Carnival Cruise Line Will No Longer Sell Discounted Gift Cards Through AARP

Carnival Cruise Line has announced that it will no longer sell discount gift cards to senior citizen travelers through AARP.

Following two cuts to the Carnival gift card discount in less than a month, AARP has revealed that the cruise line has chosen to stop selling the cards through them, according to Cruise Hive.

In November 2024, AARP, a nonprofit organization that serves and promotes individuals over 50, reduced the 10% discount on Carnival Cruise Line gift cards to 8%. That discount was again reduced from 8% to 5% in late December. Even though the adjustment irritated cruisers, they could save some money by utilizing the discounted gift cards to book onboard events and packages or pay for their trip.

However, as of Jan. 1, 2025, Carnival gift cards will no longer be sold through AARP in any form.

“Carnival Cruise Line has decided to discontinue offering their gift cards through the AARP Rewards Program,” read the AARP website at the time of the announcement. “We understand that this may be disappointing news, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We remain committed to providing you with valuable rewards and appreciate your understanding.”

Carnival Cruise Line Has New Tipping Policies, Too

Passengers should know Carnival Cruise Line’s new tipping and gratuity structure.

The crew members that cruisers encounter, including stateroom attendants, dining staff, and culinary services people, receive a portion of their gratuities, as do “other members of the onboard team who work behind the scenes to enhance your overall cruise experience.”

“It is customary for our guests to extend gratuities to the shipboard staff in appreciation for their hard work and exceptional service,” Carnival Cruise Line said. “Applying this charge automatically streamlines the recognition process and ensures our crew will share in your generosity. To help you plan, we have provided the recommended on-board gratuities guidelines.”

For ordinary staterooms, the cruise company recommends tipping $16 per person per day, and for suites, $18 per person per day. The site claims that visitors may be able to “remove them by going to the customer-service desk,” as these suggestions are not required. This is a common practice among passengers, who give tips to employees they have direct contact with. Others counter that this strategy ignores the backstage service personnel who enhance visitors’ experiences.