Even before Carnival announced plans for a complete overhaul of its loyalty program to take effect later this year, it was criticized for having one of the weakest big-ship cruise line programs.
Unlike rival Royal Caribbean, Carnival's loyalty program (currently called the VIFP Club and soon to be renamed Carnival Rewards) has never offered its members a free cruise or similar high-value perks after they reach the top tier. There have never been lucrative discounts of up to 20% on some sailings for members, as Windstar Cruises offers as part of its loyalty program.
But the overhaul, now scheduled to take effect Sept. 1, has taken criticism of the line's loyalty program to a new level, with large numbers of Carnival's most loyal fans revolting at the changes in forums across the internet.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on The Points Guy Articles.
