**Carnival Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean: Which Loyalty Program Is Best?**
When choosing between Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, one important factor to consider is their respective loyalty programs. Both cruise giants reward returning guests, but each program has unique perks that may appeal differently depending on your travel style.
**Carnival Cruise Line’s VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club** starts rewarding guests from their very first sailing. With five levels—Blue, Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond—the program offers increasing benefits like priority boarding, complimentary beverages, and exclusive gifts. Notably, Carnival counts days sailed rather than points, making it relatively easier to climb tiers if you take longer cruises. For example, after 75 days, you reach Platinum status, where perks like priority embarkation and special events kick in.
**Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society** is point-based, awarding one point per night and double points for suite guests. The tiers—Gold, Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle—unlock valuable perks like priority check-in, nightly drink vouchers, private lounge access, and even internet discounts. Royal Caribbean’s program tends to favor guests who cruise frequently or choose suite accommodations, as double points can accelerate tier advancement significantly.
So, **which program is better?** If you’re a casual cruiser who values straightforward benefits and easier tier progression, Carnival’s VIFP Club might be more appealing. However, if you’re a frequent traveler or prefer suites, Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society offers more luxurious perks and long-term value.
In summary, Carnival offers simplicity and early rewards, while Royal Caribbean rewards loyalty with more upscale amenities and deeper tier benefits. Your best choice depends on how often you cruise, the type of cabin you book, and which perks matter most to you—fun and fast perks with Carnival, or more elite, experience-rich rewards with Royal
Caribbean.
