Who Sells Carnival Cruise Line Gift Cards and Where to Buy Them

Carnival Cruise Line gift cards are officially sold by Carnival’s website, major retailers like Walmart and Target, and select online marketplaces such as Amazon. You can also find them at grocery stores, drugstores, and gift card kiosks in shopping malls, especially during peak travel seasons. Always buy from trusted sellers to avoid scams and ensure your gift card is valid and fully loaded.

Key Takeaways

• Buy directly: Purchase Carnival gift cards on Carnival.com with no fees or restrictions.
• Retail partners: Major retailers like Walmart and Target sell Carnival gift cards in-store and online.
• Third-party sites: Use Amazon or GiftCardGranny for discounts but verify seller legitimacy first.
• Check denominations: Cards range from $25–$500; confirm options at your chosen seller.
• Corporate sales: Bulk orders available via Carnival’s dedicated business gifting program.

Who Sells Carnival Cruise Line Gift Cards and Where to Buy Them

Imagine this: You’re sipping a tropical drink under the Caribbean sun, the ocean breeze gently ruffling your hair, and all around you, laughter and music fill the air. That’s the magic of a Carnival Cruise—an escape from the everyday, a chance to unwind, explore, and make unforgettable memories. But what if you could give that experience to someone else? That’s where Carnival Cruise Line gift cards come in. They’re not just a present; they’re a promise of adventure, relaxation, and pure fun. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or just because, a gift card lets your loved ones choose their dream cruise, from the destination to the stateroom.

But here’s the real question: Where do you actually buy these gift cards? It’s not always as simple as walking into your local store and grabbing one off the rack. Some retailers carry them, others don’t, and some online platforms might surprise you. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every reliable place to purchase Carnival Cruise Line gift cards—online, in-store, and through third-party sellers—so you can find the best option for your budget, convenience, and gifting needs. No fluff, no sales pitches, just honest, practical advice from someone who’s been in your shoes, trying to find the perfect gift for a cruise lover.

1. Official Carnival Cruise Line Website: The Most Reliable Source

When it comes to buying Carnival Cruise Line gift cards, the safest and most straightforward option is the official website: carnival.com. This is the go-to place for anyone who wants peace of mind, guaranteed authenticity, and direct access to all available options. Think of it like going straight to the source—no middlemen, no risk of scams, and no surprises.

How to Buy on Carnival.com

• Visit carnival.com/gift-cards.
• Choose the gift card design (options include classic, tropical, or seasonal themes).
• Select the amount: $25, $50, $100, $250, or $500 (custom amounts up to $1,000 are available).
• Add a personalized message (optional).
• Choose delivery: Email (instant) or physical card (mailed within 5-7 business days).
• Complete checkout using credit/debit card or PayPal.

One of the biggest perks? Instant digital delivery. If you’re last-minute shopping (we’ve all been there), you can email the gift card directly to the recipient within minutes. No waiting, no shipping delays. Plus, Carnival’s website is mobile-friendly, so you can order from your phone while waiting in line at the grocery store or during your lunch break.

Pros and Cons of Buying Direct

• Pros:
  • 100% authentic—no risk of counterfeit cards.
  • Instant digital delivery option.
  • Personalized messages and design choices.
  • No expiration date (gift cards are valid indefinitely).
  • Can be used for any cruise, any time, any stateroom (no blackout dates).
• Cons:
  • Physical cards take time to ship (not ideal for emergencies).
  • Limited to Carnival’s own payment methods (no gift card balance top-ups).
  • No discounts or promotions (full price only).

Pro tip: If you’re gifting a physical card, order at least two weeks before the event to avoid rush shipping fees. And if you’re buying for someone who’s already booked a cruise, the gift card can be applied to onboard expenses like spa treatments, specialty dining, or excursions.

2. Major Retailers: Where You Can Find Carnival Gift Cards In-Store

Sometimes, you just want to grab a gift card while running errands. Maybe you’re at the mall, or you’re picking up groceries, and you spot that perfect card display. The good news? Several major retailers carry Carnival Cruise Line gift cards in physical form. But—and this is important—availability varies by location. Not every store in every city has them, so it’s worth calling ahead or checking online inventory before driving across town.

Top Retailers That Sell Carnival Gift Cards

• Walmart: Most Walmart Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets carry Carnival gift cards in the gift card aisle. Look near the pharmacy or checkout lanes. Amounts typically range from $25 to $200.
• Target: Target stores often have a dedicated travel section in their gift card displays. Carnival cards are usually there, sometimes alongside Royal Caribbean and Norwegian options.
• Kroger and Safeway: Many grocery chains, especially in coastal areas (think Florida, California, Texas), stock Carnival gift cards. They’re often near the checkout or in the customer service area.
• Meijer, Publix, and H-E-B: Regional grocery stores, particularly in states with high cruise demand, frequently carry them. For example, H-E-B in Texas is a reliable spot.
• Office supply stores: Staples and Office Depot sometimes include cruise gift cards in their travel or entertainment sections.

