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AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

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.

AARPTeri
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Newbie

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.  

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Periodic Contributor

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.

 

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Contributor

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! 

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Contributor

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!

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Newbie

Looking forward to feedback. Enjoy!

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Periodic Contributor

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

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Newbie

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

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Bronze Conversationalist

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.

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Periodic Contributor

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! 

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Contributor

I went on cruises twice within 6 months. A lot of activities for all ages to choose from. I enjoy gym, lectures, trivia, shows, music, foods, and culinary showcase. Most of all, watching people having fun is uplifting.

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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

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