NOT a good deal.

We're frequent cruisers, and have followed this industry as well as the airlines.

MBNA used to sponsor the Carnival Cruise card. There was a clean percentage of $ spent applied to cruise travel. Points gave you an upgrade or a $500 or $800 voucher (good as cash) against any Carnival cruise booking. You booked anywhere you wanted. Great plan -- probably too great, as it was discontinued.

They replaced it with other plans which I immediately rejected. They are marketing gimmicks. Here's why......

Your local mom & pop travel agency receives an average of 10% of the cruise fare (not including port charges) as commission. As total yearly volume increases, agencies can make 15% or more with designated lines. Most "800" number shops, or high volume Internet sellers, achieve this tier easily. Since they don't supply personalized service, they very frequently discount their prices by rebating commission. (I'm not knocking these organizations -- most are very good). So a high volume dealer can rebate 5%, and still make as much as a local agency.

Based on MBNA's formula, you're receiving just under a 3% rebate. My GM card gives me 5% back towards a car AND their cruise marketing partner will give 5% back on cruises. A much better deal.

I choose to use my trusted cruise-only travel agency, and I don't receive a rebate. But I use my AA Citibank card and get miles.

Shop around.

Hope this helps.

[This message has been edited by Fly63 (edited 09-06-2002).]

[This message has been edited by Fly63 (edited 09-06-2002).]