The main places to buy Carnival gift cards

You can buy Carnival Cruise Line gift cards from Carnival's official website, by phone, at travel agencies, and at select retail stores. The official Carnival website (carnival.com) sells them directly in any amount from $25 to $500 per card. You can also call Carnival's customer service at 1-888-CARNIVAL (1-888-227-6482) to order by phone and have the card mailed or emailed to you.

Third-party retailers including Target, Walmart, and Best Buy carry Carnival gift cards in their physical stores and online. These cards typically come in preset denominations like $50, $100, and $250. Availability varies by location and season, so calling ahead or checking the store's website before you visit saves a trip.

Travel agencies that specialize in cruises often stock Carnival gift cards and can order them if they don't have them in stock. This route works well if you already have a travel agent you trust, since they can answer questions about how the card works with their booking process.

Key Takeaways

  • Carnival's official website and phone line (1-888-CARNIVAL) let you order gift cards in custom amounts from $25 to $500.
  • Retail stores like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy sell Carnival gift cards in preset amounts, usually $50, $100, or $250.
  • Gift cards purchased from any authorized seller work the same way and can be used toward any Carnival cruise booking.
  • Email delivery is available through Carnival's website if you need the gift card quickly, while mailed physical cards take 5 to 10 business days.

How to order directly from Carnival

Go to carnival.com and look for the "Gift Cards" link, usually found in the footer or under the "Plan Your Cruise" section. Select your card amount (you can choose any value between $25 and $500), add it to your cart, and proceed to checkout. You'll enter the recipient's name and your payment method.

At checkout, you choose whether to have the card emailed or mailed. Email delivery arrives within 24 hours and includes a message you can customize. Physical cards arrive in 5 to 10 business days in a branded envelope. If you're ordering as a gift and want to include a personal note, the mailed option gives you that flexibility.

Payment is accepted by credit card, debit card, or PayPal. There are no hidden fees — the price you see at checkout is what you pay. Carnival does not charge an set up fee or monthly maintenance fee on gift cards.

Buying from retail stores

Target and Walmart carry Carnival gift cards year-round in most locations. Check their websites or call the store directly to confirm they have the denomination you want in stock. Buying in-store means you walk out with the card when ready, which works well if you're giving it as a same-day gift.

Best Buy, Costco, and some grocery store chains also sell Carnival cards, though availability is less consistent than at Target or Walmart. Costco requires a membership to shop in-store, but you can order online if you have an account. Grocery chains like Kroger and Safeway sometimes carry them in their gift card sections, but this varies significantly by region.

Retail cards come in fixed amounts — usually $50, $100, $250, or $500 — so you cannot customize the exact value. Prices are the same whether you buy from Carnival directly or from a retailer, so choose based on convenience and how quickly you need the card.

Using your gift card for a cruise booking

When you book a cruise on carnival.com or by phone, you'll enter your gift card number during payment, just like a credit card. The card balance applies to your cruise fare first, then to any onboard charges you add during booking (like beverage packages or specialty dining). If your cruise costs more than the card balance, you pay the difference with another payment method.

Gift card balances do not expire and do not lose value over time. You can use one card across multiple bookings if the balance remains, or combine multiple cards toward a single cruise. If you lose the card number, Carnival can look it up using the original purchase receipt or email confirmation.

Gift cards work toward any Carnival cruise — there are no blackout dates or restrictions on ship, destination, or sailing date. The recipient can book whenever they want, as long as they have the card number and PIN (if one was issued).

Discounted gift cards from resale sites

Websites like Raise, CardCash, and Gift Card Granny buy and resell unused gift cards at a discount. You might find Carnival cards listed at 5 to 15 percent below face value, though availability changes daily and depends on what sellers have posted.

These sites are legitimate marketplaces, but they carry more risk than buying directly from Carnival or a major retailer. The card must be activated and have a valid balance when you receive it, but you are buying from a third party rather than the card issuer. Read the site's buyer protection policy before purchasing, and check the seller's rating and reviews.

If you find a discounted card, the savings are real — you pay less than face value and the recipient gets the full amount to spend. However, if something goes wrong with the card after purchase, your recourse depends on the resale site's policy, not Carnival's.

Gift card scams to avoid

Never buy Carnival gift cards from unknown sellers on social media, classified ads, or auction sites unless you can verify the card's balance before completing the purchase. Scammers sell cards with zero balance or cards that have already been used, and once you pay, the money is gone.

Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true — if a Carnival card is selling for 50 percent off face value on an unofficial site, it is likely counterfeit or already depleted. Stick to Carnival's official channels, major retailers, or established resale platforms with buyer protection.

If you receive a gift card and want to check the balance before using it, Carnival's website has a balance checker tool. Enter the card number and PIN to see exactly how much is available. This is especially useful if you bought from a resale site and want to confirm the card works before giving it as a gift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Carnival gift card with a discount?

Carnival itself does not offer discounts on gift cards. However, resale sites like Raise and CardCash sometimes list them at 5 to 15 percent below face value. These are legitimate but carry more risk than buying directly from Carnival or a major retailer. Always check the seller's rating and the site's buyer protection policy.

Do Carnival gift cards expire?

No. Carnival gift cards do not have an expiration date and do not lose value over time. You can use the balance whenever you want, across as many bookings as needed, until it is completely spent.

Can I use a Carnival gift card to pay for onboard charges like drinks or excursions?

The card balance applies to your cruise fare and any add-ons you purchase during booking, like beverage packages or specialty dining. Once you are onboard, you use your onboard account (linked to your room key) to charge drinks and excursions. You cannot directly swipe a gift card at the bar or gift shop.

What if I lose my gift card number?

Contact Carnival customer service at 1-888-CARNIVAL with your original purchase receipt or email confirmation. They can look up the card number and help you recover the balance. Keep your receipt or confirmation email in a safe place for this reason.

Can I combine multiple gift cards toward one cruise?

Yes. You can enter multiple gift card numbers during checkout, and the balances will stack toward your total cruise cost. If the combined balance exceeds the cruise price, the leftover amount stays on one of the cards for future use.