Tilman Fertitta’s New Carnival Cruise Deal Has a Hidden Fee That Could Cost You $300 Extra
Attention, budget cruisers: Billionaire Tilman Fertitta just signed a massive deal to serve as the exclusive retail operator for Carnival Cruise Line’s new private island, Celebration Key. While this sounds like a splashy upgrade, consumer advocates warn that passengers are about to be nickel-and-dimed like never before. Fertitta’s kingdom—spanning restaurants, hotels, and casinos—thrives on getting you to spend more after you’ve already booked. The hidden catch? Reserving a simple beach cabana or a lobster dinner on the island now requires a mandatory QR code system that automatically adds an 18% service fee and a new "resort access" surcharge, which can push your total costs $300 higher than expected. Your wallet just got a lighter sail.