Let's talk Carnival Gift Cards

[angela12345]

Here's a tip ... I called and had the Carnival agent apply one of the $500 gift cards to my currently booked cruise, which I had only paid the $500 deposit so far. Then I had them credit the $500 for the deposit that we had originally paid as a refund back to our Amex card. Still leaves a balance of $500 paid so far, but now paid using the gift card, rather than our Amex.

[ski_mom]

[quote name='angela12345']Here's a tip ... I called and had the Carnival agent apply one of the $500 gift cards to my currently booked cruise, which I had only paid the $500 deposit so far. Then I had them credit the $500 for the deposit that we had originally paid as a refund back to our Amex card. Still leaves a balance of $500 paid so far, but now paid using the gift card, rather than our Amex.[/quote]


Do you know if you could do that if the cruise has been paid in full (because it's past the final payment date)?

I'm guessing no, but just wondered if anyone has any experience with this?

Also, can you add your gratuities to your account online and then apply the gift cards to that, or do you need to call? I looked around on my account and can't find anyway to do it, but I often overlook the obvious!

Thanks for any help!

[beachbum53]

[quote name='mitsugirly']Although I used all of mine (and then some on my cc) when we went, I was told multiple times on here that if you don't use all of it by the end of the cruise, you can go to customer service and get the rest back in cash.[/quote]

If you look on the gift card, I believe it says something to the effect that the card cannot be exchanged for cash. I don't have one in front of me, so I'm not sure about the exact wording. If you've applied gift cards on you S&S account, and have anything left over at the end of your cruise, Carnival will mail you a gift card with the balance due on it. You will not get cash (or a check) back.

[dioxide45]

[quote name='beachbum53']If you look on the gift card, I believe it says something to the effect that the card cannot be exchanged for cash. I don't have one in front of me, so I'm not sure about the exact wording. If you've applied gift cards on you S&S account, and have anything left over at the end of your cruise, Carnival will mail you a gift card with the balance due on it. You will not get cash (or a check) back.[/QUOTE]

This is what is supposed to happen. But that isn't always the case. Some people have reported receiving a check back after their cruise for the credit remaining. Others have reported being able to pull cash at the casino or even a guest services. Just because the T&C indicate such, doesn't mean that is what actually happens in practice.

[mamashanks]

I recently got the new Discover It credit card which offers 5% cash back bonus (up to a spending limit of $1500 - then the cash back rate drops to 1%) on different categories every three months. For the months July, Aug & Sept. the categories are Department stores and Home improvement stores. I just purchased my $1500 worth of Carnival gift cards at Lowes' Home Improvement and will get my 5% reward next month & at the end of one year they double ALL the cash back bonuses you earned for your first 12 months with the card.

It all adds up :-)