AARP Changes Discount on Carnival Gift Cards

Carnival Cruise Line fans are not happy. AARP has reportedly changed its discount available to Carnival Cruise Line members, dropping the rate from 10 percent to 8 percent.

This translates to a price of $92 for a $100 Carnival gift card and $460 for a $500 card, where previously the savings allowed members to purchase the same $100 card for $90.

Initially, some cruisers logged into AARP and found cruise line gift cards missing altogether.

The sudden change sparked angry discussions on social media, where members expressed their disappointment, even reaching out to Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald with not-so-kind feedback.

“We got a lot of ads this morning about a percentage change for something to do with gift cards.” he posted on his page. “It has nothing to do with the cruise line.”

“This is what happens when thousands of cruisers listen to advice from this group and sign up with AARP. Supply and demand,” wrote a cruiser on a public Facebook page not operated by Carnival Cruise Line.

“Getting a $500 gift card for $460 is awesome though,” the passenger continued to say. “I’m still saving and happy to go on a cruise.”

Although Heald went on to say that gift card rates are determined “by the people who distribute them”, AARP discounts are created in partnership with various companies, including cruise lines.

As some have noted, discounts can come and go and fluctuate due to cruise ship demand and availability, just as regular discounts are offered by the cruise lines themselves.

How rewards offer savings

AARPtypically reserved for ages 50 and older, offers its members the opportunity to purchase discounted digital gift cards to various merchants and services through its AARP Rewards program, a special loyalty program that members must sign up for.

These gift cards, of which only five per month can be purchased, can be redeemed for cruise bookings and onboard spending just like cash, helping cruise guests save money on their travels.

However, AARP clearly defines Carnival Cruise Line gift cards are a “limited time offer, while stocks last.”

AARP members can also find discounts within their membership benefits, along with savings in various categories beyond travel, such as entertainment, health and wellness, and dining.

The company also offers limited-time offers. For example, a current limited-time offer offers free Wi-Fi surf packages on 2025 Grand Voyages of Holland America Line, while a standard cruise offer offers up to $200 onboard credit on select cruises on the same line of cruise.

AARP’s travel discounts, for the most part, are pretty decent. Members can find coupons and deals online and also link their membership to participating travel brands to earn rewards points. It claims to have saved its members $580 million in daily and travel discounts in 2023.

But, AARP works much like credit card rewards programs, which can offer their own discounts and gift card options. Anyone trying to get a cruise deal should research each of the memberships and credit cards to find the best deals, not to mention travel agents, booking engines and the cruise lines themselves.

Carnival Cruise Linefor example, it’s currently running a sale until Sunday, November 3, 2024, with up to 40% off travel through April 2027, with free room upgrades and 50% off deposits.

A discount is a discount. Enjoy them when you can find them!