Carnival Platinum status is a loyalty level reached by earning 50,000 stars. Stars add up through spending on cruise fares, onboard purchases, and casino play. Once you reach this milestone, you’ll unlock a variety of perks designed to enhance your cruise experience, from faster check-ins to exclusive onboard treats.
However, while Platinum comes with some fantastic perks, it’s not all smooth sailing. Some benefits may not be as impressive as they sound, and there are a few areas where Platinum guests have found themselves disappointed.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 fantastic Platinum benefits that can improve your cruise — plus 5 surprising letdowns you should know about before setting your expectations too high.
10 Carnival Platinum Benefits You Can’t Miss
Ready to see what makes Carnival Platinum status worth it? Here are the top benefits you can look forward to on your next cruise:
Travel Light with Free Laundry Perks
Carnival Platinum guests enjoy a valuable perk—complimentary Wash & Fold laundry service. This lets you pack lighter, knowing you can refresh your wardrobe mid-cruise without any extra cost.
The service covers one to four bags per cruise, depending on how long you’re sailing. Many loyal cruisers love this perk because it’s convenient, helps keep luggage organized, and saves time compared to using the ship’s self-service laundry.
While this free laundry service is a great bonus, there are a few limitations to keep in mind. Formalwear, delicate items like silk or cashmere, and garments marked dry-clean-only aren’t included. Shoes, hats, and accessories also can’t be washed using this service.
Skip the Wait with Priority Check-in and Boarding
Platinum members enjoy early online check-in up to 16 days before sailing, giving them a head start on securing boarding times. At the terminal, they’ll find priority lines for check-in and security (where available), along with access to the Captain’s Lounge in select ports.
Boarding and checked luggage delivery are also prioritized, which makes embarkation much smoother and faster. Once on board, Platinum guests can drop off their carry-on bags in their stateroom early, so they can start exploring without having to haul luggage around.
Get Off the Ship First with Priority Debarkation
Carnival’s Priority Debarkation makes the end of your cruise easier and faster. Toward the end of the voyage, Priority guests receive special luggage tags and a letter outlining their exclusive debarkation options. This allows them to be among the first groups off the ship, which can be especially useful for those with early flights or tight travel plans.
Drink on the House: Two Complimentary Beverages
As a Platinum member, you’ll receive two complimentary beverages per cruise, which can be enjoyed at any onboard bar, restaurant, or lounge. Whether it’s a morning specialty coffee, an afternoon soda, or an evening cocktail, you have the flexibility to choose when and where to use them.
While two free drinks are a nice bonus, the perk feels modest compared to what some other cruise lines provide.
Dine First: Priority Access to Dining Reservations
Platinum members enjoy priority access when booking dining reservations at the Main Dining Room and specialty restaurants. This perk gives you a better chance of securing your preferred dining time, especially for popular venues or peak dining hours.
Carnival makes every effort to accommodate your preferred dining times, but specific slots can’t always be guaranteed. It’s still a good idea to secure your reservations early — either during the online check-in process or as soon as you board the ship.
While this is a valuable perk, some cruise lines provide more enticing dining benefits — read on to see how they compare.
Fast-Track Your Questions with Priority Guest Services
The Priority Line at the onboard Guest Services desk lets you skip the regular line, giving you quicker access to assistance whenever you need it. Whether you have questions, special requests, or need to sort out any issues during your cruise, this perk makes it faster and easier. It might not sound like much, but avoiding long waits can make a huge difference during a busy cruise.
Beat the Crowd with Priority Tender Boarding
With Priority Water Shuttle Boarding, you’ll be among the first to board tender boats when your ship anchors offshore. This perk is especially helpful at tender ports like Grand Cayman, Belize City, and Half Moon Cay, where ships can’t pull up to a pier. Skipping the regular lines means you’ll spend less time waiting and more time exploring these beautiful destinations.
Exclusive Deals Just for You: Members-only Offers
One of the perks of being a Platinum member with Carnival is access to exclusive deals that aren’t available to everyone else. These members-only offers can include discounted cruise fares, reduced deposits, and even onboard credits for select sailings.
Some cruisers have noticed that these perks aren’t always consistent — and at times, they seem less rewarding than what first-time guests or casino players receive. Be sure to check out the surprising letdowns section to learn more about this inconsistency.
Spa Day Sorted: Book Your Appointments First
The Priority Spa Reservations perk lets you secure spa appointments before they fill up. Whether you’re looking forward to a relaxing massage, rejuvenating facial, or other popular treatments, this benefit ensures you get your preferred time slots. This can be especially valuable on sea days when the spa is busiest or if you’re planning treatments before dinner or special events.
Stay Hydrated with a Complimentary Bottle of Water
As a Platinum member, you’ll find a free 1.5-liter (51 oz) bottle of water waiting in your stateroom. While it’s a thoughtful touch, it’s not exactly a standout perk since tap water is available for free throughout the ship. However, if you prefer bottled water or want something convenient to take with you on shore excursions, this little extra can still come in handy.
