Carnival Cruise Line seems to be doubling down on its new Carnival Rewards program, regardless of a barrage of damaging suggestions regarding the upcoming change.
In a put up on his Facebook web page, Carnival’s model ambassador John Heald shared an official assertion from the road’s executives, saying “Here then is a message from the Beards which I hope you will all take the time to read, share and take to heart.”
The assertion started, “Since saying the brand new Carnival Rewards program, now we have heard from a lot of you. We made the choice to share our plans properly upfront of the launch to offer everybody loads of time to know the advantages of the brand new program which can present extra flexibility and methods so that you can earn higher rewards and recognition once you sail with us.
“Please know we are reading your comments and taking in your feedback. To be clear, no changes will be implemented until June 1, 2026, nearly 12 months from now. We will be answering all your questions well in advance of the program launch. We are committed to making sure each and every guest – no matter their status – feels welcome and has a fun and memorable vacation. Our terrific onboard team has kept you coming back again and again, and that won’t change.”
(Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
It then addressed some confusion and considerations that many Carnival followers have introduced up because the preliminary announcement final week. For instance, many individuals have expressed confusion about whether or not or not the brand new Carnival Rewards Mastercard bank card is required to attain standing. Thankfully, that’s not true. “The new co-branded Carnival Rewards Mastercard is not required to achieve status,” the assertion famous. “It is simply an option for those guests who want additional opportunities to earn status and points that can be used to purchase a cruise and offset onboard spend. Remember, with the new co-branded card you can earn points and status through everyday spending.”
The assertion additionally addresses how friends can redeem their loyalty advantages. “The new Carnival Rewards program is designed to give people more flexibility for redeeming loyalty benefits, allowing guests to choose the specific benefits they want to redeem at the time that works for them. Benefits can be redeemed pre-cruise, onboard, or both. Today’s program structure does not allow this.”
Carnival Cruise Line’s executives additionally reiterated that the present program may be very top-heavy, making it tough to correctly acknowledge and reward these within the highest tiers. However, many loyal Carnival friends don’t suppose that this new construction will correctly acknowledge loyalty both; as an alternative solely rewarding friends primarily based on spend and never their repeated cruising with Carnival over different cruise traces. Many are suggesting including a brand new highest tier, simply adjusting what’s included in every tier, or a mix of each.
“I had already started exploring other cruise lines,” a reader named Shawn mentioned. “While I’m a Platinum member and still plan to sail with Carnival, losing that status will make it easier to consider other options.”
Across the board, loyal Carnival cruisers will not be pleased with the upcoming Carnival Rewards program. What are your ideas? Do you suppose that some model of the brand new program might work properly, or do you suppose Carnival ought to simply regulate its present VIFP program? Let us know!
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