Frequently Asked Questions
General Product Information
What is a Carnival Gift Card?
The Carnival Gift Card is a pre-paid gift card similar to a gift certificate that can be used as payment toward a cruise booking on any of our ships*, pre-purchased shore excursion, spa experience or toward your onboard spending account. The gift card may be purchased online at carnival.ourgiftcards.com, directly onboard Carnival Cruise Line fleet operating within the US, or at approximately 9,000 retail locations; including Kroger, Giant Eagle, Hyvee, Price Chopper, Safeway, Meijer, Albertsons, Lowes, Winn Dixie, Office Max and Publix. Gift card may be redeemed online at www.carnival.com or directly onboard. It's more convenient than cash or a paper gift certificate. Gift Cards are not accepted on ships that sail with a functional onboard currency other than USD.
Are Carnival Gift Cards available in retail locations?
Yes, the Carnival Gift Card can be purchased in approximately 9,000 retail locations including Kroger, Giant Eagle, Hyvee, Price Chopper, Safeway, Meijer, Albertsons, Lowes, Winn Dixie Office Max, Publix.
Can anyone use my Carnival Gift Card?
Yes. Because your name does not appear on the card, you may use it yourself or give it to anyone you choose.
May I purchase a Carnival Gift Card by phone?
No, the Carnival Gift Card cannot be purchased by phone – they can only be purchased online at carnival.ourgiftcards.com, onboard Carnival Cruise Line ships as well as at approximately 9,000 retail locations. Gift Cards are not accepted on ships that sail with a functional onboard currency other than USD.
Are there any discounts or other incentives offered with the purchase or use of the Carnival Gift Card?
No, not at this time. Discounts are posted on carnival.ourgiftcards.com whenever available.
What happens to the existing gift certificate dollars?
Effective December 5th, 2012, the Fun Ship Dollar and Scrip Dollar certificate programs will be discontinued. All certificates purchased prior to December 5th, 2012 will be honored and processed accordingly.
Can I redeem a Carnival Gift Card as payment toward an existing booking?
Yes. Payment is accepted on carnival.com, GoCCL.com or by calling 1-800-CARNIVAL. The Carnival gift card may also be redeemed toward the guest Sail and Sign once the cardholder embarks a Carnival ship for their cruise vacation experience.
Is the Carnival Gift Card available in multiple currencies?
The Carnival Gift Card is only available in USD. Gift Cards are not accepted on ships that sail with a functional onboard currency other than USD.
Reload Information
What happens when the total card value is used? Should I throw the card away?
Once you run out of funds on the Carnival gift card, you may not add additional funds. The card may then be discarded.
Can I add funds to my Carnival Gift Card online?
You may not add funds to your Gift Card online as the gift card is not reloadable.
Denominations
How do I use the Carnival Gift Card?
The Carnival Gift Card is simple to use — it may be applied online (at www.carnival.com) as payment toward a cruise reservation, pre-purchased shore excursion using the 16 digit card number, or the gift card can be redeemed onboard as payment toward an Onboard Sail and Sign account. Gift Cards are not accepted on ships that sail with a functional onboard currency other than USD.
Where can I use the Carnival Gift Card?
It may be used online at www.carnival.com or onboard our ships. (Gift Cards are not accepted on ships that sail with a functional onboard currency other than USD)
Can I use/redeem my Carnival Gift Card Online?
You may use your Carnival Gift Card online to make purchases toward a cruise reservation when you book on line.
Are Carnival Gift Cards sold in specific denominations?
The Gift Card offers flexibility in denomination value. A Gift Card may be purchased for a minimum value of $100.00 up to a maximum as large as a $1,000.00 balance on the Gift Card, so it's the gift that can keep on giving.
Where to Purchase
Where can I purchase a Carnival Gift Card?
Gift Cards may be purchased online at carnival.ourgiftcards.com or onboard the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, at Cherry On Top & Special Occasions (Gift Cards are not accepted on ships that sail with a functional onboard currency other than USD) as well as through over 9,000 retail locations across the United States.
Method of Payments and Limits
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diner's Club, JCB and CUP. We do not accept merchandise credits as a form of payment when purchasing a Gift Card.
