If you’re planning a cruise, there’s a simple way to pay less without sacrificing quality: use discounted gift cards to cover part—or all—of your cruise expenses. Whether you’re sailing with Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, or Norwegian, gift cards can be a smart and flexible payment method. Better yet, platforms like Fluz let you buy cruise gift cards with built-in cashback, giving you instant savings before you even step onboard.

Why Cruise Gift Cards Are a Powerful Savings Tool

Cruise lines treat gift cards just like cash. You can use them to:

• Pay off your cruise balance
  
• Add onboard credit
  
• Purchase drink or dining packages
  
• Book shore excursions
  
• Buy spa treatments, internet, and more
  

For example, if you’re sailing with Carnival, you can earn cashback with a Carnival gift card and use it to pay for nearly all aspects of your cruise. These gift cards are stackable, meaning you can combine multiple to pay down larger balances or bundle them for future sailings.

Where to Buy Discounted Cruise Gift Cards

Some of the most reliable places to find discounted cruise gift cards include:

• Fluz: Offers instant cashback when you purchase digital gift cards for Carnival and other major cruise lines.
  
• Warehouse clubs like BJ’s Wholesale, Costco, and Sam’s Club: These often sell physical or digital gift cards below face value.
  
• Rewards-based apps like Rakuten and Ibotta: While not selling gift cards directly for cruises, they offer cashback for pre-cruise purchases and hotel bookings.
  

How to Use Gift Cards on Your Cruise Booking

Each cruise line has slightly different redemption policies. Most allow you to apply gift cards:

• Online at checkout
  
• By phone through customer service
  
• Toward an existing balance
  
• As onboard spending credit
  

Be sure to review the cruise line’s official gift card policy.

Pro Tips for Gift Card Optimization

• Combine with loyalty programs like Carnival’s VIFP Club to earn perks while you save.
  
• Use a rewards credit card to purchase gift cards and earn additional points or miles.
  
• If possible, time your gift card purchase with flash sales or elevated cashback periods for maximum return.
  
• Always confirm the balance and terms before using the gift card.
  

What to Avoid

• Gift cards cannot typically be used to place an initial deposit—only to pay down a balance or onboard expenses.
  
• Don’t buy from third-party sellers with questionable reviews. Stick to trusted platforms.
  
• Read fine print: expiration, reload rules, and region-locks (e.g., U.S. gift cards may not work on non-U.S. bookings).
  

The Bottom Line

Using discounted gift cards is one of the most accessible ways to trim cruise costs. When you get rewards with a Carnival gift card or similar options through Fluz, you’re saving money before you even board the ship. Combine that with loyalty programs and credit card rewards to turn your cruise into a high-value vacation.