I recently sailed on my first-ever Carnival cruise, and it was packed with learning experiences about this iconic cruise brand, as well as discovering everything the Carnival Valor ship had to offer.
I traveled with a good friend and fellow writer, Allie, who is a Carnival Cruise expert. She showed me the ins and outs of what it’s like to sail with the cruise line known for fun and affordability.
Our trip was originally a 4-night sailing roundtrip from New Orleans with a stop in Mexico. However, since we sailed during hurricane season, storms impacted the itinerary. The cruise was adjusted to a 3-night sailing with no port stops, just two nights at sea.
In response to the shortened itinerary, Carnival generously offered passengers several compensation options. Those who continued with the updated cruise received a one-day pro-rated refund for any pre-purchased beverage and WiFi packages, in addition to a refund for the missing fourth night of the cruise.
Carnival also provided a $100 onboard credit per stateroom, as well as full refunds for any pre-purchased shore excursions, port taxes, and fees for Cozumel. Furthermore, passengers received a 50% future cruise credit to use on a future sailing.
For passengers who chose to cancel, Carnival provided a one-day pro-rated refund of the entire cruise fare, along with the same 50% future cruise credit. They also reimbursed up to $200 per person for any airline changes that had to be made. I found these offerings to be incredibly generous.
Weather disruptions are beyond the control of any cruise line, and Carnival’s response showed a commitment to keeping passengers satisfied, whether they chose to sail or rebook for a later date.
Read: What a 7-night Carnival Cruise will cost you
Spending our credit
Since Allie and I decided to sail, we were given $100 of onboard credit for our stateroom—$50 each. We immediately started brainstorming how best to spend our $50 onboard during our three-night cruise on Carnival Valor.
Drinks and coffee
It might seem obvious, but one of the most popular things passengers spend money on while cruising is drinks. Whether it’s a classic margarita or one of Carnival's exclusive concoctions, there’s no shortage of options.
On Carnival Valor, drinks ranged from about $11 to $15 each, so with $50, you could enjoy about three to five beverages depending on the types of drinks you choose to enjoy.
For non-alcoholic options, specialty coffee is another favorite. A latte from the Java coffee shop onboard costs around $4 to $4.75, meaning you could purchase about 12 lattes for $50.
If you're someone who enjoys savoring quiet mornings on the open sea with a good book or just relaxing in a cozy corner of the ship, spending your onboard credit on specialty coffee could enhance that leisurely experience. Plus, caffeine and cruising can be the perfect pairing for early port days (should the itinerary have them) or long nights of enjoying entertainment onboard.
Read: Considering getting the drink package for your Carnival Cruise? We break down if its worth the cost
Casino
For those feeling lucky, the casino is another great way to spend money onboard. Carnival Valor features a large casino with table games and slot machines. While there’s always the risk of losing, there’s also the potential to win big!
With $50 to spend, you can test your luck without feeling too much of a hit to your wallet. Even if you don’t walk away with winnings, the thrill of the casino floor can make it worth the experience onboard.
Shopping and merchandise
Every cruise ship has shops onboard, and Carnival is no exception. From luxury items to branded t-shirts and water bottles, there’s plenty of merchandise to tempt you. You’ll find everything from duty-free shops offering jewelry and watches to more casual memorabilia that allows you to bring a little piece of your vacation back home.
While Allie and I found a few cute items in the shops, we ultimately decided not to spend our onboard credit here. However, for many passengers, a t-shirt or souvenir cup is the perfect memento to remember their Carnival experience.
If you're someone who enjoys collecting cruise line merchandise or gifting something to loved ones, spending your credit in the onboard stores can be a satisfying way to cap off your trip.
Spa services
Cruising is all about relaxation, and for many, that means a trip to the spa. While most spa treatments cost more than $50, you can still find some affordable options, like manicures and pedicures, which range from about $45 to $70.
Indulging in a manicure or pedicure can be a perfect way to treat yourself during a day at sea, especially if you want to feel refreshed and pampered before a formal night or special dinner. If you’re like me, the idea of enjoying a few moments of tranquility while gazing out at the ocean can elevate the entire cruise experience.
While more comprehensive treatments like massages or facials may require an additional cost, starting with a spa service could be the perfect introduction to onboard pampering.
