Since cruise lines don’t have fixed prices, it can be difficult to know when to save money when booking a cruise. A cruise line may tell you that it offers 10%, 20% or even 50% off, but that doesn’t mean anything when there’s no price tag on any cruise.
Generally speaking, cruise lines want passengers to feel like they’re getting a deal. They do this by using promotions like “Kids Sail Free,” which give the appearance of a big savings, although to be fair, how much is actually saved is a question.
RELATED: Carnival Cruise Line shares ban that surprises parents
Of course, travel agents can sometimes get better deals than the widely advertised rates by booking large blocks of rooms.
Beyond that, however, in most cases it’s hard to know when you’re actually getting a good deal when you’re booking a cruise.
However, for years, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has offered a practical way to actually save money on booking a cruise. The organization sells Carnival cruise gift cards at a 10% discount. This allows people to purchase any number of gift cards and apply them toward their cruise fare.
This is a real discount that was recently cut and now gone.
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AARP no longer offers Carnival gift cards
In recent months, AARP dropped the discount on its Fiesta gift cards from 10% to 8% and then to 5%. People were outraged about the lower discounts and blamed it on the cruise lines (which is probably unfair), and now the discounted prices on Carnival gift cards have been wiped out across the board by AARP.
“Carnival Cruise Line has decided to stop offering gift cards through the AARP Rewards Program. We understand this may be disappointing news and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We remain committed to providing you with a rewarding experience A reward of value and thank you for your understanding,” AARP shared on its website.
Passengers expressed anger over the end of the show on the Facebook page of Carnival brand ambassador John Heard.
“Some of the company’s recent decisions have been disrespectful and lacked communication to customers. It increased Internet and Cheers pricing without warning, cut loyalty benefits, and there are rumors the company is ramping up acquisitions. Platinum difficulty,” wrote Joel Shank.
Heard responded to the comments.
“Thank you. Please don’t listen to rumors. We certainly haven’t made any announcements about the new loyalty program. Thanks, I can confirm that as of January 1st, we will not be offering AARP discount cards. I can also confirm that we are still The most affordable and fun cruise line around, that’s why I hope you’ve reached the level we have,” he wrote.
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Heard also said he could not reveal any more information other than that the card has been discontinued.
“All I can do is confirm that as of January 1st, Carnival gift cards will no longer be available for purchase through AARP,” he wrote.
He did say he would “see if they are ready to let me know any further information, but at this time I have no information to share,” Heard added.
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