AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

Try these reccommendations for a smooth and unforgettable trip:

1. Choose the Right Cruise Line: Research is key when selecting a cruise line that matches your preferences. Some lines focus on family-friendly activities, while others cater to luxury or adventure seekers. Read reviews and consider the onboard amenities, itineraries, and onboard experiences before making your choice.

2. Plan Ahead for Excursions: Shore excursions are a highlight of any cruise, offering opportunities to explore exotic locales. To make the most of your time in port, pre-book your excursions to secure a spot and avoid last-minute disappointments.

3. Pack Smartly: Cruise cabins might be cozy, so pack wisely and efficiently. Don't forget essentials like travel documents, medications, and appropriate attire for formal nights and shore excursions. Check the dress code of your cruise to avoid overpacking.

4. Embrace Onboard Activities: Cruises are like floating cities with an array of activities to indulge in. From Broadway-style shows and cooking classes to rock-climbing walls and water parks, there's never a dull moment on a cruise ship.

5. Budget for Extras: While many aspects of a cruise are all-inclusive, it's essential to budget for extra expenses like specialty dining, spa treatments, and gratuities. Setting aside a discretionary fund ensures you can indulge in unique experiences without worry.

6. Be Mindful of Seasickness: If you're prone to motion sickness, consider choosing a midship cabin and bring along remedies like ginger candies or over-the-counter medications. Many modern cruise ships have advanced stabilizers that reduce the likelihood of feeling seasick.

7. Stay Connected (or Disconnect!): Most cruises offer internet packages, but be mindful that onboard internet can be expensive and slow. Decide if you want to stay connected or take this opportunity to disconnect and fully immerse yourself in the cruise experience.

8. Observe Environmental Responsibility: Cruises take us to pristine destinations, so it's crucial to be mindful of the environment. Follow guidelines for waste disposal and support eco-friendly excursions that promote sustainability.

9. Travel Insurance is a Must: Despite meticulous planning, unforeseen circumstances may arise. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance to protect your investment and have peace of mind throughout your journey.

10. Cherish the Experience: Finally, savor every moment of your cruise adventure. Take in the breathtaking sunsets, make new friends, and create lasting memories that will stay with you long after you disembark.

We love to cruise!  My advise is to research what you need to bring.  There are a lot of handy suggestions online.  *I especially like Life Well Cruised on you tube. (https://lifewellcruised.com/) She has lots of recommended items, ports to visit and things I never would have thought of !  

We love Carnival Cruise Lines.  There is so much to do, food is delicious, everyone is friendly. Be sure to check out the shows!  

Be very open to meeting new friends and personnel onboard the ship. Never know where it will end up.

Thanks for this opportunity Terri, to win some cruise "mad money" for my friend and I. I recently booked a cruise for us through AARP Travel and are so excited! We leave December 3, 2023 and I've been binge watching YouTube videos ever since. I came across a good tip for those who are Facebook-friendly. If you would like to connect with some others who will be on the same cruise, do a FB search using your cruise ship name and date. Get to know your cruise partners, plan meetups or shipboard games ahead of time. Happy sailing everyone!!!

Have fun and talk with the staff. They are very helpful. Learn about all the countries they are fun. The best time on my cruise was talking, being and spending time with the cruise staff. And enjoy all the lucious food! Research and use the AARP rewards.

Alot of times it is hard to pack everything you want to in your suitcase, so I have two hacks for you. First, use the empty paper towel tub to hold a scarf and pull thru so that you can type each end to the other on the outside. This keeps scarfs from disappearing in the rest of the luggage. Another tip, buy small clear pill bags. This eliminates the hard-shell bottles which talk up alot of room AND lastly, always write out and pack a list of every medical condition and all of your drugs and vitamins. If you have a major medical issue buy a Red Cross Medical Alert sticker and put it on your luggage. This more than anything could save your life. 

My husband and I was married in October 2007 and has never had a honeymoon. I think it would be great to celebrate our 16th anniversary on a cruise. I’m Donna Watson and my husband is James Watson Jr. 

Being a Single Mom and not being able to take a real vacation in years it would be wonderful to win this trip and take my son with me now that he is older 🙂

I love to cruise! I am booked on Carnival for departure on 12-31-23. First time my daughter, husband and kids are going! I am ALWAYS a over-packer! This time I am putting my outfits together with earrings and roll it up for suitcase! I buy all small size toiletries and never pack a blow dryer! 3 pairs of shoes max! Dressy sandals, pool shoes n Tennis shoes for walking! Pack good sunscreen! Don’t scrimp with off brands- you may burn! Sunglasses and a hat is a must as well! Check out the other tips from travelers as well. AARP can save you $$$ just by using their app for airfare, hotel, etc. tithe most important thing, relax, unplugg from social media and make memories! It’s a trip of a lifetime!  So excited for this trip! Hope I get chosen for the gift card! 🩷

Book as soon as possible to get early booking discounts, to secure your first choice of cabin, and to avoid future (and more frequent) fare increases later, since your early fare gets locked in.