topic Re: AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023 in AARP Rewards Connect

AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

AARPTeri — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 16:06:43 GMT

Want to set sail this summer? Share some of your best tips for making cruise travel easy and fun, and how AARP Rewards can help you travel, for a chance to win!

The contest runs from July 10 through Aug. 6, 2023. We will choose three (3) winners to receive a $500 Carnival Cruise Gift Card!

To enter, reply to this post before August 6, 2023, with your tips for cruising and how you use AARP Rewards to help you travel.

Official Rules for the contest are posted here - AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

Example for a Post Entry:

When my family and I travel on cruises we always arrive at port at least one day earlier so we don’t have to rush the morning of and can explore the area. Last year we used AARP Rewards to purchase a discounted Hotels.com gift card to save on our hotel stay in Port Canaveral, Florida the day before our cruise.

Cruising is FUN

griffin84 — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 22:08:39 GMT

When we cruise, its so easy to get gift cards prior to sailing and add them to your account onboard. Discounts all year long so I buy them whenever I see a deal.

Also, best advice is to go to the cruise departure area the day before you leave and get there early to check out the area. No surprises that way with road closures and such.

We use our AARP benefits for gasoline discounts and hotels too.

#aarpcruisecontest

Re: AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

serenaa99997 — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 06:55:12 GMT

Thanks for this opportunity to win a cruise gift card! My family and I have never been on a cruise before, so this would be a new adventure for us. I have learned some cruise etiquette tips through the AARP website such as:

1) There is no need to tip extra if all gratuities are included in your travel package.

2) It’s not considered rude to ask to sit with specific guests at dinner if there is assigned seating.

3) Jeans and casual clothing are accepted as appropriate attire for dinner nowadays.

4) You should always use hand sanitizer when entering the buffet restaurant.

5) it’s not ok to skip a planned excursion at the last minute.

I would be thrilled to use a cruise gift card from AARP rewards to help pay for a trip!

Re: AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

k380494p — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 16:19:05 GMT

I have never been on a cruise but, if I was to go on my first, I would look for travel deals and last minute deals and use discount gift cards from the AARP Rewards Catalog to pay for my trip. Also, gift cards can, in many cases, be used on ship for various extras.

Cruise

ZulaB731772 — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 21:49:46 GMT

I have been on about 9 cruises unfortunately, I have never used any of my AARP points. I’ve just downloaded the app about 2 years ago. When I cruise I normally get the earliest flight out to catch the ship. I also use vacuum bags to pack my clothes. I am looking forward to cruising next year.
Zula Brown

AARP member

Re: AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

nanjmanley — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 00:20:31 GMT

Find a trip that has fun activities for everyone going. Just relax & have fun.

Re: AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

LaurenT241687 — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 01:23:40 GMT

I'll be going on my first cruise in 2024. It's with Carnival so fingers crossed for the $500 gift card! I worked for a travel agency who booked cruises and I learned the best way to book airfare is through the cruise line. This ensures if the ship is delayed in its' return to port your airfare will be rebooked for you. Also if the flight is delayed flying to the ship then arrangements will be made to fly you to the next port of call to board the ship there. Also, always get the travel insurance. Your health insurance in the United States may not follow you out of the country. If a cruise departs and returns to the same port then you technically don't need a passport but one is recommended incase something happens along the way where you need to fly back to the United States.

The way I would use AARP rewards to travel is to purchase the gift cards! Most look like they're a savings of 10% off which is a fantastic savings! Also I would shop for my next cruise in the travel packages section. It looked like there were some great deals in there!

Re: AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

BobbiR584230 — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 17:42:00 GMT

My Husband and I are taking our 5 kids on their very first cruise in October!! WE love cruising and typically go for our anniversary each year in January!

We use the gift card deals adding to our account all year to prepay for things like drink packages, gratuities and On Board Cash! Its the best way to go so you aren't worried about how much you are spending each day and can just relax!!

Advice on Cruising:

1. Get to the Port day before so you aren't stressing about arrival times!

2. Don't over pack! They have on board laundry service if needed!

3. Bring Your Own Wine 1 bottle per guest over 21 and Bring Your Own Soda 1 12 pack for each quest is allowed.

4. PrePay for as much as possible!

5. RELAX!! Its a vacation!! Enjoy every minute!

Re: AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

petunia25 — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 00:20:20 GMT

Use hotel gift cards acquired through AARP Rewards. Use gift cards from AARP Rewards to purchase new clothes. Be sure to schedule some extra activities - you are on a cruise to have fun!

Be sure to bring along comfortable walking shoes.

