AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

Arrive at least one or two days before flight.    If u book your flights through the cruise line ask them to fly you out earlier.   No extra charge.  

if you book hotel on your own ask for your AARP  discount.

look at the excursions through the cruise line see what the offer and prices.    Check excursion separate of cruise line and ask for a AARP discount.  This might be cheaper.  Book your excursion at least 6 month or more in advanced.

enjoy your cruise

I have been on three or four cruises. My absolute favorite was a two week land/sea. FABULOUS. We get to the general port area a day sooner and get a room and use our aarp dining rewards to eat nearby the motel. We always keep a larger luggage packed for the ship, that will go on ahead of us on the ship and we keep a smaller one in hand at all times. It is for all medication, complete swimwear needs, and a change of clothes, extra undies, and all your toiletries. You may get on the ship early, with no room entry yet but can go to the pool. Plan out your desired excursions at home, ahead of time. You can try fun, thrilling excursions you have no other opportunity to try, or just relax on land or water on days that the ship docks. Some excursions are pricey. This is also the time to try new foods, especially at dress up night dinners when the menu is different from what is offered on the ship. Pay attention to the daily activity schedule and play their games where prizes are given out...Nice prizes, even free excurions for a day they dock. Plan ahead to consider everything possible from beginning to end of the trip to get in all thats important to you and to watch where your money is going and how your budget is holding up. These cruises are a great way to see long lost relatives and old school pals to just relax and visit and catch up without worrying about where you will eat tonight or how much walking you have to do. We often see sisters that live in opposite sides of the U.S. that come for a week of catching up and sharing a room, It's fun to just reminisce and relax.

On Carnival there is something you can pay for ahead of time so you can skip the lines when boarding - it's called "Faster to the Fun" and it's worth every penny. I have been on 2 cruises. The first one was regular, wait in line for what seemed like forever to board. The second one was FTTF - so much better. No waiting. You still can't get into your room until it's ready but you are on the ship and can go eat or just check out the ship. Anything beats standing in line for hours.

My husband and I have never been on a cruise butt we’ve alway talked about. Maybe soon😊

Hi I have not been on a cruise since the early 90's!  But, I'm ready to go again after reading all the great tips! Thanks fellow members!  Stacy

My wife and I have always wanted to go on a cruise!  I would use several of the discount cards in your collection including the cruise line cards, the motel cards and depending on what stores are onboard use their discount cards.  The items listed in the other posts, getting to city early, keeping your necessaries in your carry on and others I do any time we travel. Thanks for the opportunity to go on a cruise.

My tip is to take an extension cord with you. A lot of ships dont have a lot of outlets. I use AARP Rewards to help save money when I travel.

Always bring proof of US citizenship whenever visiting ANY foreign country such as Passport/Visa/ Drivers license/Birth certificate in case of mistaken identity because of your name or looks.

Cruising on a ship in the Ocean is always a danger of running into rough waves or a bad storm. Sea sickness is only one of many problems. Passengers with any handicaps/disabilities must be extra careful when the boat is rolling side to side. Anyone with a medical condition (Diabetes=Insulin) must bring enough medicines to last longer than the trip in case of engine failure or fires, etc. Leave nothing to chance and a nice vacation will be had.

Retiring soon and this would be a great start our retirement.