Buying gift cards can seem like a straightforward way to save money or give a thoughtful present. However, my recent experience purchasing Royal Caribbean Gift Cards through AARP has been anything but smooth, leading me to explore legal options and question both AARP and Royal Caribbean’s practices.
Initially drawn by the AARP offer, I purchased Royal Caribbean gift cards, expecting a seamless process similar to past experiences with other cruise lines like Carnival. Unfortunately, this was not the case. Upon attempting to redeem these Royal Caribbean gift cards, I encountered significant hurdles. AARP customer service informed me they couldn’t process a refund, directing me to Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean, in turn, stated they couldn’t refund because the gift cards were purchased through a third party – AARP. This frustrating back-and-forth left me feeling trapped and with no immediate solution.
The core issue seems to stem from deceptive marketing surrounding these “gift cards.” They are not traditional gift certificates redeemable directly through Royal Caribbean’s website, unlike those marketed directly by Royal Caribbean on sites like www.royalcaribbeancertificates.com. In fact, a Royal Caribbean employee clarified that these AARP-purchased cards are more akin to “corporate cards” or discount coupons with different redemption procedures. This distinction, while perhaps technically accurate, is not made clear during the purchasing process on the AARP website, leading to considerable confusion.
My previous positive experiences purchasing Carnival gift cards through AARP only heightened my surprise and disappointment with the Royal Caribbean offering. The Carnival process was transparent and easy, setting a positive expectation that was completely unmet by the Royal Caribbean experience.
Resolution and Lessons Learned
Despite the initial frustration, there was a positive turn. After disputing the charge with my credit card company and reaching out to my online travel agency, a resolution was found. My travel agent contacted Royal Caribbean using a specific email address and successfully applied the gift card value to my existing cruise reservation balance. Crucially, this application did not negatively impact my original booking.
While this situation was ultimately resolved, it has left me with a strong sense of caution. I will not be purchasing these Royal Caribbean gift cards again and will approach all future AARP offers with increased scrutiny.
A Call for Transparency
AARP has a responsibility to its members to ensure the products and services marketed on its platform are clearly and accurately represented. In the case of these Royal Caribbean gift cards, a much more prominent disclaimer is necessary. The current marketing is misleading and sets a trap for consumers who reasonably expect a straightforward gift card transaction. Clearer communication is essential to prevent others from experiencing similar frustration and confusion.
