Carnival dropped a bombshell: the VIFP Club loyalty program is ending in 2026, and it’s being replaced with something called “Carnival Rewards.” In this video I break down what that actually means for everyday cruisers who’ve been loyal for years—because this change isn’t just a new name. The way you earn and keep status is shifting, and the big headline is that it can cost you a lot more money to hold onto the perks you’re used to. I talk through why this feels like Carnival is basically taking money straight out of loyal cruisers’ pockets, especially if you’ve been cruising often to build VIFP the traditional way. I also share how I’d think about your next bookings between now and 2026, what questions I’d be asking before I chase status, and why you need to pay attention to the fine print as Carnival rolls out more details. If you’re a Carnival regular—or you’re trying to decide between Carnival and other lines—this is one of those updates that should absolutely factor into your cruise planning.