With the announcement of Carnival Rewards, the cruise line’s new loyalty program, there’s been no shortage of backlash.
Many long-time fans feel like their loyalty has been wiped out, and that the perks they once enjoyed are now locked behind sky-high spending thresholds.
Some are frustrated enough to say they’ll be cancelling upcoming bookings. Others are simply looking at alternatives for future sailings.
So where are they going? I’ve analysed the comments online, and these are the top choices…
1. MSC Cruises
Why it’s good for Carnival fans:
- One of the cheapest cruise lines in the US market
- Offers status match from most other cruise lines, including Carnival
- Fun ships with water parks, ropes courses and more
Why it might not suit Carnival cruisers:
- European-style service and dining can feel a little different
- Not as high-energy as Carnival – entertainment is more reserved
- Some guests find the onboard experience a bit inconsistent
MSC Cruises has made huge waves in the US market in recent years, and it’s no surprise that disillusioned Carnival guests are giving them a look.
The biggest draw? Status Match. If you’re Platinum or Diamond with Carnival, you can often jump straight into a higher loyalty tier with MSC, unlocking benefits from your very first cruise.
Read more: MSC’s Status Match Program
They’re also pretty affordable, and with family-friendly ships like MSC Seashore and MSC World America, you’ll find a similar energy – especially during school holidays.
That said, MSC’s European roots are noticeable. Dining can feel slower and more traditional, entertainment is less raucous, and service standards can vary.
If you’re looking for an exact Carnival clone, this isn’t it – but if saving money and keeping perks is your goal, they’re worth a look.
Read more: Carnival Vs MSC Cruises: Which Is Best?
2. Virgin Voyages
Why it’s good for Carnival fans:
- Offers status match through the “Deep Blue Extras” loyalty tier
- Ultra-modern ships with a great party vibe
- No kids onboard – just adults relaxing and enjoying themselves
Why it might not suit Carnival cruisers:
- Adults only – no families or kids allowed
- Pricing is higher, especially upfront (though more is included)
- A different kind of “fun” – more chic than cheeky
Virgin Voyages is one of the newer players in the cruise game, but they’ve made a splash – especially with adults who love food, cocktails, and a bit of flair.
If you’re a Carnival fan who cruises without kids and loves a good time, Virgin might feel like a grown-up version of what you already love.
There’s still live music, themed parties and energetic shows – but the whole thing feels more curated, more premium.
The big caveat is that they’re adults only, so families are out of luck. And while pricing can seem high at first glance, it does include things like WiFi, gratuities, and all dining venues – which Carnival doesn’t.
And they’re the other major cruise line offering status match – so Carnival guests who are Platinum or Diamond can start enjoying enhanced perks right away.
Read more: Virgin Voyages’ Sailing Club Explained (Including Status Match!)
However if you’re a Carnival cruiser who likes to order a drinks package, you’re out of luck – Virgin Voyages doesn’t offer them, though you can get bonus ‘bar tab’ credit by loading your account in advance.
Compared to Carnival, Virgin Voyages is definitely a shift in tone. Less hairy chest contest, more rooftop yoga.
3. Royal Caribbean
Why it’s good for Carnival fans:
- A very similar cruise experience – lively ships, family fun, upbeat vibe
- More onboard features – surfing, zip lines, robot bartenders…
- Huge global fleet with loads of itinerary options
Why it might not suit Carnival cruisers:
- Usually more expensive than Carnival, especially for similar itineraries
- You’re starting loyalty status from scratch
If Carnival is the party cruise line, Royal Caribbean is its slightly shinier, slightly more advanced cousin.
There’s a lot of overlap – family-friendly ships, upbeat entertainment, relaxed dress codes – but Royal Caribbean ups the ante with larger ships and more ambitious features. Icon of the Seas is practically a floating resort, with seven pools, a waterpark, and Central Park all onboard.
The downside? Price. Royal ships are generally more expensive than Carnival’s even with itineraries that are almost identical, and you’ll be starting from zero on the Crown & Anchor loyalty ladder.
But if you’re happy to spend a little more and want that familiar energy with bigger ships and more toys, Royal Caribbean’s an easy next step.
Read more: Royal Caribbean Vs Carnival: Which Is Best?
4. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Why it’s good for Carnival fans:
- Similar casual vibe – “Freestyle” cruising is very relaxed
- Comparable itineraries, especially in the Caribbean
- Newer ships packed with fun features and entertainment
Why it might not suit Carnival cruisers:
- Higher prices, especially when you start adding extras
- No status match – loyalty status starts from your first cruise
- Entertainment can be more Broadway, less poolside party
NCL is another cruise line that appeals to the same kind of guest Carnival does – people who don’t want to dress up, who like lots of choice, and who want a good time at sea.
The “Freestyle” approach means you can eat when you like, dress how you like, and build the cruise you want. And ships like Norwegian Prima and Encore are packed with go-karts, VR gaming, and even open-air laser tag.
But like Royal Caribbean, you’ll likely pay more for a similar cruise – and while onboard perks are good, you’ll have to earn them from scratch. No status match here.
Read more: Everything You Need To Know About NCL’s More At Sea – Is It Good Value?
5. Celebrity Cruises
Why it’s good for Carnival fans:
- Offers a more premium, relaxed cruise experience
- Great for those who want to “upgrade” from Carnival’s fun-focused style
- Exceptional dining and service
Why it might not suit Carnival cruisers:
- Much quieter – less party, more peaceful
- No status match from Carnival
- Higher pricing – especially with extras
Celebrity Cruises isn’t a direct Carnival competitor – and they’re not trying to be. But for some Carnival fans who feel the magic is gone, this is the cruise line they’re “growing into”.
Celebrity ships are chic, food-focused and calm. Entertainment is polished, the crowd tends to skew older, and everything just feels a touch more elegant.
But if you loved Carnival for the music, the trivia, the late-night pizza and the party energy, Celebrity might feel like a step too far in the other direction.
Still, if you’re looking for a change and don’t mind paying more for a bit of luxury, they might surprise you.
Read more: Celebrity Cruises Vs Carnival: Which is Better?
Honourable Mentions: Princess Cruises & Holland America Line
Both of these are technically still part of the Carnival Corporation family – so they may not feel like much of a change if you’re trying to move away from the Carnival brand entirely.
Why they’re good:
- You’ll still get your shareholder onboard credit if you own Carnival Corp stock
- A more relaxed atmosphere – ideal if you want to cruise in peace
- Great for Alaska, Europe and longer itineraries
Why they’re not ideal for Carnival fans:
- Still part of the Carnival Corp group
- Much quieter – very little in the way of high-energy nightlife or entertainment
- Tends to appeal to older guests
If you’re moving on from Carnival but want to keep your shareholder perks, Princess and Holland America are solid options.
But don’t expect the same atmosphere – these are laid-back, traditional cruise lines with a more refined tone.
Think afternoon tea and enrichment lectures rather than deck parties and DJ sets.
Read more: Princess Cruises Vs Carnival: Which is Better?
Final Word
The launch of Carnival Rewards has shaken things up – and for many long-time fans, it’s the push they needed to start exploring other cruise lines.
Whether you’re looking to keep your perks via a status match, or you’re just curious to try something new, there are plenty of options out there.
Some feel familiar, others offer a totally different experience – and that’s the beauty of cruising today: there’s something for everyone.
Just remember, no cruise line is a perfect replacement for Carnival. Each one comes with its own pros, cons, and quirks. But if you’re feeling let down by the loyalty shake-up, it might be the perfect time to broaden your horizons.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