Tips for In-Store Shopping

• Call first: Use the retailer’s website store locator and call the local branch to confirm they have Carnival cards in stock. Don’t assume—some locations don’t carry them.
• Check the display: Look for a “Travel” or “Vacation” section in the gift card aisle. Carnival cards are usually grouped with other cruise lines.
• Ask an associate: If you can’t find them, ask a cashier or customer service rep. They can check inventory or order one for you (some stores can do same-day orders).
• Buy early: During peak gifting seasons (holidays, summer), popular amounts ($100, $200) may sell out.

Real-life example: My sister once needed a last-minute gift for her in-laws’ anniversary. She drove to three different stores before finding Carnival cards at a Kroger in Orlando. Lesson learned? Always call ahead. And if you’re in a rush, consider the digital option from Carnival’s website—it’s faster than driving around town.

3. Online Retailers and Marketplaces: Convenience and Variety

Love shopping from your couch? You’re not alone. Online retailers and marketplaces offer a huge advantage: convenience. No lines, no parking hassles, and you can shop at 2 a.m. in your pajamas. But when it comes to Carnival Cruise Line gift cards, not all online platforms are created equal. Some are trustworthy, others… well, let’s just say buyer beware.

Trusted Online Retailers

• Amazon: Amazon sells Carnival gift cards directly through its “Amazon Gift Cards” section. These are official Carnival cards, shipped by Amazon, so no scams. Look for listings labeled “Sold by Amazon.com” to avoid third-party sellers. Delivery is digital (email) or physical (mailed).
• GiftCardGranny and Raise: These are gift card resale sites where people sell unused or partially used cards. You can often find Carnival cards at a discount (e.g., $100 card for $90). But—and this is crucial—only buy from sellers with high ratings and read reviews carefully. Avoid cards with “used” or “balance unknown” descriptions.
• PayPal Digital Gifts: PayPal’s gift card marketplace includes Carnival cards. They’re official and delivered via email, but prices are full retail (no discounts).
• Best Buy and Target.com: Both retailers sell Carnival gift cards online. You can order digital versions for instant delivery or have physical cards shipped to you or the recipient.

What to Watch Out For

• Scams: Never buy from individual sellers on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist unless you can verify authenticity. Scammers often sell fake cards or steal balances after purchase.
• Discount sites: If a site offers a Carnival card at 30% off, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate discounts are rare (usually 5-10% at most).
• Shipping times: Digital cards are instant, but physical cards can take 5-10 business days. Factor this into your gifting timeline.
• Activation: Always check that the card is activated before gifting. Most online retailers activate cards immediately, but it’s worth confirming.

Pro tip: If you’re buying from a resale site like Raise, use their “buyer protection” feature. It ensures you get the full balance or your money back. And if you’re gifting to someone far away, digital delivery saves on shipping and avoids lost mail.

4. Third-Party Travel and Gift Card Platforms

Beyond the usual suspects, there are a few niche platforms that specialize in travel gift cards—including Carnival Cruise Line. These sites aren’t household names, but they can be goldmines for savvy shoppers, especially if you’re looking for deals, bundles, or unique gifting options.

Specialized Travel Gift Card Sites

• GiftCards.com: This site offers Carnival gift cards in various designs and amounts. They also sell “travel bundles” (e.g., Carnival + airline gift card). Digital delivery is available, and they often run promotions (e.g., “Spend $100, get $10 back”).
• CardCash: A reputable resale site with a “Travel” category. Carnival cards are listed at 5-8% off face value. They offer a 45-day money-back guarantee if the card doesn’t work.
• Gyft (by Capital One): Gyft is a digital gift card app that includes Carnival. You can buy, send, and manage gift cards from your phone. It’s perfect for last-minute gifts or tracking balances.
• Blackhawk Network (retail partners): This company powers gift card sales for many retailers. You might find Carnival cards at smaller stores (e.g., gas stations, convenience stores) through their network.

Unique Perks and Considerations

• Rewards programs: Some sites (like CardCash) offer cashback or loyalty points for purchases. If you’re a frequent gift card buyer, this can add up.
• Corporate gifting: Platforms like GiftCards.com and Gyft offer bulk orders and custom branding for businesses. Great for employee rewards or client gifts.
• Digital vs. physical: Most of these sites offer both options. Digital is faster, but physical cards feel more “gifty” (especially for special occasions).
• International buyers: If you’re outside the U.S., check if the site ships to your country. Some (like Gyft) are U.S.-only, while others (GiftCards.com) offer international delivery.

Real-life example: My cousin used Gyft to send a Carnival gift card to her sister in Australia for her birthday. She added a video message, and the card arrived instantly. The sister used it to upgrade her stateroom—talk about a memorable gift!

