Service Dog Earns Diamond Status with Carnival Cruise Line After 55 Cruises
In a heartwarming tale that perfectly blends loyalty, adventure, and a touch of luxury, a service dog named “Sassy” has achieved an extraordinary milestone: earning Diamond status with Carnival Cruise Line after completing an impressive 55 cruises. Sassy, a golden retriever who serves as a loyal companion to her owner, has become a beloved member of the Carnival cruising community and a four-legged celebrity onboard.
Carnival Cruise Line’s loyalty program, known as the VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club, rewards frequent cruisers with various perks based on the number of days sailed. Reaching Diamond status — the highest level in the program — is no easy feat, requiring at least 200 days at sea. For most travelers, it takes years of dedication to reach this elite status. For Sassy, it took dedication, plenty of belly rubs, and a lot of time exploring the high seas with her owner.
Sassy’s owner, Carol Benbrook, is a U.S. Navy veteran from Texas who began cruising with Carnival in 2013. Due to Carol’s medical needs, Sassy accompanies her on every cruise as a trained service dog. Together, the duo has become a familiar and welcome sight aboard many Carnival ships. Crew members and fellow passengers alike have come to recognize and adore Sassy, often stopping to take photos or offer a friendly pat.
As a service dog, Sassy is trained to assist Carol in everyday activities, ensuring her safety and independence. But when off duty and relaxing, Sassy has been known to enjoy the fun side of cruising — lounging on the deck, posing for pictures at port destinations, and even attending cruise events. Her calm demeanor and friendly personality make her a perfect cruiser.
Carnival Cruise Line recognized Sassy’s milestone with a small onboard ceremony, complete with a Diamond-status card and a few special gifts. Carnival’s brand ambassador, John Heald, even gave Sassy a shout-out on social media, calling her “the most loyal of all loyal guests” and praising her for bringing joy to so many people at sea.
While Carnival does not officially track animals in their VIFP loyalty program, Sassy’s journey has become a symbol of how inclusive and welcoming cruise life can be — not just for people, but for their essential companions as well. The company also noted that Sassy is the first known service animal to reach Diamond status.
For Carol, these cruises have been about more than just relaxation. They have provided her with a way to travel comfortably and safely, knowing she has the support of both Sassy and the ship’s crew. “Cruising gives me peace of mind,” she shared. “And Sassy gets to see the world right by my side.”
As Sassy continues her seafaring adventures, she’s not only making waves in Carnival’s loyalty program but also warming hearts wherever she goes. Her story is a reminder of the powerful bond between humans and animals — and the joy of exploring the world together, one cruise at a time.
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