The main places to buy Carnival gift cards

You can buy a Carnival Cruise Line gift card directly from Carnival's website, by phone, or in person at a Carnival port terminal. The official Carnival site (carnival.com) lets you purchase digital or physical cards in amounts from $25 to $500. You can also call Carnival's customer service line to order by phone, and they will mail a physical card to you or email a digital version.

Retail chains including Target, Walmart, and Best Buy sell Carnival gift cards in their stores and online. These cards typically come in preset denominations like $50, $100, and $250. Costco and Sam's Club also carry Carnival cards if you have a membership. Availability varies by location and season, so calling ahead or checking the store's website before you visit saves a trip.

Third-party gift card marketplaces like Raise, CardCash, and Costco Travel sometimes list Carnival cards at a discount — usually 5 to 15 percent off face value. These sites connect buyers and sellers of unused cards. Prices fluctuate based on supply, and you should verify the card's balance before completing a purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • Carnival's official website and phone line sell gift cards in any amount from $25 to $500, with options for digital delivery or physical mail.
  • Major retailers including Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Costco, and Sam's Club stock Carnival cards in preset amounts, though availability depends on your location.
  • Discount marketplaces like Raise and CardCash sometimes offer cards at 5 to 15 percent below face value, but you should check the balance before buying.
  • Digital cards from Carnival arrive by email within minutes, while physical cards from retailers or Carnival take 5 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.

Buying directly from Carnival

The Carnival website has a dedicated gift card page where you choose the amount, recipient name, and delivery method. You can send the card to yourself or directly to the recipient. If you choose email delivery, the card arrives within minutes. Physical cards ordered through the website take 5 to 10 business days.

Calling Carnival's main customer service line (1-888-CARNIVAL) also works if you prefer to order by phone. A representative can process your order and answer questions about card terms — for example, whether the card covers gratuities or only the cruise fare itself. Carnival cards are typically good toward any cruise fare, cabin upgrades, or onboard purchases, but you should confirm the specific terms when you order.

Retail stores and warehouse clubs

Target and Walmart carry Carnival cards both in-store and online. In-store cards are usually on display near the customer service desk or in the gift card section. Online ordering through Target.com or Walmart.com ships to your home or allows in-store pickup. Prices are the same as the card's face value — no markup or discount.

Best Buy sells Carnival cards online and in many locations. Costco and Sam's Club members can find Carnival cards in the warehouse or order them through the membership websites. Warehouse clubs sometimes run promotions where you earn extra rewards points on gift card purchases, so it is worth checking their current offers if you are a member.

Discount gift card marketplaces

Raise, CardCash, and similar platforms let individuals sell unused gift cards. Carnival cards on these sites typically sell for 90 to 95 cents on the dollar — meaning a $100 card might sell for $85 to $95. Prices vary based on how many cards are listed and current demand. The discount is larger during slower travel seasons and smaller during peak booking periods.

When buying from a marketplace, check the seller's rating and read the card's terms. Some cards may have restrictions or a limited time to use them, though Carnival cards generally do not expire. Verify the card's balance on Carnival's website before you complete the purchase if the marketplace allows it. Most platforms hold your payment in escrow until you confirm the card works.

Digital versus physical cards

A digital card arrives by email and can be used when ready to book a cruise online. You receive a code that you enter at checkout on Carnival's website. Digital cards are best if you need the card quickly or prefer not to wait for mail delivery.

Physical cards come in a branded envelope and can be given as a gift in person. They take longer to arrive but feel more like a traditional gift. Some people prefer physical cards for special occasions because they can be wrapped or presented at a party. Both types work identically once they are activated — the recipient straightforward enters the card number and PIN at checkout.

What Carnival gift cards cover

Carnival gift cards pay toward the cruise fare, cabin upgrades, onboard dining packages, beverage packages, and shore excursions booked through Carnival. They do not cover gratuities (tips for crew members), which are typically charged separately at the end of the cruise. Some onboard purchases — like casino chips or certain specialty services — may not accept gift cards, so the recipient should ask at the relevant desk if they plan to use the card for something beyond the basic cruise.

The card balance does not expire, so the recipient can use it whenever they are ready to book. If the cruise costs more than the card's balance, the remaining amount can be paid with a credit card or another payment method at checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Carnival gift card to pay for someone else's cruise?

Yes. The person who books the cruise enters the gift card number at checkout, regardless of who purchased the card. The card does not need to be registered to a specific name. If you are buying the card as a gift, you can give the card number and PIN to the recipient, or they can use the physical card when they are ready to book.

What happens if I lose a Carnival gift card?

Contact Carnival's customer service with your card number and PIN. Carnival can freeze the card to prevent unauthorized use and issue a replacement if you have proof of purchase. Keep your receipt or confirmation email in case you need to report the card lost.

Do Carnival gift cards work on all cruise lines?

Carnival gift cards work only on Carnival Cruise Line voyages. They do not work on other cruise lines owned by Carnival Corporation, such as Princess Cruises or Holland America Line. If the recipient wants to cruise with a different line, you would need to purchase a gift card from that specific cruise line.

Can I return a Carnival gift card if I change my mind?

Carnival's return policy for gift cards varies depending on where you bought the card. Cards purchased directly from Carnival may be returnable within a certain period if unused. Cards bought from retailers like Target or Walmart follow that retailer's return policy. Check your receipt or contact the seller to confirm their specific terms.

Are there fees for Carnival gift cards?

Carnival does not charge a fee to purchase or use a gift card. Some third-party marketplaces charge a small fee when you sell a card, but buying a card from Carnival, retailers, or marketplaces does not incur a purchase fee. The price you see is what you pay.