Carnival Cruise Line has a unique new member joining the top ranks of its loyalty club – a retired US Army service dog named Sarge. While sailing on Carnival Celebration earlier this month, Sarge reached Diamond status of the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club – though in this case, the “P” could also stand for “pooch.”

The 14-year-old Belgian Malinois completed his 55th cruise and was honoured during Carnival Celebration’s Platinum and Diamond loyalty event, for spending more than 200 nights at sea.

“What could be more fun than celebrating a beloved four-legged friend as a Diamond cruiser?” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We’re proud to celebrate and support veterans at Carnival, as the cruise line that carries the most service members, and I’m delighted to count Sarge among them.”

Sarge spent most of his life serving in the US military, and now lives and travels with his owner, Justin Marcum, Sr., who is also a Diamond member of Carnival’s VIFP Club.

Carnival’s VIFP Club offers a variety of benefits and perks to the line’s most loyal guests, including members-only specials, promotions and other offers.