Game shows
Carnival offers interactive live game shows onboard, which are a lot of fun to watch—and fun to participate in. Watching is complimentary, but joining in may cost a small fee, depending on the activity. If you’re someone who loves competition or the excitement of being part of a game show audience, this is a unique way to spend some of your onboard credit.
It’s not every day you get to feel like a contestant in a game show, and who knows, you might walk away with a prize or simply a great story to share with friends back home.
Like the casino, game shows are a way to spend $50 that can leave you with lasting memories—or nothing at all, depending on your luck.
Read: Carnival Cruise's drink menu and prices
Specialty dining
I was surprised by how many specialty dining options Carnival Valor had, particularly the à la carte choices. You can grab a snack from various food stands near the buffet, such as sushi or seafood.
For example, you could enjoy steamed lobster for $29 or a bucket of fried buffalo shrimp for $10 from the Seafood Shack. If sushi is more your style, a California Roll or Spicy Tuna Roll costs around $8. These options provide a great way to sample different flavors onboard without committing to a full dining experience.
Carnival Cruises also offers full-service specialty dining restaurants on many of their ships. These venues provide an elevated dining experience, ideal for special occasions or food lovers looking to enjoy the best meals onboard.
On Carnival Valor, there are two specialty dining restaurants in addition to the complimentary main dining rooms: Cucina Del Capitano, an Italian restaurant, and Scarlett’s Steakhouse.
At Cucina Del Capitano, meals are priced at $15 per adult and $5 per child, with a menu featuring Italian classics like pasta and other specialties.
Scarlett’s Steakhouse is the ship’s most upscale dining option, perfect for celebrating an anniversary or birthday. A meal here costs $48 per adult and includes prime beef, seafood, surf and turf, and tasty desserts.
In my opinion, spending $50 on a specialty dining experience is a fantastic way to create special memories on your cruise. Whether you’re indulging in a fine cut of steak or treating yourself to fresh seafood, specialty dining can transform a good meal into an unforgettable experience.
Read: Carnival Cruise Line Specialty Dining Guide
Arcade
For families with kids, the onboard arcade is always a hit. Carnival Valor’s arcade offers a variety of games, with costs ranging from $0.75 to $2 per game. It’s a great way to spend $50 and keep the little ones entertained.
Whether your family loves racing games, claw machines, or classic arcade challenges, spending time in the arcade is a fun way to bond and create lasting memories.
Read: I tried my first Carnival cruise, 13 things that surprised me
We decided to dine at Scarlett’s Steakhouse
Specialty dining is a great way to experience the finest food on a cruise, and even if you aren’t celebrating a milestone, every vacation is an occasion worth celebrating! We both thoroughly enjoyed our meal and, given the chance, I’d definitely eat at Scarlett’s Steakhouse again.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to spending extra money onboard a Carnival cruise, the possibilities are vast. The cruise line is known for offering a wide range of activities and amenities, catering to various tastes and interests of all passengers.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie hoping to try your luck in the casino or someone looking to wind down with a luxurious spa treatment, there’s something for everyone.
For food lovers, splurging on specialty dining or exploring the à la carte food options can turn an ordinary meal into a memorable experience. Those who appreciate keepsakes may find joy in picking up a souvenir from the onboard shops, something tangible to remember their cruise by. If you’re traveling with family, spending time in the arcade or attending a live game show can create fun and shared moments.
Ultimately, how you spend your onboard credit boils down to what matters most to you during your vacation. Do you prioritize trying new experiences, indulging in delicious meals, or perhaps unwinding with a cocktail by the pool?
Carnival offers a flexible cruise experience, allowing guests to personalize their trip according to their budget, preferences, and desires. Some passengers may opt to spend their credit on practical things, like beverages or snacks, while others might prefer a more extravagant approach, choosing to experience the finer dining or splurge on a fun, memorable activity.
Whether you’re sipping a tropical drink, savoring a gourmet meal, or simply lounging under the sun, there are countless ways to make your $50 onboard go a long way—and, more importantly, help you create unforgettable memories. After all, every Carnival cruise is an opportunity to treat yourself, experience something new, and most importantly, have fun!
Hayley Phillips
Hayley Phillips is a military spouse currently living in Florida and loves all things travel and travel planning.
