NCL Gift Cards vs. Cruise Next Cert

[cruisekitty22]

Which is a better deal? Gift Card or Cruise Next Cert?   I have never bought a Cruise Next Cert. I buy gift cards.  I am curious how Cruise Next works.  How does everyone get a "deal" on the Cruise Next Certs? Can someone explain the difference to me?

[shof515]

usually a cruise next is only used for a deposit, sometimes you might get lucky and use it for a payment to a cruise 

 

gift card can be used for anything, initial deposit, payment for a cruise or even for your on board charges 

Edited October 24, 2019 by shof515

[julig22]

To add, a cruiseNext certificate is discounted ($125 for a $250 certificate, if you buy in multiples) but as far as I know you can only purchase them while you are on a cruise or buy them from a 3rd party, since they are fully transferable.  They also expire after 4 years.

[Zippeedee]

Unless I am missing something key here, a gift card  that you pay full price for, is an interest free loan (to NCL) that gives NCL the use of your money at no benefit to you until you spend it. A Cruise Next certificate gives you a $250 deposit for $125 or $500 in deposits for $250. The "on board credit" is actually a credit to your shipboard account. You don't need to spend it on anything. It just reduces the cost of the certificate.