Carnival Cruise Line launched Carnival Rewards today, said to be a first-of-its-kind loyalty program in the cruise industry with guests earning points and stars from Carnival cruise purchases and everyday shopping that can be redeemed for cruises and related services.

Carnival said it will give guests more ways to earn rewards, achieve status and be recognized in ways that matter most to them.

The program marks the next evolution in loyalty, designed for every guest, from first-time cruisers to repeaters, according to Carnival.

“Cruise loyalty has traditionally been built around how often guests sail, and Carnival Rewards is designed to go beyond that,” said Christine Duffy, president, in a prepared statement. “The new program recognizes the many ways our guests engage with Carnival, and with both rewards and status, we’re giving guests more flexibility and more value to enjoy the experiences that matter most to them.”

The new program introduces both Carnival Rewards Points, which can be earned and redeemed for Carnival cruises and eligible onboard experiences, and Status Qualifying Stars, which unlock status and additional benefits. The program also introduces the Milestone Recognition Program, which celebrates guests as they reach key sailing achievements based on the number of days sailed.

Carnival Rewards Mastercard cardholders can accelerate their status and earn even more points through everyday spending.

Explained Sid Krishna, vice president of loyalty: “We have built the program around four pillars. First is the reward points people earn on every eligible Carnival purchase, whether it be a cruise, spa treatments, shore excursions or even playing in the casino. And those points can be redeemed on the very next sailing.

“Second is the status qualifying stars. These are not redeemable points, but stars based on the dollars spent on eligible purchases, giving people a status onboard within a four-year window.

“The third element adds outside value with co-branded partnerships, so guests can earn points and stars for their everyday spend (Carnival Mastercard).

“Last, but not least is Milestones, recognizing, rewarding and celebrating loyalty. So, every day sailed with Carnival counts, starting with 50 days and every 100 days after that, making sure that those guests are recognized.”

Guests earn three points for every dollar spent on eligible Carnival purchases, including gratuities, and three stars for every dollar spent. They can also earn one point for every casino point remaining at the end of a sailing and one star for every casino point earned.

Stars provide four status levels: red upon enrollment, gold upon earning 10,000 stars, platinum for 50,000 stars and diamond for 100,000 stars.

Additional points and stars can be earned for eligible purchases with the Rewards Mastercard, including bonus points for new cardholders and annual bonus points for existing cardholders based on purchases.

With the new Carnival Rewards Mastercard, existing cardholders will automatically transition to the new card, and point funds will transfer as well.