Gift Card or Cruise Cash

[richbum]

Giving my kids/grandkids spending $$ when we go on our trip. Would you recommend a carnival gift card or cruise cash. Whats the difference between them?  Also...the cruise cash that is for build a bear...does that cover the entire cost...or will they need extra $$ along with that?

[Schoifmom]

Here is what you need to know to make your decision:

• Gift cards are only sold in denomination of $100 and more
• Cruise cash is sold in increments of $25
• All purchases on board will be applied to their S&S account; therefore, gift cards will need to be applied to their account (cruise cash is automatically applied).
• Cruise cash is technically non-refundable (use it all or lose it) and any remaining unused amount from gift cards is refunded in the form of a new gift card mail to the home following the cruise.
• You can use the casino trick to cash out both gift cards and cruise cash (with the exception of cruise cash-bar, cruise cash-photo, and cruise cash-BAB).

Sorry.  I can help with Build a Bear prices.

[richbum]

4 minutes ago, Schoifmom said:

Here is what you need to know to make your decision:

• Gift cards are only sold in denomination of $100 and more
• Cruise cash is sold in increments of $25
• All purchases on board will be applied to their S&S account; therefore, gift cards will need to be applied to their account (cruise cash is automatically applied).
• Cruise cash is technically non-refundable (use it all or lose it) and any remaining unused amount from gift cards is refunded in the form of a new gift card mail to the home following the cruise.
• You can use the casino trick to cash out both gift cards and cruise cash (with the exception of cruise cash-bar, cruise cash-photo, and cruise cash-BAB).

Sorry.  I can help with Build a Bear prices.

Thank you very much. I don't think they will have anything left over since they will be using it for drinks/excursions...But I might go with the gift card option...I just saw on Carnivals website that they limit cruise cash to $500 per room...

[rufflesmom]

The cruise cash for build a bear will be applied to the cost of the build a bear but may or may not cover it all.  There are different bears with different prices and then there are different outfits that can be purchased also.  Cruise cash is automatically applied to the onboard account.  The build a bear will be charged to the account and the cruise cash will be credited to that. 

[richbum]

29 minutes ago, rufflesmom said:

The cruise cash for build a bear will be applied to the cost of the build a bear but may or may not cover it all.  There are different bears with different prices and then there are different outfits that can be purchased also.  Cruise cash is automatically applied to the onboard account.  The build a bear will be charged to the account and the cruise cash will be credited to that. 

Thank you...

[cruizergal70]

43 minutes ago, richbum said:

Thank you very much. I don't think they will have anything left over since they will be using it for drinks/excursions...But I might go with the gift card option...I just saw on Carnivals website that they limit cruise cash to $500 per room...

Wow. You expect to spend more than $500?

[richbum]

1 minute ago, cruizergal70 said:

Wow. You expect to spend more than $500?

Its a 9 day cruise with 4 people in the room...Just 1 excursion that they want to take is over $400 for them...

[jdemps]

I like cruise cash because it's waiting for you when you board, no need to add a gift card.  I usually end up doing both because we like to have more than $500 for our account.  I go to guest services when there is no line to add the gift card because the kiosks don't work half the time.