheers offers unlimited water, soda, juice, and specialty coffee along with 15 alcoholic beverages for $59.95 per day on sailings of six days or more when purchased in advance. Shorter sailings ...
Carnival Cruise Line
Redeemable for purchases on Carnival Cruise Line. The Carnival gift card can be used on almost anything: towards the purchase of a Carnival cruise, activities/shore excursions, and redeemed onboard toward the Sail & Sign account for gifts, drinks, and fun. $100 value. Enables flexible spending.
Carnival Jubilee ship review: A complete cruise guide
When Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Jubilee debuted in December 2023, ... Three package tiers are available: Social (access to most social media and airline websites and apps for $18 per day or $126 for a weeklong cruise), Value (same as Social, plus access to financial and news websites and apps for $23 per day or $161 for a week) and Premium ...
Crying Myself to Sleep on the Biggest Cruise Ship Ever
This is the biggest cruise ship ever built, and I have been tasked with witnessing its inaugural voyage. ... I show my blue Suite Sky SeaPass Card (more on this later, much more) to a smiling ...
Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki: Carnival Cruise Line's Japanese
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE. As with land-based teppanyaki-style restaurants, the Bonsai Teppanyaki menu includes a choice of miso soup or salad, starters like teppanyaki white shrimp or pork belly yakitori, and a variety of protein options for your entree. ... While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains ...
Award-Winning Actress & Performer Hannah Waddingham ...
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., (April 8, 2024) - Award-winning actress and performer Hannah Waddingham will serve the time-honored, maritime tradition as the official Godmother of Princess Cruises' newest "Love Boat" Sun Princess.The star-studded naming ceremony will take place at the Port of Barcelona on April 23, 2024. Waddingham joins an esteemed group who have served as Godparent to Princess ...

Carnival Cruise Card Colors Guide (Tiers and Perks EXPLAINED!)

Carnival Cruise Card Color Basics

Understanding Different Colors

Card Color Tiers

Blue Tier – First-Time Cruisers

Red Tier – Second Cruise and Beyond

Gold Tier – 25 to 74 Days At Sea

Platinum Tier – 75 to 199 Days At Sea

Diamond Tier – 200 Days or More At Sea

Carnival Cruise Card Privileges

Exclusive Offers and Perks

Discounts and Priority Services

Onboard Benefits and Amenities

Do I Earn Points For Booked Cruises?

How To Find Your Carnival VIFP Number

Do I Get Special Fares For Being A Member?

What Kind Of Cruise Deals Will I Receive With The VIFP Program?

What If I Have A Past Cruise Without Points?

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Carnival Cruise Card Colors Explained

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What Does VIFP Stand For?

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Blue Level VIFP Benefits

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What A Red Card Means On A Carnival Cruise

Red Level VIFP Benefits

What A Gold Card Means On A Carnival Cruise

Gold Level VIFP Benefits

What A Platinum Card Means On A Carnival Cruise

What A Diamond Card Means On A Carnival Cruise

How To Sign Up For Carnival VIFP

Is VIFP Club free?

How To Check Your Carnival VIFP Status

How To Find Your Carnival VIFP Number

To Conclude

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Unlocking the Secrets of Carnival Cruise Card Colors: Your Passport to Exclusive Perks!

Carnival Cruise Card Colors Explained

What do the different colored Carnival cards mean?

What does VIFP stand for?

What A Blue Card Means On A Carnival Cruise

Blue Level VIFP Benefits

What A Red Card Means On A Carnival Cruise

Red Level VIFP Benefits

What A Gold Card Means On A Carnival Cruise

Gold Level VIFP Benefits

What A Platinum Card Means On A Carnival Cruise

What A Diamond Card Means On A Carnival Cruise

How To Sign Up For Carnival VIFP

Is VIFP Club free?

How To Check Your Carnival VIFP Status

How To Find Your Carnival VIFP Number

Final Thoughts

Annie Nelson

Carnival VIFP Club: How It Works, Benefits, and More

What Is the VIFP Club?

Why Should I Join the VIFP Club?

How Do I Sign Up for the VIFP Club?

How Do I Earn Points?

Do I Earn Points for Booked Cruises?

Do I Earn More Points for Spending More on a Room?

Do VIFP Club Points Expire or Does the Status Level Drop?

What Status Levels Are There in the Carnival VIFP Club?

What Are the VIFP Club Benefits?

Do I Get Special Fares for Being a Member?

What If I Reach a New Status During a Cruise?

What If I Have a Past Cruise Without Points?

Is Carnival’s VIFP Club Worth Joining?

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