**Cruise Loyalty Wars Heat Up: Royal Caribbean Passengers Sound Off as Carnival Unveils Major Loyalty Program Shakeup, Sparking Reactions Ranging from Outrage to Excitement Across the Cruise Community**
In a bold and unexpected move, Carnival Cruise Line has announced sweeping changes to its long-standing loyalty program — and the ripple effects are already being felt across the cruise industry. As Carnival loyalists digest the news, Royal Caribbean passengers are watching closely — and some are reacting with a mix of curiosity, skepticism, and even envy.
The shakeup includes new tier thresholds, updated reward structures, and the introduction of exclusive perks for high-tier members, such as faster embarkation, priority excursion access, and upgraded onboard experiences. While Carnival touts the changes as “a fresh chapter for loyal guests,” not everyone is thrilled.
“I’ve been cruising with Carnival for over a decade, and now I feel like I’m being pushed to spend more just to keep my status,” said longtime Carnival cruiser Rebecca Linley. “Royal Caribbean suddenly looks a lot more appealing.”
Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean’s loyal guests — many of whom are already enrolled in that line’s Crown & Anchor Society — are weighing the pros and cons. Some see Carnival’s changes as a challenge that could prompt Royal Caribbean to enhance its own program.
“It’s a loyalty war now,” joked Steven Mendez, a Diamond Plus member with Royal Caribbean. “Let’s see who really values repeat cruisers.”
Cruise forums and Facebook groups are buzzing with speculation about how this will reshape customer retention in a fiercely competitive industry still rebounding from pandemic-era setbacks.
Experts believe Carnival’s move may lead to a domino effect among other cruise lines. “This could be the start of a loyalty program evolution,” says cruise analyst Laura Denton. “Lines will need to balance rewarding their most dedicated customers with attracting new ones.”
One thing is clear: the loyalty seas are shifting — and cruisers are paying
close attention.
