Gift cards vs Carnivals

[helene109]

Just off the Vista and the gift cards didn’t work as I thought that they would, as we had about $200 leftover on our card every one said that the leftover $ would be mailed in a gift card! We didn’t want that so we just spent it on board! Couldn’t even use it in the casino! Then we get back to the room after we spent it and a manager said that they could have given us the cash!!

How does rccl compare? Thanks

 

 

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[Merion_Mom]

Just off the Vista and the gift cards didn’t work as I thought that they would, as we had about $200 leftover on our card every one said that the leftover $ would be mailed in a gift card! We didn’t want that so we just spent it on board! Couldn’t even use it in the casino! Then we get back to the room after we spent it and a manager said that they could have given us the cash!!

How does rccl compare? Thanks

 

 

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Are you talking about OBC, on board credit?

 

If so, you can cash out nonrefundable OBC in the casino for a 5% fee.

[helene109]

No I put gift cards on my sail and sign card

 

 

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[Merion_Mom]

No I put gift cards on my sail and sign card

 

 

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That results in "OBC" or on board credit.

 

I have heard a lot about people doing this on Carnival. I don't really get it. You are financing your cruise spending by buying yourself cards? Why not just either charge your expenses on your credit card or take cash? What does the card do for you?

[EllaDuChien]

No I put gift cards on my sail and sign card

 

 

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Royal does not allow gift cards to be used as payment towards your on-board account. Most of the gift cards available outside of Royal Caribbean can ONLY be used to book a new cruise.

 

If you purchase Royal Caribbean gift certificates directly from Royal, you can apply them ahead of time as OBC, but you have to do it a couple of weeks before you sail. They will not take cards or certificates at guest services like Carnival does.

 

I have found that Royal’s gift cards are not a good purchase, ever.

[EllaDuChien]

That results in "OBC" or on board credit.

 

 

 

I have heard a lot about people doing this on Carnival. I don't really get it. You are financing your cruise spending by buying yourself cards? Why not just either charge your expenses on your credit card or take cash? What does the card do for you?

 

 

 

Well, honestly the only reason I do it when I sail Carnival is because I get the cards at 10% off. So I spend $450 for $500 worth if OBC.

 

Free money makes me happy!! [emoji12]

[crzndeb]

That results in "OBC" or on board credit.

 

I have heard a lot about people doing this on Carnival. I don't really get it. You are financing your cruise spending by buying yourself cards? Why not just either charge your expenses on your credit card or take cash? What does the card do for you?

 

AARP usually has them at a 10% discount

[helene109]

Yes my cards were 10% off too and I got them thru Allstate and they have rccl cards too so what can I use them for to pay for my cruise?

 

 

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[Merion_Mom]

Yes my cards were 10% off too and I got them thru Allstate and they have rccl cards too so what can I use them for to pay for my cruise?

 

 

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I believe that THOSE discount cards must be used for your cruise fare and have lots of rules and restrictions that are printed on the cards and/or available to read before you purchase.

[EllaDuChien]

Yes my cards were 10% off too and I got them thru Allstate and they have rccl cards too so what can I use them for to pay for my cruise?

 

 

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MarionMom is correct...you can ONLY use those RC cards to book an new cruise. Not apply to an existing cruise or use on board

[snappy68]

MarionMom is correct...you can ONLY use those RC cards to book an new cruise. Not apply to an existing cruise or use on board

 

 

 

Can you use a gift card bought through reward points toward the deposit of a cruise?

 

 

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[KimPossible1]

We bought Allstate reward cards also and they had to be scanned in and sent to a special email and it took 6 weeks for them to post to our account (and many phone calls just to find out they need to be scanned and emailed) Was a complete PAIN!!! It is very frustrating because saving 10% is great but not worth the trouble. They work great with Carnival, as there is a place to input the number and they show up instantly. Will never use them again for RCCL.

[Jeninfla708]

Well as I see it, it allows people who have to save for their vacation to buy gift cards along the way to bring with them.its a guarantee you will have it just for the cruise. 

[Mikew0805]

On 8/3/2018 at 11:14 PM, Merion_Mom said:

I believe that THOSE discount cards must be used for your cruise fare and have lots of rules and restrictions that are printed on the cards and/or available to read before you purchase.

This is right for RCI's. Don't waste your money.

 

CCL's are easy to use however you like... just like cash, as one would expect with a gift card.