Re: AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

karnofsky — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 08:04:34 GMT

Avoid drink packages unless you have over 5 drinks a day, otherwise you’ll pay more for the package. Walking through towns is usually better than paid excursions. That way you’ll avoid tourist traps. If you do want a paid excursion, not booking through cruise line can save half or more. Musical and broadway type shows usually pretty good. Check the cruise line’s list for things not to bring, such as extension cords, knives, or irons. Bring clothes that don’t need ironing. We pack very lightly so that we don’t have to check baggage & don’t have to worry about lost luggage. Sometimes, you can get a better price using a travel agent. And they usually give you onboard credits not available from the cruise line.

Re: AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

RC136059 — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 12:05:21 GMT

I hope to experience my 1st cruise within the next year. We appreciate the wealth of knowledge from the AARP community.

Re: AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

RC136059 — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 12:07:40 GMT

Looking forward to feedback. Enjoy!

Re: AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

GeraldW951079 — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 12:10:42 GMT

My wife and I have been on 6-7 cruises with all of them except one being on Carnival. We have the next one being a 25 night Transpacific from Singapore to LA in October of 2024. Our tips are-

Do your research! Read the rules, research the rooms prior to booking (louder rooms closer to the entertainment areas/elevators/etc.), check out the ports for things to do/see, etc.
Get to your departing port at least one day prior to sailing and check out the area. Stressing out for delayed or cancelled flights does not start out your vacation on a good note.
Drink packages are for us not a good value as we don't drink enough to offset the fixed pricing- do the math and decide for yourself prior to boarding
Open seating for dinner for us is preferable so you aren't always trying to get cleaned and dressed at certain times. Vacations should be on your time!
I love the morning omelet stations before the crowds get up. Nothing like a good omelet and coffee with very few people on deck.
Most of the time, the local color/flavor beats the tourist traps.
Discounted gift cards (Target 5% back with debit card), etc. are easy ways to save on your cruise.
Use airline points, hotel points, etc. to save on travel to/from your home destination.
Cruise workers are paid very little- don't underestimate the value of tips, kind words, common respect for their worth and contribution to your experience.
Try to learn at least a few basic phrases of the local language to use in ports of call. The locals there will certainly appreciate the effort and that, along with smiles and common courtesies will help bridge the communication barrier.

Re: AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

CameoW874059 — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 12:20:15 GMT

Always carry on items like swimsuits and cover up to enjoy some pool time before your room is ready. Everyone else will be going to buffet.

Re: AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

JenniferK779610 — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 13:05:11 GMT

I'm brand new to AARP but have cruised many times. My tip would be to take the stairs if possible. It usually is much faster than waiting for the elevator and you'll work off some of that delicious food you've been eating while on vacation.

Also, bring heavy duty magnetic hooks to hang some of your belongings on the wall (bathing suits, towels, purses, belts, etc) the walls are made of metal so the magnets will stick.

I look forward to using my AARP card for hotel discounts when I travel. #aarpcruisecontest

Re: AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

KimberlyB574436 — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 13:34:42 GMT

My best advice is travel with your family and your very best friends on the cruises whenever possible. It truly makes the most memorable moments ever!! And it's ok if everyone wants to eat at different times or do separate excursions, that just gives you more to talk about at the pool, or whenever you get together.

My other advice is to be super kind to all of the stewards, hosts, cooks, bartenders, sanitation service workers, etc. They work extremely hard day and evening to make our vacation the dream of our lives, and w/o their commitment and dedication we could not enjoy ourselves as easily on each day of our vacation.

Well if I became the winner of the AARP Rewards, I could enjoy a dinner at one of the specialty restaurants with my dear husband. I would love to surprise him with this, he's so deserving of much more, but would be on top of the world.

Lastly, I'd like to say thank-you to AARP for allowing me to see how fun it truly is to be a part of the senior community. Since joining AARP I've been informed, saved money and now I'm just having lots of fun. Who knew that being a part of your wonderful program would bring me so many benefits, including money saving benefits win I cruise.

Whomever wins this contest, congratulations to you! In my opinion, we're all winners being a part of the AARP program. Thank you for taking care of the senior citizens!

Re: AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

DennieF551489 — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 13:30:57 GMT

Our tip for cruising is always carry on all of your meds, at least one change of clothes, and anything you need in case your bags are delayed getting to your cabin. AARP rewards discount gift cards are a great way to lower the price of your cruise. Most of all, enjoy your cruise! 💖

Re: AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

ElizabethL891787 — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 13:48:44 GMT

I would love to win this contest, so that I can go on my very first cruise!!!

Re: AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

cherih230180 — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 14:51:54 GMT

Have never been on a cruise so I have no tips. For other travel I use my AARP card for hotel and dining discounts.

Re: AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

dh23324611 — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 15:27:05 GMT

Try new food that you wouldn’t normally try.