Are there any limits on the number of cards that can be purchased?
The Gift Card offers flexibility. You may buy as many Gift Cards as you like, as often as you like. The maximum cards purchased in a single online transaction are 5 gift cards. You may purchase a Gift Card for a minimum of $100.00 and carry as large as a $1,000.00 working balance on the Gift Card.
Are checks and/or cash acceptable forms of payment to purchase a gift card?
No. Only credit cards and debit cards are acceptable forms of payment.
Using a Gift Card to Purchase Another Gift Card
Can a Carnival Gift Card be used to purchase another Carnival Gift Card?
No, a Carnival Gift Card cannot be used to purchase another Carnival Gift Card.
Can I use a non Carnival gift card (American Express, Visa gift card etc.) to purchase the Carnival gift card?
Yes.
Consolidating Gift Card Balance
Can I consolidate my Carnival Gift Cards onto one Carnival Gift Card?
No, you may not consolidate your Carnival Gift Cards onto one Gift Card.
Number of Cards Allowed on One Transaction
How many Carnival Gift Cards can I use during one transaction/purchase?
On carnival.ourgiftcards.com, you can place an order for up to 5 Gift Cards in one payment transaction; you may redeem multiple Gift Cards per transaction (9 cards per session).
Telephone and Online Orders
May I purchase a Carnival Gift Card by phone?
No, the Carnival Gift Card cannot be purchased by phone -- they can only be purchased online at carnival.ourgiftcards.com or onboard our Carnival Cruise Line fleet (excluding Carnival Spirit based in Australia) as well as through over 9,000 retail locations across the United States. Carnival Gift cards cannot be redeemed on Carnival ships based in Australia.
Can I purchase a Carnival Cruise Line Gift Card online?
Yes, you can purchase a Gift Card online at carnival.ourgiftcards.com
Can I use a gift card as tender for a phone order?
Yes, you may use a gift card as tender for phone orders as it relates to payment for a cruise reservation only.
Can I use my Carnival Gift Card online to make purchases?
Yes, you can use the Gift Card to make purchases online toward a cruise reservation.
Dormancy Fees
Will any Service or Dormancy Fees be charged to my Carnival Gift Card?
No, there are no dormancy or service fees currently assessed to any Carnival Cruise Line gift card.
Expiration Policy
Does my gift card expire?
Standard Gift Cards have no expiration date. Promotional Gift Cards may carry an expiration date which will be printed on the front of the Gift Card.
Cash Back, Card Returns, And Return of Merchandise
Can I receive a refund on funds I have placed in my Carnival Cruise Line Gift Card?
No, Gift Cards are not refundable or redeemable for cash, except where required by law. Gift Cards are redeemable for cruise reservation or onboard spending only, and there is no cash back.
Can I receive a refund on any unused portion of the Carnival Gift Card amount that was applied towards my Sail and Sign account while onboard?
Any unused portion or overage of the Gift Card that was applied toward your Sail and Sign account will be issued in the form of another Carnival Gift Card.
Can I return an item purchased using a Carnival Gift Card?
Yes, Gift Cards are not refundable or redeemable for cash, except where required by law. Return the item along with the receipt and the purchase value will be credited to a new Carnival Gift Card.
What is the Carnival Gift Card Return Policy?
Once activated, Gift Cards may not be returned or resold; resale or attempted resale is grounds for seizure and cancellation of the Gift Card without compensation. Gift Cards are not refundable or redeemable for cash, except where required by law.
Gift Card Transaction Disputes
I'm certain my Gift Card balance is incorrect - can you review the transactions on the card with me?
Yes, customer service has access to review transactions with you. Please contact 1-866-270-1064.
I didn't make that transaction - can the amount be credited back to my card?
Yes, we will process an adjustment to your card's total balance within 48 hours; customer service has access to review transactions with you. Please contact 1-866-270-1064.
I made a purchase online, the order did not go through however; the funds were removed from my card. What do I do?
Customer service has access to review transactions with you. Please contact 1-866-270-1064. If an error is found, we will process an adjustment to your card's total balance within 48 hours.
If I have questions regarding my gift card transactions, who would I contact?
