AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

Take your bottle of wine per person and 12 cans of soda per person to save money on board.  I also use my Carnival Gift cards purchased with a discount through AARP to pay for the cruise and on board purchases.   Also pack in your AARP cubes to easily find items onboard.  Don't forget a small fan to circulate air and drown out sounds along with a multi option extension cord that does not have a circuit breaker. (for some reason not allowed) and PARTEEEE~

I've never been on a cruise so not really sure what the best tips could be. But having heard from friends that have "cruised" before, the best tips are purchase AARP cruise line gift cards, make sure you pack your important documents where you have access to them and make sure there are copies with someone not cruising with you in case they get lost.

I plan way ahead to make sure I have transportation to and from the port. 

I have not been on a cruise but with any scheduled traveling I would make sure to have everything packed and ready to go two days prior.  If you are needing to travel to the point of entry you should definitely be in the city limits no later than the day prior so that you are not tired upon boarding the cruise liner.  Two months prior make sure that you have your passports and that they are current.  Getting updated passports is taking two-four months. 

Make sure you make a list of all the items you need on your trip. Carry sanitized wipes and masks for your own safety. Make sure you check for passports and ID. Make all your reservations and excursions trips ahead of time. Care plenty of water and blankets if you are traveling by car. And always check in with a relative as to where you are.

We love to cruise! Over the years we have learned to try to arrive at the departing port the day before to make sure you (and your luggage) arrive in time for your sailing. Check to make sure your passport won't be out of date - many destinations require visas that are dependent on your passport being good for at least another six months after your visit. Make your dining and excursion reservations prior to your trip - we have often snagged great dining room seats for the evening we set sail with wonderful views of the sun setting over the port. Try to bring luggage that is brightly colored so it is easy to pick out - avoid black if at all possible. If not available at least tie a scarf or ribbon or some other easily recognizable tag or feature to make it easy to identify. Last most lines have a daily newsletter listing activities for the day. Take a picture as it often provides the date and destination which makes it a great divider and all your photographs that follow easier to sort. Bon voyage! 

When we cruise, we fly out a day or so before to make sure that our flights won’t cause us to miss our cruise. Flights have been known to be delayed or even canceled.

Pack less, pack less, pack less but have 2 pairs of comfortable shoes.

I've been on over 25 cruises and a couple big tips - be sure to pick a good location for your cabin if you have any mobility/walking issues as well as those with possible motion issues.   You want to pay the extra amount to be located mid -ship for proximity to everything onboard and lower in the ship & mid-ship has the least amount of motion.   At the back of the ship, there can be vibration so middle of the ship is the smoothest ride at night.   Buy the cruise life gift cards from AARP to save money and do your research into what cruise line, ship & itinerary are the best for you! 

It’s been a while once cruise. I would love  to win a cruise. There is no way I could win something this nice, I am just not that lucky. I am entering anyway.