Carnival Cruise Line and Barclays US Consumer Bank said Tuesday that they have launched the Carnival Rewards Mastercard, which they described as a first-of-its-kind credit card in the cruise industry.
Integrated with Carnival’s recently launched Carnival Rewards loyalty programme, the no-annual-fee card is said to allow members to earn rewards through everyday spending and redeem them towards their Carnival experience.
Purchases also accumulate Status Qualifying Stars, helping customers unlock higher loyalty status levels faster.
The companies added that the card offers up to 6x points on eligible Carnival purchases, combining 3x points from the card with up to 3x through Carnival Rewards, covering cruise fares, shore excursions, onboard activities, spa treatments and specialty dining.
It also offers 2x points on eligible restaurant and grocery store purchases and 1x on everything else. New cardmembers can earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
“More and more, today’s travelers are looking for rewards programs that deliver true value as they venture away from home,” commented Doug Villone, head of US cards and partnerships at Barclays US Consumer Bank. “We’re giving cardmembers more ways to earn on everyday purchases and making it easier to turn everyday spending into rewards for their next cruise.”
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said the partnership offered guests a new way to experience Carnival beyond the ship.
The company noted that existing cardmembers will be transitioned to the new Mastercard product from this month, with all existing Fun Points balances converting one-to-one into new Carnival Rewards Points.