5. Where You Shouldn’t Buy Carnival Gift Cards

Not all sellers are trustworthy. While there are plenty of legit places to buy Carnival Cruise Line gift cards, there are also red flags you should never ignore. Buying from the wrong place can mean losing money, getting a fake card, or even putting your personal information at risk.

Red Flags to Avoid

• Unofficial websites: If a site isn’t Carnival.com or a well-known retailer (Amazon, Target, etc.), don’t trust it. Fake sites often mimic real ones with slight name changes (e.g., “CarnivalCruiseGiftCards.com”).
• Social media ads: Scammers love Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok ads. If an ad offers a “limited-time 50% off” Carnival card, it’s 99% a scam. Carnival never runs such promotions.
• Individual sellers: Avoid eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist unless you can verify the seller (e.g., high rating, detailed description, no “used” cards). Even then, it’s risky.
• “Balance transfer” scams: Some sites claim to “transfer” gift card balances for a fee. This is always a scam. Gift cards can’t be transferred.
• No customer service: If a site doesn’t list a phone number, email, or physical address, steer clear.

What to Do If You’re Scammed

• Contact the seller: If you bought from a marketplace (e.g., Amazon, eBay), report the issue and request a refund.
• File a complaint: Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local consumer protection agency.
• Cancel the card: If you have the card number, call Carnival’s gift card support (1-888-771-8956) to see if it can be canceled or replaced (rare, but possible in some cases).
• Learn from it: Stick to trusted sources in the future. When in doubt, go straight to Carnival.com.

Pro tip: Always check the card’s balance immediately after purchase. Carnival’s website has a balance checker tool. If the balance is $0, contact the seller right away.

6. Making the Most of Your Carnival Gift Card: Tips and Tricks

Buying the card is just the first step. To make your gift truly special—and to ensure it’s used to its full potential—here are some insider tips from cruise lovers and gift givers.

How Recipients Can Use the Card

• Book a new cruise: The card covers the entire cost, from staterooms to taxes and fees.
• Upgrade an existing booking: Add a balcony room, suite, or VIP perks.
• Pay for onboard expenses: Spa, dining, drinks, excursions, photos, and more.
• Give as a group gift: Multiple cards can be combined for a larger amount.

Gifting Ideas and Personalization

• Add a theme: Pair the card with a beach towel, sunscreen, or a “Cruise Countdown” calendar.
• Create a scavenger hunt: Hide clues around the house that lead to the gift card.
• Record a video message: Use a service like Giftster to attach a video to the digital card.
• Include a travel guide: Add a printable map of Carnival’s ports or a packing list.

Bonus: Gift Card Amounts and Value

Amount	What It Can Cover	Best For
$25	Specialty dining, spa treatment, shore excursion add-on	Stocking stuffer, small thank-you gift
$50	Two specialty dinners, premium drinks, photo package	Birthday, anniversary
$100	Excursion, spa day, balcony upgrade	Graduation, retirement
$250	Multiple excursions, premium dining package, suite upgrade	Honeymoon, milestone birthday
$500+	Entire cruise (short trips), full vacation package	Wedding gift, family vacation

Final tip: If you’re unsure how much to spend, consider a $100 card. It’s substantial enough to feel generous but not so much that it’s overwhelming. And remember—Carnival gift cards never expire, so there’s no pressure to use them right away.

Whether you’re shopping online, in-store, or through a niche platform, there’s a perfect way to buy a Carnival Cruise Line gift card for every gifting need. The key? Prioritize trust, convenience, and personalization. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the card—it’s about the adventure it unlocks. Happy gifting, and happy cruising!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Carnival Cruise Line gift cards?

Carnival Cruise Line gift cards are sold directly through the official Carnival website, major retailers like Walmart and Target, and select grocery stores. Purchasing online or in-store ensures immediate delivery and secure transactions.

Who sells Carnival Cruise Line gift cards in physical stores?

Retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Kroger often carry Carnival Cruise Line gift cards in their gift card sections. Availability may vary by location, so it’s best to call ahead to confirm.

Can I purchase Carnival Cruise Line gift cards online?

Yes, you can buy Carnival Cruise Line gift cards online via the official Carnival website, Amazon, and gift card marketplaces like GiftCards.com. E-gift cards are delivered instantly via email for convenience.

Are Carnival Cruise Line gift cards available at gas stations or convenience stores?

While less common, some gas stations and convenience stores may carry Carnival gift cards, but selection is limited. For guaranteed availability, stick to major retailers or the Carnival website.

Do third-party websites sell authentic Carnival Cruise Line gift cards?

Reputable third-party sites like PayPal Digital Gifts and Raise offer Carnival gift cards, but always verify the seller’s reviews and return policy. Avoid unverified sellers to prevent scams.

Can I find discounted Carnival Cruise Line gift cards?

Discounted Carnival gift cards occasionally appear on resale platforms like CardCash or eBay, but prices vary. Always check the card’s validity and expiration date before purchasing.