AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

[AARPTeri]

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.

[mgiusti191]

Always look for extra value! Buy a drink package. Cost much less overall. I love the travel advice and ideas on AARP!

[j237677l]

My husband and I have been on 5 cruises, we even renewed our wedding vows on one cruise.  We've been married 51 years and are still planning to take a few more cruises.  I've never used AARP rewards, but planning to now. 

[BobbiD594560]

Research, research, research. Everything and anything about ship, ports and destinations. I hear over and over I didn't know that was.....???

[MR348816]

I would suggest to review all the materials placed on your bed, because they have valuable information like discounts, events, tips, and more. If you throw it out without reviewing you could be losing out. One time at one of the ports they had a jacket that was normally $89 for $10 with the coupon left on the bed before the cruise started. The lightweight jacket is really nice and I still have it. It is reversible and may be used in the wintertime to keep you warm since it blocks the wind.

[JamieR84382]

We recently just had our first cruise in 20 years . Things sure have changed. Luckily we went with some seasoned cruisers who were able to guide us through the learning curve. Speaking with other travelers on the ship also gave us helpful tips, like doing as much of the check in as you can before you arrive at the pier. We hope to do more cruising now that we are retired.

[LisaS349300]

I use AARP rewards to purchase gift cards to use onboard. 

[JasonS21521]

I am new to AARP rewards, so I would say ever the contest and WIN to help travel. As far as cruising there are so many tips, but my top would be the Importance of good shoes! Lightweight and good support. And something that is right your activities (waterproof, hiking, etc.) And have fun and meet people. Try to eat local food!

[CherylH282830]

I have never been on a cruise. We had 2 scheduled and due to unforeseen events, had to cancel. I am really enjoying reading the replies though in hopes that I will learn something that will make a cruise more enjoyable one day.

[NCJensen]

One tip that I have used for both small and large cruise trips is to work to talk to different people at events and meals. We met some very interesting people who we would have missed if we hadn’t made this effort. 

[BobbiD594560]

I use aarp rewards for gift cards for flights and the cruise line. My best tip is to do research on the ship so you you know what's available to eat and do. Research the destinations as well. I watch you tube videos that other travelers post, they offer tips and tricks for everything about specific lines as well as ships. 

[r343381m]

Please enter my name in the contest.  I know for a fact that booking a cruise a few months ahead of your trip will save a lot of money. 

[RoslieB20517]

When cruising it is always cheaper to book tours before you leave and you can save money, or you can even book tours from other companies but if you do make sure you are aware of the departing time and are back at the ship in time. Also a good thing is to check your daily spending for the day on the ship app or tv so you stay on budget.

[tinacpa]

We love cruising on Carnival Cruise Lines.  In 2008 I had been begging my husband to go on a cruise, and he finally said yes.  We went in August 2008 for our 25th anniversary.  Before we even got off that cruise, my husband was asking me when were we going again!  Now it is 2023, and we've sailed 24 times since 2008, AND, we're going on another Carnival cruise for our 40th anniversary!  We'd love to win the AARP Cruise Contest 2023, and have more funds to continue our cruising habit in the future.  We are members of AARP, and AARP Rewards have saved us so much money with the 10% discount on Carnival gift cards.  The gift cards are the only way we pay for our cruising habit.  Thanks AARP rewards!

[lrgoddard]

I am on a Princess cruise right now.  We missed the first port in Iceland as the sea is very rough and we are rocking and rolling!!  I buy discounted gift cards on AARP Rewards to save 10% on my cruise fare and other purchases.  I also book through Costco Travel. I go to the cruise line website, pick the cruise, dates and cabin I want then call Costco Travel and give them the information and they book it and I receive a nice Costco gift card when I return home. (E-gift card)  Also you can go to www.cruisecritic.com to find comments from others going on your cruise - options for excursions, hilights of the ports you’re stopping at,etc.

[DoogiesMama]

From our experience in past cruises, don’t sweat the small stuff. Adapt, adjust your plans if things don’t go exactly the way you expect. But also have backup plans and alternatives where necessary

[DerykR707212]

Yes Please enter me in the contest and when I win I will give you all feedback Peace & Blessings 

[mb1854905]

My husband and I just did our first cruise in June and went to Alaska.  If you enjoy cruising, book your next cruise before you get off the ship for a big discount.   We also use the cruise coupons through AARP for an even bigger discount.

[YolandaC951103]

I would like to be entered for this contest. Thanks 

[a371769r]

Bring a power strip or surge protector for extra outlets for charging/using hair dryers, etc.

[thud4]

From what I've read, surge protectors are not allowed.  Only extension cords/power strips.  Thx

[rc5191392]

I love to cruise and it's even better when I can use my AARP card to get a discount when I book one.

[SharHar]

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.

[BarbaraS749582]

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!

[lw676901]

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.

[KathleenD853739]

Love to cruise.

Kathleen

[JeanetteL975943]

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.

[Patry]

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!

[theshortone]

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 !  

[Ellen5396]

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! 

[theshortone]

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 !