American Express Travel Related Services Co., New York, said that Carnival Cruise Lines, the largest cruise company in the world, will once again accept the American Express Card. In addition, the cruise line has been named a preferred supplier for American Express' U.S. travel agencies.
Carnival had discontinued acceptance of the charge card in late 1989, due to high merchant fees, among other things. But, according to Carnival president bob Dickinson, several factors induced the line to reexamine its position.
Over the past five years, the premium for the American Express Card narrowed as other card fees increased, he said. In addition, American Express travel agencies are placing an increasing emphasis on cruises.
Carnival continues its strong ties to Visa U.S.A. MBNA Corp. issues the Carnival Cruise Lines Visa card and Carnival is one of four partners in Visa's Reward Program, currently offering all Visa cardholders discounts on vacation packages.
David Brancoli of Visa said the Carnival is one of 11 million merchants that accept Visa, and "millions of those merchants still refuse to take American Express because of the high prices it charges.