You will need to contact customer service who has access to review gift card transactions. The contact phone number for the Gift Card Fulfillment line is 1-866-270-1064 and a representative will assist them.
Lost or Stolen Cards or Damaged Cards
I lost my Carnival Gift Card / my Gift Card was stolen, but I have the Gift Card number. Can you cancel or replace the card?
No, the Gift Card is just like cash. Unfortunately, if the card is lost or used without your permission, we are unable to cancel or replace it. If you do have the Gift Card number, you can still redeem the card value online at www.carnival.com
My card doesn't work. What do I do?
Contact customer service at 1 866 270 1064.
My card no longer works. Can it be replaced?
No, lost, stolen or damaged Gift Cards will not be replaced; you can still redeem the card value online at www.carnival.com using the 16 digit card number or directly onboard toward an Onboard Sail & Sign account.
Additional Questions
Once I purchase my gift card online, how long will it take for me to receive it?
The shipping options are regular US mail (approximately 7 business days within the US) at no cost; priority 3-5 business days or 2 business days shipping (Excluding weekends and holidays).At this time, International guests are not able to purchase a physical gift card
Can I apply my gift card towards my booking as an onboard credit prior to embarking the ship?
No, to apply your gift card as an onboard credit, you must do so onboard at one of the Sail & Sign kiosks or at the Guest Services Desk.
Is there a cut-off time to purchase a Carnival Gift card prior to sailing?
No, since you have the option to purchase an e-card, you may purchase an e-gift card up to the day of sailing.
Can the travel agent use gift cards on GoCCL.com?
Yes, there is an option to select Gift Card as payment type on GoCCL.com
Does the gift card have an expiration date? If so, what happens once the card expires?
Standard gift cards have no expiration dates. Promotional gift cards may carry an expiration date which will be printed on the front of the gift card. In such cases, after the expiration date any unused portion is lost.
If I apply my gift card on carnival.com for an amount that is greater than the available balance, will I receive an alert message?
When applying gift card payments on carnival.com, an automated process checks both the available balance on the card as well as the pending amount to be paid. You will be shown the amount(s) to be charged to your gift card(s) before submitting the payment transaction.
Can gift cards be applied towards the deposit?
Yes, gift cards are a form of payment and can be used towards deposit and final payment. Gift card payment is currently accepted on carnival.com on the payment page when creating a new booking.
Can I use my eGift Card for payment on my existing cruise?
Yes, an eGift Card is the same as the physical gift card. It can be used as payment towards a cruise booking or applied as OBC onboard once you board the ship.
Can I use my Gift Card to set-up my onboard spending (Sail and Sign) account?
No, you must use cash or a credit card to establish your onboard spending account. The gift card can then be applied towards your onboard spending account at the Guest Services desk.
Can I use cash onboard to purchase a gift card?
Yes, you can use cash to purchase gift cards at the Guest Services desk.
Could Travel agent purchase a Carnival Gift Card for a guest to use towards the balance due on their cruise? Will this violates Carnival`s Pricing Policy?
Travel agent could buy a gift card for a guest but this gift card could not be used as an incentive to buy a cruise from them (either advertised or unadvertised) as this breaks Carnival Pricing Policy. They could buy a gift card as a Thank you for buying a cruise or as a B-day gift for a loyal customer etc., but not as an incentive to buy the cruise (the rationale is that this is a cash equivalent and is seen essentially as rebating the price of the cruise).
Which shipping service is used for 2day mail for gift cards?
We are using USPS Priority and FedEx for the expedited service.
What is the Gift Card tin?
The Gift Card tin provides you the opportunity to "gift wrap" a Carnival Gift Card at an additional charge of $1.99. Orders including gift card tins can be delivered to only one address and must be via expedited shipping. At least ONE Gift Card must be purchased to order a Gift Card Tin; the total order of Gift Card Tins cannot exceed the maximum number of gift cards ordered.
- Minimum 1 and maximum 5 cards per order.
- Carnival Gift Card Tins are available for $1.99 each.
- Orders including Tins can be delivered to only one address must be via expedited shipping.
- Your total order of Gift Card Tins cannot exceed the maximum number of gift cards ordered.
- You must order at least ONE Gift Card to order a Gift Card Tin.