Carnival Cruise gift cards are sold through four main channels
You can buy Carnival Cruise gift cards directly from Carnival, through major retailers, online marketplaces, and some travel agencies. The most straightforward route is Carnival's own website or calling their sales line, but retail stores often have them in stock if you need one the same day. Each channel has different denominations available, and some offer bonus onboard credit during promotional periods.
The card itself works like a prepaid account: you load money onto it, give it to someone, and they use it to pay for a cruise fare or onboard expenses. Unlike some gift cards, Carnival cards don't expire and can be transferred between people, which makes them flexible for group trips or if plans change.
Key Takeaways
- Carnival sells gift cards directly through their website (carnival.com) and by phone at 1-800-CARNIVAL, with denominations starting at $25.
- Retail chains including Walmart, Target, and Best Buy stock physical Carnival gift cards in their gift card sections, usually in $25 to $250 denominations.
- Online retailers like Amazon and eBay sell both new and discounted Carnival cards, though you should verify the seller's rating before purchasing.
- Travel agencies sometimes offer Carnival cards as part of group bookings or loyalty programs, occasionally with bonus onboard credit attached.
- Carnival gift cards do not expire and can be used for cruise fares, deposits, or onboard spending once the recipient boards the ship.
Buying directly from Carnival
Carnival's official website (carnival.com) has a dedicated gift card section where you can choose the amount and delivery method. You can buy e-gift cards that arrive by email within minutes, or physical cards that ship to an address. Physical cards take 5 to 10 business days to arrive, so plan ahead if you need it by a specific date.
You can also call Carnival's sales team at 1-800-CARNIVAL (1-800-227-6482) to order over the phone. They can answer questions about current promotions—Carnival occasionally runs offers where you buy a $100 card and receive $20 in bonus onboard credit, for example. Phone orders are processed the same day if you call before 5 p.m. Eastern time.
Buying from Carnival directly guarantees the card is legitimate and gives you access to their customer service if there's a problem. The downside is that retail stores sometimes run their own promotions that Carnival's website does not advertise.
Retail stores that carry Carnival gift cards
Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Kroger all stock Carnival Cruise gift cards in their physical locations and online. These are usually found in the gift card aisle or at the customer service desk. Denominations typically range from $25 to $250, though some stores may have higher amounts available by special order.
The advantage of buying at a retail store is speed: you walk out with the card the same day, and you can see the exact denomination before you buy. Some stores also offer bonus rewards points when you purchase gift cards—for example, Target's RedCard holders sometimes earn extra points on gift card purchases. Check your store's current promotions before you buy.
Availability varies by location. Not every Walmart or Target carries every brand of gift card, so call ahead or check the store's website to confirm Carnival cards are in stock. During peak cruise season (summer and holidays), cards may sell out faster.
Online marketplaces and discount sellers
Amazon and eBay both list Carnival gift cards, including both new cards sold by authorized retailers and discounted cards sold by individuals. Discounted cards are sometimes available at 5 to 15 percent below face value, though the discount varies depending on demand and the seller's inventory.
If you buy from a third-party seller on Amazon or eBay, check their feedback rating carefully. Look for sellers with hundreds of reviews and a 98 percent or higher positive rating. Read recent reviews specifically about gift cards to see if buyers received working codes promptly. Avoid sellers with complaints about codes not working or delayed delivery.
Amazon also sells Carnival e-gift cards directly through its gift card section, which arrive by email and carry Amazon's buyer protection. This is safer than buying from a third-party seller if you're concerned about fraud, though the price is usually face value rather than discounted.
Travel agencies and group booking options
Travel agencies that specialize in cruises sometimes sell Carnival gift cards as part of group bookings or loyalty programs. If you're booking a group cruise, your travel agent may offer gift cards to group members at a discount or with bonus onboard credit included. This is most common for groups of 8 or more cabins.
Some agencies also participate in Carnival's partner programs, which occasionally include promotional gift card offers. If you work with a travel agent regularly, ask whether they have current promotions on Carnival cards. You won't always find better pricing this way, but the bonus onboard credit can add real value.
Travel agencies typically require you to order in advance, so this option works best if you're planning ahead rather than buying a last-minute gift.
How to use a Carnival gift card once you have it
The recipient can use the card to pay for a cruise fare when booking online at carnival.com, over the phone, or through a travel agent. They enter the card number and PIN (for physical cards) or the code sent via email (for e-gift cards) at checkout, just like a credit card.
If the card balance doesn't cover the full cruise cost, they can combine it with another payment method—a credit card, another gift card, or a deposit. The card can also be used to pay a deposit on a future cruise and then used again later for onboard spending.
Once onboard, the recipient can use any remaining balance at restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment venues. They link the card to their SeaPass account (Carnival's onboard ID card) so they don't have to carry the physical card around the ship.
Things to watch for when buying
Never buy from sellers offering cards at prices that seem too good to be true—significantly discounted cards sometimes don't work or have been reported as stolen. Stick to authorized retailers, Carnival directly, or highly-rated sellers on established marketplaces.
Check the card's terms before you buy. Carnival gift cards don't expire and can be transferred, but some third-party sellers may attach their own restrictions. Read the fine print on the product listing to confirm there are no hidden fees or time limits.
If you're buying an e-gift card, make sure you have the recipient's email address correct before checkout. Carnival will send the code to that address, and if it's wrong, you'll need to contact customer service to have it resent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Carnival gift cards expire?
No. Carnival gift cards do not have an expiration date. The recipient can use the balance whenever they book a cruise or spend it onboard, even years after you buy the card. This makes them a flexible gift for someone who isn't sure when they'll cruise next.
Can I buy a Carnival gift card for a specific dollar amount, or are there set denominations?
Retail stores and Carnival's website offer set denominations ($25, $50, $100, $250, and sometimes higher). If you want a custom amount, call Carnival directly at 1-800-CARNIVAL and they can create a card for any dollar value you choose.
What's the difference between an e-gift card and a physical gift card?
An e-gift card arrives by email within minutes and is delivered as a code the recipient enters online. A physical card ships to an address and takes 5 to 10 business days. Both work the same way once redeemed. E-gift cards are faster if you're buying last-minute; physical cards are better if you want to wrap something tangible.
Can I return or exchange a Carnival gift card if I change my mind?
Carnival's return policy for gift cards varies. Contact Carnival customer service at 1-800-CARNIVAL to ask about your specific situation. If you bought the card from a retail store, check that store's return policy—some retailers allow returns on unused gift cards within a certain timeframe.
What happens if a gift card is lost or the code doesn't work?
If a physical card is lost, contact Carnival with your receipt and they can issue a replacement. If an e-gift code doesn't work, contact Carnival when ready with the email confirmation of your purchase. Keep your receipt either way—it's your proof of purchase and helps Carnival replace a lost or damaged card.