Carnival Rewards cuts free laundry for
Carnival Cruise Line's new Carnival Rewards program, starting September 1, 2026, significantly reduces complimentary laundry bags for Diamond and Platinum
Carnival Cruise Line's new Carnival Rewards program begins on September 1, 2026. One of the most popular perks for Platinum and Diamond level guests, complimentary laundry service, is being significantly reduced under the new system, according to brand ambassador John Heald.
Heald made a clarification in a Facebook post on Friday, August 28, responding to reports that the benefit was disappearing entirely. "I would like to respectfully correct one of the big cruise influenzers and let you know that from September 1st when Carnival Rewards starts that Diamond and Platinum guests will indeed still have laundry perks and that they have not, as said by Mr Influenzer, 'been canceled,'" he explained.
While the perk remains, the amount of free laundry is being cut. The overall number of complimentary laundry bags will depend on sailing length.
New Laundry Allowances
The source, Cruise Hive, reports the new allowances under Carnival Rewards. For sailings from 3-6 days, Platinum guests will get one free bag, while Diamond guests will get two free bags. On cruises of 7-13 days, Platinum guests receive two bags and Diamond guests receive three. For longer sailings of 14 days or more, Platinum guests get four complimentary bags, and Diamond guests get five.
This represents a dramatic reduction from the outgoing "Very Important Fun Person" (VIFP) loyalty program, which ends after August 31, 2026. Under VIFP, Platinum guests received 2, 3, and 5 bags on cruises of 2-6, 7-13, and 14+ days, respectively. That old Platinum allowance is now the new Diamond allowance. Diamond guests under VIFP previously received unlimited complimentary wash-and-fold laundry service regardless of cruise length, a benefit that is now ending.
| Cruise Length | Platinum Guests (New) | Diamond Guests (New) | Platinum Guests (Old VIFP) | Diamond Guests (Old VIFP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-6 days | 1 bag | 2 bags | 2 bags | Unlimited |
| 7-13 days | 2 bags | 3 bags | 3 bags | Unlimited |
| 14+ days | 4 bags | 5 bags | 5 bags | Unlimited |
Opt-In Deadline Reminder
Heald also reminds guests they must opt in to the new program. The deadline is Monday, August 31, 2026. An "OPT IN NOW" button is located on the upper right corner of the rewards program's official website. Guests can also check if they've already successfully opted in.
A notice has been posted on Carnival Cruise Line's website for several months. "You must enroll and accept the Terms & Conditions to participate in the new Carnival Rewards™ program launching September 1, 2026, to ensure your status and benefits transition from the VIFP Club® program. You're just two clicks away!" the notice reads.
The cruise line has taken other steps to encourage enrollment. VIFP guests have been sent emails, and Heald has issued numerous reminders. Heald and Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy even released a video discussing the new program. Duffy explained why automatic enrollment isn't possible. "It is a brand new program," Duffy said. "It has new terms and conditions, and guests should review and accept them. Privacy rules prevent us from automatically enrolling guests, even our longtime cruisers."
The Carnival Rewards program was initially supposed to begin on June 1, 2026. Cruise Hive reported in November 2025 that the changeover was delayed to September 1, 2026. At that time, there was not yet any notice that guests had to individually enroll.
