Is Carnival Platinum Status Really Worth It? Here’s What You Get

With so many cruise lines competing for your loyalty, it’s no surprise that most offer rewards programs to keep you coming back. Carnival Cruise Line’s version is called the VIFP Club, short for Very Important Fun Person, and it’s their way of thanking guests who cruise again and again.

The VIFP program has five tiers: Blue, Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. While some early perks are fairly modest, Platinum is often considered the level where the benefits start to feel genuinely valuable. Whether you’re already sailing with Carnival or debating if it’s worth sticking with them for future cruises, Platinum status is where things get interesting.

Important note: changes to the VIFP program are on the horizon, with a new structure launching in June next year…

VIFP vs Carnival Rewards

In June 2025, Carnival Cruise Line announced it would be phasing out the VIFP Club in favour of a brand-new loyalty program called Carnival Rewards. And this isn’t just a name change – it’s a full overhaul of how the programme works.

The new system changes how points are earned, how long your status lasts, and what kind of perks you can expect. It’s sparked a fair bit of backlash from loyal cruisers, many of whom feel the new scheme isn’t as generous.

Carnival Rewards doesn’t launch until 1st June 2026, so everything in this guide still applies to the current VIFP programme. However, I’ll point out the key changes coming with Carnival Rewards so you can decide whether to aim for Platinum now or wait to see how things shake out.

You can read more here: Carnival Changing Loyalty Status from Nights at Sea to Amount Spent on Cruises and Credit Card

How to Reach Platinum Status

Getting to Platinum in the VIFP Club isn’t as far off as it might sound. You’ll need 75 cruise nights with Carnival to unlock this level, and you earn one point for every night spent on board.

Since most Carnival cruises last between 3 and 7 nights, you’re looking at around 10–11 cruises to hit that magic number. If you cruise once or twice a year, you could be basking in Platinum perks within five or six years.

When Carnival Rewards launches, reaching Platinum status will no longer depend on how many nights you’ve sailed. Instead, it’s all about how much you spend. To qualify, you’ll need to earn 50,000 Status Qualifying Stars, which works out to $16,667 in eligible purchases over a two-year period. That includes things like your cruise fare, drinks, excursions, and other onboard spending.

If you already hold Platinum status under the current VIFP programme when the new system begins on 1st June 2026, you’ll keep your status until 31st May 2028. After that, your status for the following two years (June 2028 to May 2030) will depend on your total spend during that initial two-year window.

Priority Perks

One of the biggest perks of Platinum status? Feeling like a VIP without paying extra for it. From the moment you arrive at the port to the day you disembark, you’ll get to enjoy smoother, faster service.

• Priority Check-In & Boarding
  No more long waits in port—Platinum guests get early access to book their Arrival Appointment, meaning you can secure one of the first boarding times. While it doesn’t guarantee you’ll be first on the ship, it definitely gets you ahead of the crowds.
• Priority Debarkation
  Leaving the ship is never the fun part, but at least you can get off quickly. This perk helps you beat the rush and avoid long lines, especially handy if you’ve got a flight or just want to get going.
• Priority Access to Guest Services
  Whether it’s sorting out a billing issue or asking about onboard activities, you’ll have your own priority queue and phone line. Less time waiting, more time enjoying your cruise.
• Priority Reservations
  Spa treatments and speciality dining are popular, but Platinum guests get first dibs on booking the best times. Want that massage before dinner or a table at the steakhouse on formal night? You’ll have the edge.

Shore & Ship Time Enhancers

Platinum perks aren’t just about cutting queues—they also help you make the most of your time, both on board and ashore.

• Priority Water Shuttle Boarding
  On ports where tender boats (aka water shuttles) are needed, Platinum guests get priority when heading to shore. You’ll be off the ship faster, giving you more time to explore—just note this only applies on the way there, not back.
• Free Arcade Credit for Under 18s
  Got a young gamer in the family? If they’ve somehow already reached Platinum status (lucky them), they’ll get $5 of free arcade credit to enjoy during the cruise. It’s a small touch, but one that keeps kids happy and that’s always a win.

Exclusive Events and Freebies

Being Platinum comes with some fun extras that add a splash of indulgence to your cruise, whether it’s mingling with fellow cruisers or enjoying a cheeky cocktail.

• Platinum & Diamond VIFP Party
  On cruises five nights or longer, you’re invited to an exclusive party with other loyal cruisers. Expect free drinks, lively chats, and a chance to feel like part of the Carnival inner circle.
• Complimentary Drink
  Every Platinum guest gets a free cocktail of their choice during the cruise. It used to be limited to SeaDay brunch, but now you can enjoy it anytime.
• Complimentary Bottled Water
  Staying hydrated at sea doesn’t have to cost extra. As a Platinum guest, you’ll get a free 1.5-litre bottle of water, redeemable at any bar, restaurant, or via room service.
• Chocolate Delight Delivery
  Fancy a sweet treat? Platinum guests can request Carnival’s indulgent “Chocolate Delight” to be delivered to their cabin, free of charge. Think chocolate-dipped strawberries, red velvet macaroons, and ganache truffles.

Freebies & Keepsakes

Loyalty should come with a few mementoes, and Carnival delivers with fun souvenirs you can actually take home.

• Carnival Logo Gift
  Each cruise, Platinum guests receive a surprise gift featuring the Carnival logo—think practical items like travel organisers, pens, or night lights. The gifts change regularly, so unless you cruise constantly, it’s unlikely you’ll get the same thing twice.
• Collectible Pin
  You’ll also receive a unique pin specific to your sailing, perfect for collectors or anyone who loves a little reminder of their trip. Just be sure to collect it at the Photo Gallery before the last two days of your cruise, or you might miss out.

Laundry Perks

One of the most practical Platinum perks is complimentary laundry, a serious win if you’re cruising for more than a few days.

Platinum guests can use Carnival’s Wash & Fold service for free, with the allowance based on cruise length:

• 3–6 days: 2 bags
• 7–12 days: 3 bags
• 13+ days: 5 bags

That’s a lot of clean clothes without lifting a finger (or paying extra). And if you eventually make it to Diamond status? You’ll unlock unlimited free laundry. Game changer.

Final Thoughts: Is Platinum Worth It?

Loyalty perks are never meant to make or break a cruise; they’re small extras that add a bit of sparkle to your holiday. That said, Carnival’s Platinum VIFP status stands out as one of the better mid-tier rewards programmes when you consider the perks you receive compared to the number of nights required to earn it.

While the benefits won’t completely transform your cruise, they do make you feel like a ‘Very Important Fun Person’. And when combined with the perks that come from booking a suite, you can really elevate your onboard experience. It’s no surprise that many long-time cruisers are frustrated by the upcoming changes to the programme, especially those who’ve spent years reaching Platinum. Under the new system, maintaining that status will depend on how much you spend – not how often you sail.

If you’ve got questions about Carnival’s loyalty programme, it’s worth reaching out to Carnival’s brand ambassador, John Heald. He’s known for being helpful and responsive, though it’s fair to say he’s been overwhelmed with feedback about the upcoming changes, so responses may be slower than usual.

One final tip: once you reach Platinum with Carnival, you can status match to Gold with MSC Cruises through their Status Match programme, and you don’t have to wait until Carnival Rewards launches to do it.

Recommended reading: Why Loyal Carnival Fans Are Jumping Ship to MSC, And How You Can Too

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