If you've been eyeing a Carnival cruise and happen to have an Amex card, check your offers. A new targeted promotion is giving $100 back as a statement credit when you spend $500 or more on a qualifying Carnival reservation. The catch? You need to be targeted and enroll before you pay. Here's what you need to know to make it work.
How This Amex Offer Works
First things first: this is a targeted Amex Offer, so not everyone will see it. Check your Amex Offers page in your online account or app. If it's there, you'll need to click 'Add to Card' to activate it before making a qualifying purchase.
Once enrolled, spend $500 or more in one or more transactions on a Carnival cruise reservation. The booking must be made directly with Carnival — either on their US website, by calling their reservation line, or through a Carnival travel advisor. The $100 credit will post as a statement credit after the qualifying charge appears.
What Counts — and What Doesn't
The good news: any pre-payment toward your cruise seems to work, whether it's the initial deposit or a later payment. That's based on past experience with similar offers.
But watch out for the exclusions. Onboard purchases, gift cards, and a laundry list of add-ons like shore excursions, weddings, and Fly2Fun are not eligible. Also, this only applies to Carnival Cruise Line — not Holland America, Princess, Seabourn, or Cunard.
- ✓ Cruise reservations (deposit or full payment) booked directly with Carnival
- ✗ Onboard purchases (drinks, excursions, spa, etc.)
- ✗ Gift cards
- ✗ Carnival Bon Voyage presales or mobile app purchases
- ✗ Single/group shore excursions, weddings, charters, airport transfers, Fly2Fun, in-room gifts, The Fun Shops
Tips to Maximize This Deal
If you're already planning a Carnival cruise, this is a no-brainer — just remember to enroll first. The offer can also stack with other promotions, like free or discounted casino cruise offers if you receive those.
One thing to note: the booking window runs from March 2 to June 2, 2026, but the enrollment deadline has been extended to June 16, 2026. So you have a little extra time to add the offer to your card, but you must book by June 2.
Bottom Line
- Check your Amex Offers for this targeted deal — add it to your card before booking.
- Spend $500+ on a Carnival cruise reservation (deposit or full payment) to get $100 back.
- Avoid excluded purchases like onboard spending, gift cards, and add-ons.
- Booking window ends June 2, 2026; enrollment deadline is June 16, 2026.
Common Questions
How do I know if I'm targeted for this Amex Offer?
Log into your Amex account online or via the app and check the 'Offers' section. If the Carnival offer appears, you can add it to your card.
Can I use this offer for a cruise booked through a travel agent?
Yes, as long as the travel agent is a Carnival Cruise Line travel advisor and the booking is made within the offer period.
What if I spend less than $500?
You won't receive the $100 credit. The minimum spend is $500 in qualifying purchases.
Can I combine this with other Amex Offers?
Generally, only one Amex Offer can be applied per transaction. But you can use it alongside other Carnival promotions or discounts.
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