AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

I've always cruised solo and have the best memories! Thanks to social media, it's easy to connect with fellow solo cruisers in advance by joining (or creating) a Facebook group for the date of your cruise, or checking the daily onboard newsletter for solo meetups (NCL does this best). (Fun fact: solo does not mean "singles," just people who are traveling solo!) And if you're not solo but want to connect with fellow cruisers, Cruise Critic dot com has Roll Call pages for each cruise. Enjoy!

Always select the early dining time slot.  Gives you time the be ready for the midnight buffet 😋. A cruise is a time to be pampered and spoiled with anything you want. Don't worry about a thing; be open to meet new friends and enjoy all they have to offer.  

This is my first cruise and since it's my first I decided to be sure and go with someone like-minded as I am. We both will share in all expenses, we are ready for a fun get away, and we are celebrating our 1st Anniversary. Do this cruise is a great way for all reasons. 

Thanks, Velma

My husband and I have cruised several years, and we love to travel with family and friends!  We try to rememeber this is a great way to see different ports on one cruise, and soak up all the culture and sites we see.  We always travel to the port of choice the day prior to boarding, so we don't have an issue with arriving on time to set sail.  We enjoy the shows, so we always book early seating for dinner.  Cruising has been an affordable way for us to travel, and get everything needed to enjoy our trips.  Exploring new and wonderful ways to make the best of every situation, while having several different likes and dislikes.  AARP has been a wonderful way to purchase gift cards for cruising at a discount, which we love, but we also get a discount on our cell phones by being a AARP member.   Not to mention the perks of many other offers, watching a movie, getting rewards for completing AARP's many topics for daily living and helpful information and tips!!

My husband and I have never been on a cruise, but would love to try one. I've been reading some of the posts and will remember all the great tips on cruising. Thanks, everyone.

Opportunity awaits us!

Use your AARP rewards points to purchase a cruise line discount!

When booking if cruising with friends, each take a stateroom on either side of the ship. That way, if someone on the port side sees something remarkable, the starboard friends come to their room for the view. Likewise, if starboard has an incredible view of something, the port side friends head over for the view.

We try to avoid a rush the last day and arrive at departure area a day in advance

Some of my best tips for making cruise travel easy are some very basic tips that I have learned over the years.  Packing an embarkation day bag with essentials you will need before you get your luggage delivered to your cabin.  Pack sunscreen, your bathing suit, lotion, hair ties, sunglasses etc. Get your room organized.  Bring a pop-up laundry hamper for your dirty clothes.  Bring a hanging toiletry bag, as bathroom space is quite limited.  Bring a concentrated bathroom spray, bathrooms are small.  Thank me later. With all the food, drinks and high calorie food make sure you use the fitness center and note that there are fitness classes as well.  Some are included and others have an extra charge.  The best tip is getting to know your cruise line and your cruise ship.  AARP has so much information in their travel section and gift cards to purchase and possibly win in their reward section. 

The best tip is that there is a cruise ship for everyone, but not every cruise ship is for everybody!  Cruising takes planning and is not up to serendipity!  If its your first cruise, it might be a good idea to seek a travel agent to help guide you to the right cruise line or do the research yourself, check out the AARP travel section for help.  Cheaper, shorter cruises tend to be overflowing with younger adults and the more mature traveler may not be thrilled with the ambience.  Get to know the cruise lines and the individual ships.  Safe travels!