Carnival Cruise Line’s Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program has been popular among its frequent cruisers for years. However, the cruise line has been considering making changes to the program to make it more spend-based, rather than night-based. In this blog, we’ll discuss the current VIFP program, the proposed changes, and what it could mean for Carnival’s loyal cruisers.
Current VIFP Program
The current VIFP program has four levels of membership – Blue, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. These levels are based on the number of nights sailed with Carnival, with higher levels being achieved after earning a certain number of points. The most common way to earn points is by sailing with the cruise line, 1 point per night. There are ways to earn more points per night with some of the more exclusive suites being worth 2 points per night spent in them. The tiers and their thresholds are below:
Each level of membership comes with its own set of benefits and are also able to redeem their points for services and amenities onboard. An example of some of the benefits:
The program offers minimal value to those in the Gold or less tiers, with the high-value benefits coming in at the Platinum level.
Proposed Changes
Carnival has been considering changing the VIFP program to a spend-based system, rather than one based on the number of nights sailed. Under this new system, members would earn points based on the amount of money spent on their cruise. This has been hinted at by a brand ambassador who recently acknowledged the possibility of changes to the loyalty currency earn.
While Carnival has not released details on exactly how the new program would work, it is likely to target higher-spending members who would be able to achieve higher levels of membership and earn more benefits. This system is similar to other loyalty programs in the travel industry, such as airline frequent flyer programs, which are often spend-based.
What it Means for Loyal Cruisers
The proposed changes to the VIFP program could have a significant impact on Carnival’s loyal cruisers. Those who frequently sail on shorter cruises could potentially reach higher levels of membership and benefits than those who sail on longer cruises but spend less money overall. This could be a positive change for those who enjoy taking shorter, more frequent cruises.
However, those who have previously achieved higher levels of membership based on the number of nights sailed may feel that their loyalty to the cruise line is being devalued. Additionally, those who have previously used credit card rewards or other methods to earn free or discounted nights may find it more difficult to achieve higher levels of membership under a spend-based system.
Overall, it remains to be seen how Carnival’s proposed changes to the VIFP program will be received by its loyal cruisers. While a spend-based system could benefit those who frequently sail on shorter cruises, it may be less appealing to those who have achieved higher levels of membership based on the number of nights sailed. Regardless, Carnival will likely continue to offer a loyalty program that rewards its frequent cruisers and encourages them to keep coming back for more fun on the high seas.
