AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

To elaborate on another's post....take a power strip that has USB ports to charge your devices.  DO bring some electronic game, deck of cards, bottled water and some snack mix should the seas be rough and you are confined to your room.  Our final tip is that because flying and getting anywhere on time is such a risky proposition budget getting to your port of call the day before you leave for your cruise.

Make sure you have all ID’s & medications on hand

Ensure you aren’t sick or have a fever

Have travel insurance

Plan your excursions beforehand

Map out next ports in case you miss the boat

Bring sanitizing wipes and wipe down room/bathroom before using (don’t want Norwalk virus or other disease)? This includes knobs, window sills if applicable, dresser drawers, headboard.  Pillows carry viruses, bring a travel spray of Lysol disinfectant spray.  Perhaps spray bed(s).

Bring some cash for tips and extra curricular activities that don’t take credit cards.  
Ship doctors aren’t always ‘real’ doctors.  Have a plan.

Purchase sea sickness prevention bracelets. You’ll be grateful you did.

Arrive day before to be rested before boarding ship . set a meeting point to meet up for lunch daily . plan some things to do together . do exceptions all would like . Have FUN !  

Research the ports you are going to visit. Cruise excursions are typically more expensive than local tours, and much more crowded. There are many tour guides advertising online, and if you join cruise groups on social media you can also receive reviews from actual cruisers that have used them. Have a wonderful cruise no matter how you do it! 

Have FUN ! arrive day before to be rested use AARP hotel discounts. Arrive to board early to start enjoying trip . don"t over pack . Just be comfortable . Plan meeting point for daily lunch . Do excursions all would enjoy . Have Fun !  

I use AARP Rewards to buy gift cards and use them for cruise clothes and supplies.  You do a lot of walking on cruises so take your Fitbit to get credit for  those steps!

I wish I had some real tips to share but I have never been on a cruise. I think that the golden rule is to use common sense and take precautions to stay safe. Hopefully I will be picked God willing.

ARRP Cruise Contest 2023/ AARP Rewards/Carnival/Contest/cruise

My husband and I love to cruise.  Best advice is to have everything ready, Passports, boarding documents.  Take a USB charger and extension cord.  Wipes to clean or sanitize touchable surfaces.  HAVE FUN, don't sweat the small stuff.  Purchase gift cards from AARP, just make sure you check how the cruise line will let you use them.  Example, Carnival can be used for almost anything, booking side trips, putting on account for incidental purchases on the ship.  Royal Caribbean will honor the cards for new bookings only, you must pay the deposit and then submit the gift cards for approval.  Usually hear within 2 - 3 days.

It’s important to remember to pack any medications you take regularly, however if you’ve forgotten an over the counter or prescription med, reach out to the ship’s doctor to see if they can help. Even though your ship will offer a wide variety of activities, from swimming/sun bathing to elegant dinners, pack as lightly and strategically as possible. Separates for women are wonderful because they allow you to mix and match pieces to create a fun variety of outfits!

When my husband and I travel on cruises we make sure not to overpack. We have an empty, soft carry-on for souvenirs. We prepay for most things like the staff's tips, drink packages, photo package, and excursions. I am a recent AARP member and I plan to use the AARP Rewards for the cruise gift cards. The gift cards should really help with keeping the out of pocket costs for extras (gifts, souvenirs, etc...) low while cruising.