Carnival Cruise sells gift cards through multiple channels

You can buy Carnival Cruise gift cards directly from Carnival's website, by phone, or in person at a Carnival port terminal. The company also sells them through major retailers including Target, Walmart, and Best Buy, both online and in stores. Some travel agencies that book Carnival cruises also carry them. The gift card amount you choose is the amount the recipient can spend on their cruise — there are no hidden fees or expiration dates on the card itself, though Carnival's terms of service govern how long you have to use it.

The easiest route for most people is Carnival's official website, where you can select the dollar amount, add a personal message, and have it delivered by email or physical mail. If you need a gift card the same day, buying in person at a retail store like Target or Walmart is faster than waiting for shipping.

Key Takeaways

  • Carnival's official website lets you buy gift cards in any amount and send them by email or mail with a personal message.
  • Target, Walmart, and Best Buy sell Carnival gift cards in preset denominations, usually $25 to $500, both in stores and online.
  • Calling Carnival directly at 1-888-CARNIVAL (1-888-227-6482) lets you order a gift card by phone and have it mailed to you.
  • Travel agencies that book Carnival cruises often sell gift cards as part of their services.
  • Carnival gift cards do not expire and can be used toward any cruise fare, onboard purchases, or port excursions.

Buying directly from Carnival's website

Go to Carnival.com and look for the "Gift Cards" link, usually in the footer or under the main navigation menu. You can choose any dollar amount between $25 and $5,000. Enter the recipient's name and email address if you want it sent digitally, or provide a mailing address for a physical card. You can add a custom message that prints on the card or appears in the email.

Digital delivery arrives within minutes, so this is the fastest option if the recipient needs the card right away. Physical cards take 5 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. Carnival charges no additional fee for the gift card itself — you pay only the face value of the card.

Buying at retail stores

Target, Walmart, and Best Buy stock Carnival gift cards in their gift card sections, either near the checkout or in a dedicated gift card aisle. These cards come in preset amounts — typically $25, $50, $100, $250, and $500. You pay the face value at checkout, just like any other gift card.

The advantage of buying at a retail store is speed: you walk out with the card the same day. The disadvantage is that you are limited to the denominations the store stocks. If you need a specific amount like $175 or $1,000, the Carnival website gives you more flexibility. Online retailers like Amazon also sell Carnival gift cards, though delivery times vary.

Ordering by phone from Carnival

Call Carnival's main reservations line at 1-888-CARNIVAL (1-888-227-6482) and ask to purchase a gift card. A representative can process your order over the phone and mail the card to an address you provide. This method works well if you prefer not to use a website or want to speak with someone directly.

Phone orders typically take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. Have your payment method ready — Carnival accepts major credit cards. You can also ask the representative about any current promotions on gift cards, though these are rare.

Using a travel agency

Travel agencies that specialize in Carnival cruises often sell gift cards as part of their booking services. If you already work with a travel agent for your own cruise, ask whether they sell gift cards. Some agencies offer them at face value, while others may bundle them with booking incentives.

This route is most useful if you are already planning a cruise and want to buy a gift card for someone else at the same time. Travel agents can also answer questions about how the gift card works on a specific cruise itinerary.

What you need to know before buying

Carnival gift cards have no expiration date, so the recipient can use them whenever they book a cruise. The card can be applied toward the cruise fare itself, onboard purchases (food, drinks, entertainment, spa services), or port excursions booked through Carnival. If the recipient's cruise costs less than the card value, the remaining balance stays on the card for future use.

The card is not reloadable — once purchased, you cannot add more money to it. If the recipient loses the card, Carnival can replace it if you have the original purchase receipt and card number. Gift cards cannot be refunded for cash, though they can be transferred to another person if the original recipient does not use them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Carnival gift card for a specific cruise date?

No, gift cards are not tied to a specific cruise. The recipient can use the card toward any Carnival cruise they book, at any time. The card value is straightforward credited to their account when they use it at checkout.

What happens if the cruise costs more than the gift card amount?

The recipient pays the difference out of pocket. For example, if the card is worth $500 and the cruise costs $1,200, they pay the remaining $700 themselves. The gift card covers part of the total cost.

Can I return or exchange a Carnival gift card?

Carnival does not refund gift cards for cash or exchange them for other denominations. Once purchased, the card can only be used toward Carnival cruises and onboard services. If unused, it can be given to someone else.

Do Carnival gift cards work for group bookings?

Yes, the gift card can be applied to a group cruise booking just like an individual booking. The recipient should mention the gift card when contacting Carnival or a travel agent to book their group cruise.

Is there a difference between buying a gift card online versus in a store?

No — the card works the same way regardless of where you buy it. The main differences are delivery speed (when ready email delivery from Carnival's website versus same-day pickup at a retail store) and denomination options (any amount online, preset amounts in stores).