If you’ve ever scoured the web for ways to save on a cruise vacation, you may have come across some rewards programs that offer the opportunity to earn discounted cruise gift cards.
Some credit cards, like the Citi Credit Card with Thank You Rewards, allow you to redeem your reward points for travel and cruise gift cards, but they’re not the only rewards programs that offer this perk. Some loyalty programs offer their members the opportunity to earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards or even purchased at a discount.
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A popular program for purchasing cruise gift cards has recently made some changes that cruise deal seekers will want to know before planning to use their gift cards to pay for their next cruise.
Carnival Cruise Line passengers have been able to save significantly through the program in the past, but the discounts have been steadily shrinking in recent months.
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Image source&col;Carnival Corporation
AARP Rewards Program Offers Discounted Cruise Gift Cards
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Americans age 50 and older make their own lifestyle choices and has developed an awards program that provides benefits to people of all ages.
AARP Rewards is a free loyalty program that gives members the opportunity to earn points by completing AARP Rewards activities, such as completing fitness tests and playing AARP games. Points earned can be redeemed for gift cards and other rewards.
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You don’t have to be an AARP member to join, but AARP members can earn 50% more points and receive exclusive member rewards like discounted gift cards. Discounted travel and cruise gift cards offered through this program, including Carnival and Royal Caribbean gift cards, are available only to AARP members.
If you’d like to take advantage of AARP’s member-only rewards, you can join AARP before the end of 2024 for $12 for the first year, then membership will increase in January, but you should note that Carnival cruises are available through the program Discounts triple in 2024.
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AARP discounts on Carnival cruise gift cards are shrinking
Earlier this year, the AARP Rewards website offered members 10% off Carnival cruise gift cards, meaning you could buy a $100 Carnival gift card for $90, or a $500 Carnival gift card for just $450 gift card. You can also purchase multiple gift cards to accumulate savings. By purchasing five $500 Carnival gift cards, you can receive $250 off your $2,500 toward your cruise fare and onboard purchases.
But as 2024 comes to a close, five Fiesta gift cards no longer save you that much. This fall, the AARP Rewards program’s discount on Carnival gift cards changed to 8% off, and now in late December, the discount on Carnival gift cards has dropped to just 5% off.
While you can still increase your savings by purchasing up to five gift cards each month, you’ll have to pay more for each gift card. A $100 Carnival gift card is now on sale for $95, and a $500 Carnival gift card is now on sale for $475.
Also read: Top travel agents share how to get the best cruise prices
If you’re not committed to Carnival and want to sail on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises or Holland America, you can still get better deals.
The AARP Rewards Catalog still offers Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises gift cards at a 10% discount, and members can purchase up to 25 of these gift cards per month. Get 8% off Holland America Line gift cards, up to five gift cards purchased per month.
Princess Cruises gift cards were previously available, but are not currently available on the AARP Rewards website. The website says the discounted gift cards are available while supplies last.
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