Carnival is for people who want their vacation to feel fun, casual, and busy.
TRAVELER FIT
Is Carnival Cruise Line right for you?
Solo travelers
7/10
Social and affordable, but not designed around solo cabins.
PROEasygoing atmosphere, active nightlife, and frequent short sailings make meeting people relatively easy.
CONSingle supplements and limited purpose-built solo inventory can erase the value advantage.
Families
9/10
One of the strongest value-oriented family choices.
PROKids clubs, waterslides, casual food, and broad U.S. homeport coverage work for multigenerational groups.
CONCrowded pool decks and a party-heavy mood on short cruises will not suit every family.
Couples
7/10
Fun for couples who prefer energy over serenity.
PROComedy, nightlife, adult retreats, and low-friction dining create an easy shared vacation.
CONThe busiest ships and short sailings can feel loud rather than romantic.
THE COMPANY
About Carnival Cruise Line
OWNED BYCarnival Corporation
KNOWN FORShort and weeklong Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico cruises, plus Alaska, Hawaii, and selected longer voyages.
Brand and ownership
Carnival is the flagship line of Carnival Corporation
Its sister brands are AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn
What it feels like onboard
Poolside music, deck parties, comedy, and late-night bars keep the ship lively
Kids clubs and waterslides make it an easy family choice
Excel-class ships feel like big resorts
Older ships are smaller and simpler
Fares and inclusions
The fare covers your cabin, main dining, buffet, casual favorites, shows, pools, and kids clubs
Drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, specialty dining, excursions, spa visits, and casino play cost extra
Where the line sails
Carnival sails mainly to the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Mexico from ports across the United States
You can also find Alaska, Hawaii, and longer Carnival Journeys sailings
CRUISE LOYALTY
Carnival Rewards
Carnival Rewards gives you Rewards Points to spend and Stars that determine your status.
How you earn
Eligible cruise fare, pre-cruise purchases, and onboard purchases earn 3 Rewards Points and 3 Status Qualifying Stars for every $1 spent.
Rewards Points can be used for Carnival favorites such as drinks, spa visits, excursions, and future cruises. They stay active as long as you have eligible points activity at least once every three years.
Stars determine your status and are counted during a two-year qualifying window. Once earned, that status lasts through the rest of that window and the following two-year enjoyment window.
The Carnival Rewards Mastercard adds card earnings: 3 points per $1 on Carnival purchases, 2 points at eligible restaurants and grocery stores, and 1 point on other purchases. Everyday card spending also earns 1 Star per $1.
Status levels and benefits
Red
Upon signup
Earn and redeem points
Member-only offers
One complimentary 1.5-liter bottle of water
Gold
10,000 Stars
Earn and redeem points, member-only offers, and Gold member support
One complimentary 1.5-liter bottle of water
One complimentary beverage on cruises of five days or longer
Platinum
50,000 Stars
Member-only offers and Platinum member support
A collectible pin, one 1.5-liter bottle of water, and two complimentary beverages
Complimentary Wash & Fold, with the number of bags based on cruise length
Preferred specialty and main dining times
Online check-in at 16 days, plus embarkation, onboard, and debarkation priority
Diamond
100,000 Stars
Dedicated Diamond sales and service support
A collectible pin, one 1.5-liter bottle of water, two complimentary beverages, and Wash & Fold
Preferred specialty dining and guaranteed main dining time
Online check-in at 16 days, embarkation, onboard, and debarkation priority, plus retail concierge service
An invitation to a special event from the captain
Previous VIFP programBefore September 1, 2026, Carnival used VIFP, with status based on sailing days: Gold at 25, Platinum at 75, and Diamond at 200. Existing status is protected through December 31, 2028, and members who reached Diamond under VIFP keep it for life.
CASINO REWARDS
Carnival Players Club
Use your Sail & Sign card at slots and show it to the dealer at tables so every session is tracked.
Slots earn 1 Casino Point for every $2 coin-in; video poker earns 1 point for every $5 coin-in.
Table points depend on the game, average bet, and how long you play.
Each Casino Point also earns 1 Carnival Rewards Point and 1 Status Qualifying Star.
How recognition works
Personalized recognition
Information not published.
Discounted or complimentary rooms may be offered, though taxes, fees, port expenses, and a deposit can still apply
Drinks On Us may be offered while you play in the casino
Invitations can include Premier, Ultra, Elite, Treasure Chest, Limited Edition, and adults-only SEA cruises
Tournament invitations and other casino events may also appear in your offers