Barclays Carnival Mastercard

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 20.24%–29.99% variable
• Rewards: 2x on Carnival cruises, 1x everywhere else
• Bonus: Up to 30,000 bonus points after $1,000 spend in 90 days
• Best For: Carnival cruise enthusiasts, frequent cruisers, vacation planners
• Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (690+)

Overview

The Carnival World Mastercard is a cruise-focused rewards card designed specifically for Carnival Cruise Line enthusiasts and travelers who book cruises with brands under the World's Leading Cruise Lines umbrella. With no annual fee and generous earning rates on cruise purchases, this card transforms your vacation spending into future cruise credits and onboard experiences.

What makes this card particularly attractive is its promotional financing on cruise bookings—0% APR for 6 months on all Carnival cruise reservations, allowing you to spread the cost of your dream vacation over time without interest charges. Combined with the welcome bonus of up to 30,000 points and double earning on cruise purchases, the card provides immediate and ongoing value for cruise lovers.

Beyond cruise-specific benefits, the Carnival Mastercard offers practical advantages like no foreign transaction fees (essential for international cruising) and 1x earning on all other purchases. Whether you cruise once a year or multiple times annually, this no annual fee card ensures your vacation spending earns rewards that can be redeemed for onboard credits, cabin upgrades, shore excursions, and specialty dining experiences.

Important note: Carnival is launching a new Carnival Rewards loyalty program on June 1, 2026, which will include a new Carnival Rewards card. Existing cardholders will be transitioned to the new program.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 20.24%–29.99% variable
• Carnival Cruise Booking APR: 0% promotional APR for 6 months on all Carnival cruise bookings
• Balance Transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening, then 20.24%–29.99% variable
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Penalty APR: None specified
• Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater

Note: The 0% APR for 6 months on cruise bookings is a standout feature, allowing you to finance your vacation interest-free. The extended 15-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers adds debt consolidation value.

Benefits Overview

Cruise Earning Benefits

• 2x points per dollar spent with Carnival Cruise Lines and brands of the World's Leading Cruise Lines
• 0% promotional APR for 6 months on all Carnival cruise bookings
• Up to 30,000 bonus points after first $1,000 spend (varies by offer)
• Points redeemable for onboard credits, cabin upgrades, specialty dining, shore excursions
• Early booking access to select sailings and promotions
• Exclusive cardholder offers and deals

Travel Benefits

• No foreign transaction fees (0%)—essential for international cruising
• Travel accident insurance
• Auto rental collision damage waiver (secondary coverage)
• Travel and emergency assistance services
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance (when trip is charged to card)
• Baggage delay insurance

Everyday Benefits

• 1x point per dollar on all other purchases where Mastercard is accepted
• No annual fee keeps long-term ownership cost-free
• Points never expire as long as account is open and in good standing
• 15-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers for debt consolidation
• Zero fraud liability protection
• 24/7 customer service

Mastercard World Benefits

• Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Services
• Complimentary concierge service for dining reservations and travel planning
• Mastercard ID Theft Protection
• Digital wallet compatibility

Rewards & Earning Structure

• 2x points per dollar with Carnival Cruise Lines and brands of the World's Leading Cruise Lines (including Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Cunard, Seabourn, P&O Cruises, AIDA, and Costa)
• 1x point per dollar on all other purchases where Mastercard is accepted
• No caps or limits on points earned
• Points never expire as long as account is open and in good standing
• Redemption: Onboard credits, cabin upgrades, specialty dining, shore excursions, spa services, and other cruise experiences

Carnival points are typically valued at approximately $0.01 per point when redeemed for onboard credits and cruise experiences. The 2x earning rate on cruises provides 2% back, while the 1x rate on everyday purchases equals 1% return.

Welcome Bonus

Earn up to 30,000 bonus points after spending at least $1,000 on purchases within your first 90 days.

Welcome bonus offers vary:

• 20,000 points via standard Barclays offer
• Up to 30,000 points via promotional channels and direct Carnival offers

30,000 points are worth approximately $300 in onboard credits—enough to cover specialty dining for two, a premium excursion, or multiple spa treatments. With just $1,000 in spending over 90 days ($334/month), this bonus is easily attainable and provides significant value toward your next cruise experience.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $0
• Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
• Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater
• Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Frequent Carnival cruisers who sail 1–2+ times per year
• Families planning cruise vacations wanting to finance bookings interest-free
• World's Leading Cruise Lines enthusiasts (Carnival, Princess, Holland America, etc.)
• Vacation planners looking for rewards on cruise-related spending
• Onboard spenders who upgrade cabins, dine at specialty restaurants, or book excursions
• International cruisers benefiting from no foreign transaction fees
• Budget-conscious travelers wanting no annual fee cruise rewards
• Balance transfer seekers who also cruise occasionally (15-month 0% intro)
• Those financing cruise vacations (0% APR for 6 months on bookings)

