The program has always been subject to change, with or without notice, reason, or blessings from special individuals. It is the same with any marketing/loyalty program. Airlines do it all the time.
Carnival even puts in the terms and conditions that people should read them on a regular basis, but does anyone?
CCL reserves the right to alter or modify the Club at any time in CCL’s sole discretion without notice to Members, including without limitation, the right to add, modify, delete or otherwise change any provision of the Terms and Conditions or any aspect of the Club, including without limitation, any procedure, the Levels, the number of VIFP Points required for any Level, the method of earning VIFP Points, and the Benefits, each as defined below. CCL further reserves the right to terminate the Club at any time without notice to Members. Since any changes will be posted on this page, Members should check this page regularly. Continued membership in the Club following any changes to these Terms and Conditions constitutes acceptance of such changes.