Carnival Casino Points Convert to Onboard Credit, Not Free Cruises
Carnival does not offer free cruises directly through casino points. Instead, you earn Carnival Rewards points when you gamble at the casino onboard, and those points convert to onboard credit—money you can spend on drinks, dining, shore excursions, or cabin upgrades during that same cruise or future ones. The conversion rate is typically one point per dollar spent at the casino, though promotions sometimes offer bonus points.
If you are looking to reduce the cost of a cruise ticket itself, casino points are not the path. Onboard credit only covers expenses once you are already on the ship. However, if you want to stretch your cruise budget by covering some of your onboard spending, understanding how points accumulate and convert is useful.
Key Takeaways
- Carnival casino points convert to onboard credit at a rate of roughly one point per dollar spent gambling, not to free cruise fares.
- You earn points only while gambling at the casino during your cruise; points do not carry over between different cruises in most cases.
- Onboard credit from casino points can be used for beverages, specialty dining, excursions, and cabin upgrades but not for the initial cruise fare.
- Carnival occasionally runs promotions that award bonus points or higher conversion rates, so checking the casino desk when you board can reveal current offers.
How Casino Points Accumulate During Your Cruise
When you visit the casino onboard, you swipe your Carnival Rewards card at slot machines or table games. Each dollar you wager earns one point, which is tracked in real time on your account. The points appear in your onboard account balance, and you can check your total at the casino desk or through the Carnival Hub app.
Points accumulate only during the cruise itself. Once the cruise ends and you disembark, your points are converted to onboard credit and added to your account. That credit then sits in your Carnival Rewards account and can be used on a future cruise, or you can request it be applied to your next booking before you sail.
Converting Points to Onboard Credit
The standard conversion is one casino point equals one dollar of onboard credit. So if you gamble $500 at the casino, you receive $500 in onboard credit. This credit is not cash—you cannot withdraw it or use it off the ship—but it covers most onboard purchases: specialty restaurants, beverage packages, spa services, casino chips, and paid excursions booked through Carnival.
Onboard credit does not cover your cabin fare, gratuities, or certain fees like internet packages in some cases. Check your cruise documents or ask at the guest services desk to confirm what your specific onboard credit can be applied toward.
Promotions and Bonus Point Offers
Carnival runs periodic promotions at the casino that increase point earnings. These might include "double points" days, bonus points for playing specific games, or higher conversion rates during certain sailings. The casino desk posts these offers when you board, and they are sometimes announced in your pre-cruise documents.
Loyalty tier status within the Carnival Rewards program can also affect point earning. Higher tiers may earn points at a faster rate or receive bonus multipliers. If you cruise frequently, ask the casino host about your tier benefits when you visit the casino.
What You Can Buy With Onboard Credit
Onboard credit functions like a prepaid account for shipboard expenses. You can use it at specialty dining restaurants (beyond the main dining room), bars and lounges, the spa, fitness classes, photos, casino chips, shore excursions booked through Carnival, and gift shop purchases. Some beverage packages can also be purchased with onboard credit.
You cannot use onboard credit to pay your cabin deposit, port fees, or gratuities added to your final bill. Those charges are separate. However, if you have leftover onboard credit after your cruise, it remains in your Carnival Rewards account and carries forward to your next sailing.
Earning Points Without Gambling
If you do not gamble, you still earn Carnival Rewards points through other onboard activities. Dining at specialty restaurants, purchasing beverages, booking excursions, and using spa services all earn points at varying rates. You also earn points for booking future cruises through Carnival's website or calling their reservations line.
These non-casino points accumulate in the same Carnival Rewards account and can be redeemed for onboard credit on future cruises. The earning rate is slower than casino points, but it is an option if you prefer not to gamble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do casino points expire?
Casino points earned during a cruise are converted to onboard credit when you disembark, and that credit does not expire as long as you sail with Carnival at least once every three years. If you do not cruise within that window, your account may be closed and credits forfeited. Check your Carnival Rewards account for the exact expiration date of your credit.
Can I use casino points on a different cruise line?
No. Carnival casino points and onboard credit are valid only on Carnival Cruise Line ships. They cannot be transferred to other cruise lines or used for non-cruise purchases.
What if I lose my Carnival Rewards card during the cruise?
Report it to the guest services desk when ready. They can issue a replacement card linked to your account, and your casino points will transfer to the new card. Your onboard credit is tied to your account, not the physical card, so you will not lose your balance.
Can I cash out my casino points instead of using them onboard?
No. Casino points must convert to onboard credit and can only be spent on the ship or applied to future cruise bookings. Carnival does not offer cash redemption for casino points.
How do I check my casino points balance?
Visit the casino desk during your cruise, or log into the Carnival Hub app on your phone. Your points and onboard credit balance update in real time. You can also ask any casino staff member to check your balance for you.