Shortly earlier than Carnival Cruise Line made a problematic announcement that its present loyalty program might be changed with a brand new spending-based Carnival Rewards program, the cruise line confronted one other concern with certainly one of its perks for loyal passengers.
With the cruise line’s present VIFP (Very Necessary Enjoyable Individual) Membership loyalty program, passengers can earn onboard rewards only for spending time cruising on Carnival ships.
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Whereas the brand new Carnival Rewards loyalty program will permit passengers to earn factors and standing by way of spending when it launches in June 2026, the present VIFP Membership rewards passengers based mostly on the variety of nights they spend at sea.
And with the present reward system nonetheless in place for almost one other yr, passengers are nonetheless eligible to obtain all their present VIFP Membership advantages after they sail with the cruise line now till June 1, 2026 when the brand new Carnival Rewards program takes impact.
That implies that together with taking in passenger suggestions in regards to the new Carnival Rewards program, the cruise line additionally wanted to handle a problem that not too long ago arose with an onboard reward that the majority returning Carnival cruisers are at the moment entitled to redeem throughout their sailings.
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Carnival Cruise Line model ambassador takes on VIFP drawback
As Carnival Cruise Line Model Ambassador John Heald responded to questions and considerations raised on his common Fb web page not too long ago, he uncovered an onboard drawback that left some VIFPs annoyed and confused about certainly one of their advantages.
Because of his consideration to passenger suggestions, Heald found that there was a scarcity of consistency throughout the fleet when it got here to the method for the way to redeem an onboard reward that the majority repeat passengers are entitled to obtain — a complimentary 1.5-liter bottle of water.
Though the cruise line used to supply these complimentary bottles of water in staterooms for his or her VIFPs, Carnival up to date its course of, requiring passengers to choose up their bottle of water from an onboard bar.
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Nevertheless, the Carnival Cruise Line web site confusingly states that the VIFP bottle of water profit is “redeemable at any bar, restaurant or stateroom.” And as Heald investigated the scenario, he discovered that not all ships within the fleet have been dealing with the profit redemption in the identical means.
On his Fb web page, Heald promised passengers that he and his crew would rapidly type out the method internally and talk a decision to passengers. On June 23, Heald delivered on his promise, offering new path for VIFPs on the way to redeem their complimentary bottle of water.
“In case you are entitled to a complimentary bottle of water, you might take that from the cabin,” Heald shared in his June twenty third three-minute video replace for his followers. “Once more, you might take it from the cabin. You wouldn’t have to go to a bar to get that, however all the pieces else will stay unchanged.”
Carnival passengers can nonetheless redeem VIFP advantages till June 1, 2026
Within the video, Heald additionally took a second to acknowledge the various questions and feedback he’s obtained within the wake of the announcement in regards to the new Carnival Rewards program.
Heald emphasised that past ironing out a greater, extra constant course of for redemption of the VIFP bottle of water perk, Carnival has modified nothing in regards to the present VIFP Membership program but. The brand new Carnival Rewards program doesn’t take impact till June 1, 2026 and till that date, Carnival passengers can proceed to take pleasure in all their VIFP advantages.
“Between now and June the first, should you’re entitled to a present, or your pin, or the Platinum and Diamond Get together, the Diamond Lunch — all of that’s unchanged,” the model ambassador burdened.
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Heald additionally famous that as passengers proceed to put in writing to him with suggestions in regards to the new Carnival Rewards loyalty program, he’s passing the feedback on to Carnival executives by way of his detailed weekly reviews. However though he’s gathering suggestions, he doesn’t intend to make additional statements in regards to the new loyalty program.
“I am unable to actually remark, I do not need to remark. I’ve mentioned all the pieces else that must be mentioned. I am in your facet, I am right here to go in your feedback. And thanks to all people who’s taken the time to put in writing to me in such a respectful and type means,” he added.
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Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me’s Journey Agent Accomplice, Postcard Journey, or e-mail Amy Submit at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or name or textual content her at 386-383-2472.
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