Can you use a gift certificate/onboard credit toward gratuities?

[HappyTravels]

I purchased $250  RCL gift certificates for my adult childrens' cabins to pay for their gratuities. In the email they received with the instructions how to redeem, it says -

 

This certificate may not be used to pay for any government fees, taxes, onboard gratuities, games of chance and or similar activities. This certificate can not be used and is not applicable for charters and may not be used for certain customized group programs (i.e. value add groups).   But when I search, I get conflicting information that says yes, it just gets applied to your balance.

[ace1zoe2]

No experience with Gift Certificates, but yes to Onboard Credit.

[HappyTravels]

Just now, ace1zoe2 said:

No experience with Gift Certificates, but yes to Onboard Credit.

 

The gift certificates are redeemable 2 ways -

1. onboard credit

2. on a new cruise purchase