AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

My cruising experience is limited to only Carnival Cruise Lines, so some of my tips/advice might be Carnival specific, but typically applies to just about any cruise.

- Take a power strip or charging hub of some kind if you have multiple devices. Electrical outlets are very limited in a ship cabin. I prefer a long (9-10 ft.) extension cord over a power strip so I can reach just about anywhere. Plus a 3-way outlet adapter.

- You can find portable mesh shower caddies on Amazon to hang in your shower. Great for soaps/shampoos, etc. because there's hardly any room for that stuff in the shower. We also take a portable clothesline to hang in our bathroom for swim trunks/suits.

- Some of the newer ships don't have light switches for the main cabin lights, but instead have a slot to insert a card, such as your Sail & Sign card (Carnival). You can also use a hotel room key card, a gift card, or even a business card for this light slot.

- There is SO MUCH to do on a cruise. Don't try to do everything that interests you. You'll likely be overwhelmed (I've made this mistake). Many activities run at the same time, so you won't be able to do everything. Pick things that most interest you or new things you'd like to try. Don't get too down if you miss something, you'll still have fun.

I use AARP Rewards to buy Carnival gift cards for 10% off. It may not seem like much for an individual gift card, but once you pay for the cruise fare and other things, you can save hundreds of dollars with the discount cards. Carnival's gift cards can be used to pay off the cruise, to make online purchases, like water bottles for your cabin, decorations & more. They can be used to purchase excursions, taken onboard to fund your Sail & Sign account. Pretty much everything. As a bonus, AARP membership gets up discounts on things like hotels & rental cars for the trip to the cruise port.

If you're into swimming. Pack or wear your swimsuit on day 1. Pools are empty and you'll have them to yourself, as well as the hot tub. Sea day pools are a nightmare!!

the best time to go through you muster is as soon as you get on the boat. Most people seem to wait and the lines can be longer. Always check with AARP first, when booking your next cruise.

My cruise tip is to always prepay for activities and staff tips before I cruise.  It’s one less thing to worry about, just go and not think about money.  Always check to see if AARP has Carnival gift cards available for sale at a discount. It’s a great way to stretch your dollars.

Avoid long lines when dining by eating your meals at off hours.

When cruise and cabin booked we examine deck plans.  We look for best routes to main venues from our cabin.  Locate best elevator to use (mid ship, forward or aft).  Locate stairs to use as option if elevators are crowded.  Also determine which decks allow guest to go from forward to aft.  Many decks have obstructions like galley, mechanical rooms etc in center of deck/ship.  We also locate the public bathrooms in main venue areas so when needed we will not be wandering aimlessly.

Cruising is one of the best vacations you can take!! They are relaxing, exciting and fun all at the same time. Just looking out into the ocean is one of the most peaceful things to do it takes you away to a far away place in your mind! Taking your AARP card with you gives you an advantage to get your discounts and be able to accumulate points 

AARP has helped us pay off our cruise with discounted gift cards. The best deal around. We can enjoy more with the savings. We like to use magnetic hooks to hang hats, lanyards and to dry out clothes.  We store our suitcases under the beds. Inside cabin to save money.

My best cruise tip is to always arrive a day before sailing. You never know when obstacles.will pop up. I always take my AAPR card with me for use on all their discounts. 

I've never been on a cruise. My children have, they are grown. I've always provided for them never doing anything for myself. I would like to win a cruise but like all contests I never win so it's a fun gesture to try.  I would like to travel have an adventure see new places experience new things. Being disabled has its limits. If I win I would love the experience of doing and seeing something I never have.  I use my AARP for discounts locally but to actually go somewhere would be a dream