6 Carnival Platinum Letdowns No One Warns You About
While Platinum status comes with some great perks, there are a few surprises that might leave you disappointed. Here are 5 Carnival Platinum letdowns you probably didn’t see coming:
Limited Drink Benefits Compared to Other Cruise Lines
When it comes to complimentary drinks, Carnival’s Platinum perk feels a little underwhelming compared to what Royal Caribbean offers at a similar loyalty level. Royal Caribbean’s Diamond members — achieved after 80 cruise points (equivalent to 80 cruise days) — receive four complimentary drinks per day valued up to $14 each (source).
These vouchers can be used at bars, lounges, and dining venues, and they even provide discounts on wine bottles under $100. This flexible and generous perk allows Diamond guests to enjoy a drink with meals, by the pool, or during evening entertainment every day of their cruise.
In contrast, Carnival’s Platinum members — reached after earning 50,000 stars — receive two complimentary drinks per cruise, which can be redeemed at any onboard bar, lounge, or restaurant.
While it’s a nice gesture, it doesn’t match the flexibility and value of Royal Caribbean’s drink perk. For Carnival loyalists who enjoy a few cocktails or specialty coffees during their voyage, this difference can feel like a significant gap in value.
“Priority” Perks That Don’t Save Time
While Platinum guests are entitled to priority perks like faster boarding, guest services, and debarkation, the reality doesn’t always match the hype. That’s because there are simply more people in these priority groups now.
With many longtime cruisers reaching Platinum or Diamond status and others purchasing the Faster to the Fun (FTTF) package, the number of people in the “priority” line has grown.
On busier cruises, this can slow things down to the point where priority lines feel just as long—and sometimes just as slow—as regular boarding or debarkation. So while the perks are still there in theory, the actual experience can vary depending on how many others have the same privileges.
Additionally, the dedicated Guest Services priority line can also be hit or miss — during busy times, there’s often only one crew member managing the priority line, resulting in frustrating delays.
Even the supposed priority tendering perk doesn’t always live up to expectations. Some cruisers have reported that guests with Carnival-organized shore excursions are often escorted to water shuttles first, limiting the advantage for Platinum members. Combined with the growing number of priority-eligible guests and those purchasing Faster to the Fun, the once-exclusive “priority” perks often feel anything but special.
Inconsistent Loyalty Perks
Carnival’s Platinum members are offered members-only deals, but many cruisers have noticed that these can feel inconsistent — and sometimes less rewarding than what newer guests or casino players get. While loyal Platinum members may receive offers like a free suite, $200 FunPlay credit, and Drinks On Us, these promotions are often unpredictable and vary widely between guests.
Meanwhile, some casino players have reported receiving far more generous deals, even with less cruising history. For example, one guest received a free balcony room, $1,000 FunPlay credit, and Drinks On Us — a significantly better package than what some Platinum members have been offered. This inconsistency has frustrated some loyal cruisers, leaving them feeling overlooked despite their years of dedication to Carnival.
Disappointing Dining Benefits Compared to Other Cruise Lines
Carnival’s Platinum tier is underwhelming when it comes to dining perks. The only real benefit is priority reservations at the main dining room and specialty restaurants. While that’s useful for avoiding long waits, it doesn’t feel particularly special compared to what other cruise lines offer.
Royal Caribbean’s Diamond members, for instance, get extra perks like a complimentary specialty coffee when dining at certain restaurants, along with priority waitlist seating. Norwegian Cruise Line goes even further, offering not just one but two complimentary dinners for eligible guests — a clear step above Carnival’s limited dining benefits.
No More Loyalty Gifts: A Perk That Vanished
In the old VIFP program, Platinum members could expect a small loyalty gift each cruise — things like Carnival-branded caps, visors, tote bags, or even slap-band can koozies. While the quality of these giveaways was often hit or miss, many guests still saw them as a fun token of recognition.
After the 2025 migration to Carnival Rewards, however, these gifts are no longer listed as part of the Platinum perks. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve been completely phased out — you may still be able to get one by asking staff — but the fact that loyalty gifts are no longer officially included in the program speaks volumes. It’s a sign that Carnival is moving away from the small personal touches and focusing more on perks tied directly to spending and status.
The Vanishing Party: When Loyalty Lost Its Celebration
One of the biggest changes in the switch from VIFP to Carnival Rewards is the loss of the Platinum & Diamond party. For years, this was more than just free drinks — it was a tradition that made loyal guests feel recognized. Cruisers looked forward to mingling with ship officers, enjoying complimentary cocktails, and connecting with fellow repeat passengers in a setting that felt special.
With Carnival Rewards, that party is gone. Diamond members now get a captain’s invitation-only event, but Platinum guests — who previously enjoyed the VIFP party — are left with nothing. It’s a sharp contrast to other cruise lines, where equivalent tiers still come with cocktail parties, lounges, or officer-hosted gatherings.
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