Not Good For

• Infrequent cruisers who sail less than once every 2–3 years
• Luxury cruise enthusiasts focused on Regent, Silversea, or Viking (not part of network)
• Royal Caribbean or NCL loyalists (points not usable with competing lines)
• Those seeking premium travel benefits like lounge access or travel credits
• Cash back enthusiasts wanting flexible redemption options
• Those wanting transfer partners for airline/hotel loyalty programs
• Balance carriers (high APR negates rewards if not paid in full)
• Non-cruisers with no plans to book cruises

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee makes long-term ownership cost-free
• 2x earning on Carnival and World's Leading Cruise Lines purchases
• Up to 30,000-point welcome bonus (worth ~$300 in onboard credits)
• 0% promotional APR for 6 months on Carnival cruise bookings
• 15-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers for debt consolidation
• No foreign transaction fees (essential for international cruising)
• Points redeemable for onboard credits, upgrades, specialty dining, excursions
• Points never expire with active account
• Works everywhere Mastercard is accepted for 1x earning
• Travel protections including trip cancellation/interruption, rental car coverage
• Mastercard World benefits including concierge service

Cons

• Points only redeemable for Carnival/World's Leading Cruise Lines experiences (no cash back)
• 1x earning on non-cruise purchases is basic (many cards offer 1.5%–2%)
• Limited value if you don't cruise at least once every 1–2 years
• High variable APR (20.24%–29.99%) after promotional periods end
• 0% cruise booking APR only lasts 6 months (not as long as some cards)
• Points cannot transfer to airline or hotel loyalty programs
• Welcome bonus varies by offer (20K vs 30K depending on source)
• Redemption options limited to cruise-related experiences
• No lounge access or premium travel benefits
• New Carnival Rewards program launching June 2026 may change card features

Alternatives to Consider

Card	Best For	Annual Fee	Rewards	Welcome Bonus
Capital One VentureOne	No-fee flexible travel rewards	$0	1.25x–5x on hotels	20,000 miles
Bank of America Travel Rewards	Simple 1.5% travel rewards	$0	1.5x on everything	25,000 points
Wells Fargo Autograph	3x travel/dining/gas	$0	3x broad categories	20,000 points
Chase Sapphire Preferred	Premium flexible travel	$95	2x–5x travel/dining	60,000 points

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

Assuming you cruise once annually and spend $15,000 per year:

Category	Annual Spend	Reward Rate	Earned Value
Carnival cruise booking	$3,000	2x points	6,000 points ($60)
Onboard spending	$800	2x points	1,600 points ($16)
Groceries	$4,800	1x points	4,800 points ($48)
Dining & entertainment	$3,600	1x points	3,600 points ($36)
Gas & transportation	$2,400	1x points	2,400 points ($24)
All other purchases	$400	1x points	400 points ($4)
Welcome bonus (first year)	—	—	30,000 points ($300)

First Year Total Value: $488
Ongoing Annual Value: $188

No annual fee to subtract = $188 net annual value

For frequent cruisers sailing 2–3 times annually and spending $8,000+ on cruise bookings and onboard experiences, the cruise-specific rewards alone would generate $160–$240 in value annually, making this card significantly more valuable for dedicated cruise enthusiasts.

Strategic Value: The 0% APR for 6 months on cruise bookings allows you to finance a $3,000 cruise at $500/month interest-free, while earning 6,000 points ($60) in rewards—effectively reducing your cost to $2,940.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If...

• You cruise with Carnival or World's Leading Cruise Lines at least once per year
• You want 0% APR financing for 6 months on cruise bookings
• You appreciate no foreign transaction fees for international cruising
• You want to earn rewards redeemable for onboard credits and upgrades
• You always pay balances in full (or utilize the promotional 0% APR periods)
• You're planning a cruise and want the welcome bonus for onboard spending
• You value no annual fee rewards on cruise vacations
• You need a balance transfer card with 15 months at 0% intro APR
• You spend significantly onboard (specialty dining, excursions, spa services)
• You're loyal to Carnival and partner cruise lines

You Should Skip It If...

• You cruise less than once every 2–3 years (limited value)
• You prefer Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, or other non-partner cruise lines
• You want flexible cash back or travel rewards redeemable anywhere
• You need higher earning rates on everyday purchases (1x is basic)
• You're seeking premium travel benefits like lounge access or travel credits
• You want points that transfer to airline or hotel loyalty programs
• You carry credit card balances and will incur the high APR
• You prefer land-based vacations over cruising
• You're looking for a card with extensive purchase protection and travel insurance

Apply Now

Apply for Carnival Mastercard

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Information accurate as of December 2025. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information. Note: Carnival is launching a new Carnival Rewards program on June 1, 2026, which may affect card features and benefits.