AARP changes discount on Carnival gift cards

Carnival Cruise Line fans are not happy. It appears AARP has changed the discount available to Carnival Cruise Line members, lowering the rate from 10 percent to 8 percent.

That works out to $92 for a $100 Carnival gift card and $460 for a $500 card, whereas previously the money saved would have allowed members to buy the same $100 card for $90.

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

The sudden change sparked angry discussions on social media, with members expressing disappointment and even reaching out to Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald with some less-than-kind comments.

“I received a lot of nonsense this morning about changing the percentage of something related to gift cards.” he posted on his page. “This has nothing to do with the cruise line.”

“This is what happens when thousands of cruisers take the advice of this group and subscribe to AARP. Supply and demand”, the cruiser wrote on a public Facebook page not owned by Carnival Cruise Line..

“Getting a $500 gift card for $460 is still great.“, The passenger continued talking. “Still saving and excited to travel.”

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

As some have noted, discounts can come, go and fluctuate depending on demand and availability of cruise ships, just as regular discounts are offered by the cruise lines themselves.

How rewards help you save money

AARPtypically aimed at people age 50 and older, offers its members the opportunity to purchase discounted digital gift cards for a variety of retailers and services through its AARP Rewards program, a special loyalty program for which members must enroll.

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

However, AARP clearly states that Carnival Cruise Line gift cards are “Limited time offer while supplies last.”

AARP members can also receive discounts as part of their membership benefits, as well as save on a variety of categories beyond travel, such as entertainment, health and wellness, and dining.

The company is also offering limited time offers. For example, the current limited-time offer provides free Surf Wi-Packs on 2025 Grand Voyages of Holland America Line sailings, while the standard cruise offer includes up to $200 in onboard credit on select cruises on the same cruise line.

AARP travel discounts are pretty decent for the most part. Members can find coupons and online deals and link their memberships with participating travel brands to earn rewards points. It touts that it has saved its members $580 million on everyday discounts and travel discounts in 2023.

But AARP operates much like credit card rewards programs, which may offer their own discounts and gift card options. Anyone trying to score a cruise deal should look at each of their membership cards and credit cards to find the best deals, not to mention travel agents, booking engines and the cruise lines themselves.

Carnival Cruise Linefor example, is currently offering a sale through Sunday, November 3, 2024, with up to 40 percent off flights through April 2027 with free upgrades and 50 percent off deposits.

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