AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2024

Compare the extras on an offer to the price the cruise line charges per item you would actually use.    Sometimes the offer is a good value Sometimes you would be over paying.

If you don't drink alcohol remember that specialty coffees, bottled water and cans of soft drinks count on drinks packages.

AARP offers many options to save on cruise excursions. When booking your cruise you should ask if there are extra perks for AARP Rewards members because there are often onboard credits available for AARP members when making a new booking. I was able to book excursions on my last cruise with onboard credits that I received during booking and credit that I purchased with discounted gift cards from the AARP Rewards site! They provided great savings!

You can purchase discounted gift cards for several cruise lines from the AARP Rewards web site at a very nice discount! These gift cards can usually be used to purchase the cruise directly from the cruise line and you can purchase excursions directly from the cruise line's web site after you book the cruise. You can also apply the discounted gift cards as a credit to your onboard account and use the credit to pay for excursions and other charges (such as drinks, shopping, spa, and tips) during your cruise.

The AARP Rewards site also offers many different options for discounted gift cards that can be used before, during and after your cruise for airlines, hotels, car rentals, restaurants and purchasing equipment and clothing you want for the cruise and excursions. It is also possible that you could win a gift card to help with these expenses in the sweepstakes available on the rewards site!

I would advise you to check out the reviews before you purchase excursions and book early because the popular ones may sell out. I would also advise you to check with the cruise line and make sure you understand if there are any restrictions on the gift cards before you purchase them.

Relax and enjoy your cruise!

Begin your voyage with gratitude then research AARP resources available for everyone. Apply Membership benefits & rewards when you’re ready to book (air, hotel, car, restaurants, events, etc…) Enjoy!

Book Excursions While Still at Home!

On my last cruise, which was also my first, I saw some excursions I liked, but thought I'd wait till I got on the ship to book. When my friend and I went to book one, it was already fully booked. We will know better next time!

I never been on a cruise before but I am sure that you need to book it as early as you can to get the best deals. 

To maximize AARP Rewards for excursions, prioritize experiences offering the best point value. Plan ahead and be flexible with travel dates for better deals. Explore unique member-exclusive experiences and check for additional discounts. Bundle activities for savings and stay active in earning points. Utilize travel tools to track rewards and compare prices. These tips can stretch your dollar so that you get the most bang for your buck!

I have been on 20 cruises from large ships to yachts.  The best tip I can give you is to pre-plan.  Check out ahead of time the Islands or Cities if on a River Cruise and see what it offers.  This way if you know you want to go to a certain place and you see it is being offered as an excursion book it as soon as possible so you have a spot.  Also if your beach people or just want to go where the locals go, ask the staff your room person, activity director.  They will let you know where they go and you get a true feeling of the area.

There are so many other tips but for now, enjoy this one

get discounts on mcdonalds with AARP

AARP Rewards elevate my excursions with travel bargains and discounted gift cards.

Take a Winter Coat! 

I went on my first cruise in the Caribbean in January of 2023, as my granddaughter was one of the dancers on the boat. My family laughed at me when I took my winter coat, a water-resistant puffer. I looked funny in my straw hat and winter coat at the Cincinnati airport, but I was warm. The coat also helped on rainy days and cool nights on the ship decks. When we landed in Miami, the air-conditioning was so cold, I put on my coat again; and when we landed in Cincinnati, I was ready for the winter weather!