MSC Joins Carnival and Royal in Grand Bahama Shipyard Partnership
Grand Bahama Shipyard is set to welcome MSC Cruises as a partner, joining Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean, who are part owners of the facility in the joint venture, according to a statement.
The yard is set to expand with two new floating docks, which are part of a $600 million investment.
“We are delighted to see positive momentum on our expansion and modernisation, which is expected to increase activity here in the shipyard, boosting local businesses, creating economic opportunities, and enriching the community for Grand Bahamians,” said Chris Earl, CEO of Grand Bahama Shipyard.
Carnival Cruise Line announced today it will launch its new loyalty program, adding new features, new ways to earn status, new reward categories and a new name: Carnival Rewards.
The new program will take effect in June 2026, providing guests plenty of time to learn about the changes while they continue to earn status in the current Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program that will be their entry point into the new program, the company said in a press release.
Carnival Rewards is introducing a dual-earning structure where guests accumulate both Carnival Rewards points that can be redeemed on Carnival purchases and status-qualifying stars that will determine a guest’s tier status.
Instead of focusing solely on the number of nights guests sail, which is the model Carnival currently follows under its VIFP program, Carnival Rewards will offer more opportunities to earn rewards and achieve higher status levels based on spend, including cruise fare and onboard activities, the company said.
The new program will be closely tied to everyday spending on the co-branded credit card with Barclays – the Carnival Rewards Mastercard – allowing cardmembers to earn points and status even faster.
“The evolution of our loyalty program to Carnival Rewards represents our commitment to creating more meaningful recognition for our valued guests. Our current VIFP program has served us well for many years, and while we’ve enjoyed truly extraordinary growth in our loyal customer base, it has become challenging to deliver the exceptional experience our Diamond and Platinum members deserve,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “
By introducing a points-based system, we’re enabling greater flexibility so guests can personalise their rewards in ways that matter most to them. This transition honours our past while building a future where loyalty is recognised through both cruising frequency and overall engagement with the Carnival experience, bringing Carnival Rewards into the top tier of travel loyalty programs that provide our guests with ways to earn status and points through their everyday spending on the Carnival Rewards Mastercard.
Guests will earn Carnival Reward points as well as status-qualifying stars on every eligible Carnival purchase, including cruise fares and onboard purchases. The dual structure gives guests more control over their rewards and status.
Points can be redeemed for almost anything Carnival offers, including onboard activities, spa treatments, speciality dining and even toward a future cruise.
Stars introduce a new way to unlock higher status among the four tiers: Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Status is earned over two years and retained for the following two years.
As part of the transition to Carnival Rewards’ launch on June 1, 2026, members’ existing status will carry over and serve as a new entry point into the program for two years through May 31, 2028.
Diamond members will retain their status for six years through May 31, 2032. This ensures that all current loyalty statuses are honoured while giving members time to familiarise themselves with the enhanced rewards. Guests will continue earning VIFP status as usual until the new program launches. In addition, upon launch of the Carnival Rewards program, current cardmembers, as well as any new cardmembers between now and the launch of the updates, will have the balance of their Fun Points converted to Carnival Rewards points in their Carnival Rewards account.
Before arriving at the Big Easy, the trans-Atlantic crossing will visit destinations in Portugal and Spain, including Málaga, Cádiz, and Ponta Delgada.
The Carnival Valor is then set to arrive in New Orleans later this month, resuming its regular schedule of cruises to the Western Caribbean.
Sailing from Louisiana along with the Carnival Liberty, the vessel offers a series of four- and five-night itineraries to ports in Mexico, including Progreso, Costa Maya and Cozumel.
As part of its routine drydock in Spain, the Carnival Valour underwent technical work, as well as class inspections and general maintenance.
Public areas and staterooms also received upkeep, including the replacement of items such as carpets, upholstery, and furniture.
In line with other Carnival ships, the 2004-built ship saw the addition of a new Heroes Tribute Bar and Lounge.
Currently being rolled out to the company’s fleet, the military-themed venue pays homage to the sacrifices made by Armed Services personnel and their families.
Taking over the area previously occupied by the Skybox Sports Bar, the lounge serves a special menu, with part of its profits donated to humanitarian organisations.
Following the Carnival Valor, the Carnival Liberty is also being dry-docked at the Navantia shipyard in Cádiz.
As the fifth ship in Carnival’s fleet to visit a shipyard in 2025, the vessel is currently undergoing routine maintenance at the Spanish facility.
Other ships that entered drydock this year include the Carnival Sunshine, the Carnival Spirit and the Carnival Miracle.
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