Daydreaming of a winter escape? A cruise to the Bahamas or Caribbean might sound perfect right now, but snowbirds should proceed with caution. Carnival Cruise Line, one of the most popular big-ship lines for international travel, is making major financial changes this year—one of which will negatively impact AARP members. Plus, Carnival guests should plan to tip more and bigger in 2025.
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Carnival Cruise Line discontinued its gift card program with AARP.
Until recently, AARP members could snag Carnival Cruise Line gift cards at a reduced price. The program offered gift certificates at a 10 percent discount to folks over the age of 50, but that ended after a sequence of price adjustments during the latter half of 2024.
In November, Carnival Cruise Line reduced its discount from 10 percent to eight percent, as reported by Cruise Hive. That means a $100 gift card went from costing $90 to $92 for AARP patrons. A month later, Carnival Cruise Line implemented another price adjustment, reducing the discount to just five percent. Now, in 2025, Carnival Cruise Line has discontinued its gift card program with AARP altogether.
An AARP Consumer Care representative confirmed the news while answering member questions via the AARP Online Community forum.
“Carnival Cruise Lines decided to discontinue offering their gift cards through the AARP Rewards Program. 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,” they wrote.
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Carnival Cruise Line implemented a new tipping policy.
Effective immediately, an onboard gratuity fee will be automatically charged to all Carnival Cruise Line bookings. Tips will be split among “stateroom attendants, dining and culinary services staff, as well as other members of the onboard team who work behind the scenes,” per the new policy.
“It is customary for our guests to extend gratuities to the shipboard staff in appreciation for their hard work and exceptional service,” says Carnival Cruise Line. “Applying this charge automatically streamlines the recognition process and ensures our crew will share in your generosity.”
The fee will apply to all guests, but the amount will vary by room package and additional services. The new gratuity rates are as follows:
- Standard Staterooms will have a daily $16 tipping fee per person (over the age of 2)
- Suite Staterooms will have a daily $18 tipping fee per person (also 2 years or older)
- An 18 percent charge will be added to beverage purchases
- Restaurant reservation fees will have an 18 percent service charge on top of additional bill gratuity
Stateroom tipping fees can be prepaid at the time of booking or at the end of your stay, per the updated guidelines. However, if guests are unsatisfied with their experience and wish to adjust the gratuity fee, they may do so while speaking with Guest Services onboard the ship. Changes will not be allowed once a guest disembarks the vessel.
