AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2024

 I love cruising. We live 30 minutes from a port so we have it easy to board.

AARP gift cards for cruise lines can save a lot of money. Buy them in advance and use for the cruise deposit, final payment, and on the ship apply to your account to pay your expenses = gratuities/excursions/beverages/etc. 

Always purchase travel insurance, because you never know when a medical emergency might occur or circumstances cause you to cancel the cruise.

I go to the members section of Rewards and buy discounted gift cards to pay for my cruise. I also save my basic packing list on my computer, after 400+ days at sea I have it down to a science and can travel for a two week cruise with just a carry on and small backpack.  When a new trip comes up, I just pull p my file and maybe do a little tinkering depending on the ports, but it makes the packing fast and I don't forget anything important.

Also, take an extra week of meds.  We've all read about unexpected delays.

We love crusing and had a few curise expierience.

Being Seniors, crusing is our best way of having vacations. 

for food, no worry to cook just feel " be marry,eat and drink"

A lot of entertainment, including casino,events they have on board.

Alka and Dinesh Shah

Be there at the start, to leverage a time advantage!

 Enjoy your cruise, relax don't be in a hurry Book early if you are able to and watch to see if the price goes down and call Carnival or your agent to get a price adjustment. This will give you a bigger savings when you use your AARP carnival gift cards. Buying the gift cards at the discounted price always makes my trip extra special.

Make a door decoration for your stateroom door.  Doesn't have to be fancy, just something you will remember.  Easier to find your stateroom going down those long halls.  

  (1) If you're new to cruising and a tour of the ship is offered, take it. The ships are so big anymore, that it's difficult to remember what is where, and on what deck. By taking the tour, you get tips about the easiest way to get around; where areas like internet help, customer service, library, computer rooms, etc. are. Some of these are in little rooms that are really hard to find.

  (2) Most cruise lines try to have everyone on board by 3-4 pm, with dinner starting at 5 pm. So, my advice is to avoid the main dining room(s) that first evening. It will be packed and wait time could be up to 3 hours long. On top of that, passengers are "hangry," and can get rude, especially if they've been taking advantage of their drink package. Go to one of the smaller restaurants that are also free, or the cafeteria.

   (3) Go to as many shows as you can. They're free, and they're wonderful!

   (4) Plan on s-l-o-w  elevators.

   (5) Relax, have fun, enjoy the adventure!

I've used my AARP rewards points to get Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart gift cards to purchase

  items we need for the flight and cruise: 3.4-ounce bottles of styling products, band aids, little 

  sewing kits, snacks,etc. 

Book as early as possible so get best choice of cabins and excursions 

 If you are prone to seasickness, try to book a room near the center of the ship and on a lower deck. There is far less up and down movement in this section of the ship. Think of a seesaw, the least amount of up and down movement is at the center. Do try to book early as these rooms tend to be the first to go.