Cruise vacations can be unforgettable—but they’re not always easy on the wallet. Between booking the trip, excursions, dining, and onboard expenses, costs can add up quickly. Fortunately, savvy travelers are finding ways to stretch their cruise budget with gift card rewards. Whether you’re planning a short cruise or a full-length voyage, using gift card platforms strategically can help you save money without compromising the experience.
How cruise gift card rewards work
Gift card reward platforms allow you to earn cashback or discounts by purchasing digital gift cards instead of paying directly through the cruise line. These gift cards can then be applied to your booking or used for onboard spending. The key is to use platforms that offer cashback on cruise gift cards from major lines like Carnival, Princess, and others.
On Fluz, for example, you can earn cashback on cruise gift cards by buying them right before checkout. This lets you offset cruise costs with instant rewards—no waiting, no points conversions. Fluz offers cashback deals on select cruise brands, including Carnival Cruise Lines, where you can earn instant rewards while paying for your trip the way you normally would.
Why it’s worth it
Using gift card rewards for cruise travel can save you anywhere from a few dollars to hundreds, depending on the size of your purchase and the cashback rate. Unlike traditional credit card rewards that accumulate slowly, cashback platforms give you immediate savings. You can also combine gift card savings with other cruise promotions, onboard credit offers, or member discounts.
Stacking rewards for even more savings
Many travelers combine gift card cashback with loyalty programs or other savings tools:
- Use Rakuten when booking pre-cruise hotels or airport transportation
- Check Ibotta for travel service discounts on excursions and travel accessories
- Join your cruise line’s rewards program, such as Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, to earn perks for future trips
Pro tip: Fluz doesn’t require you to pre-buy cards far in advance. You can buy a gift card for the exact amount due at checkout, even while on the phone with a cruise agent or booking online—making it one of the most flexible ways to save.
Getting started
To begin, create a free Fluz account at their homepage and explore cruise gift card deals under the Travel category. Pick the cruise line you plan to book with, purchase a digital gift card, and apply it at checkout. It’s a fast, easy way to reduce your cruise expenses and unlock additional cashback on the spot.
Cruising doesn’t have to mean overspending. With gift card rewards and smart travel tools, your next voyage can be just as easy on your wallet as it is on the eyes.
