AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2023

My wife and I have been on 6-7 cruises with all of them except one being on Carnival. We have the next one being a 25 night Transpacific from Singapore to LA in October of 2024. Our tips are-

• Do your research! Read the rules, research the rooms prior to booking (louder rooms closer to the entertainment areas/elevators/etc.), check out the ports for things to do/see, etc.
• Get to your departing port at least one day prior to sailing and check out the area. Stressing out for delayed or cancelled flights does not start out your vacation on a good note.
• Drink packages are for us not a good value as we don't drink enough to offset the fixed pricing- do the math and decide for yourself prior to boarding
• Open seating for dinner for us is preferable so you aren't always trying to get cleaned and dressed at certain times. Vacations should be on your time!
• I love the morning omelet stations before the crowds get up. Nothing like a good omelet and coffee with very few people on deck.
• Most of the time, the local color/flavor beats the tourist traps.
• Discounted gift cards (Target 5% back with debit card), etc. are easy ways to save on your cruise. 
• Use airline points, hotel points, etc. to save on travel to/from your home destination.
• Cruise workers are paid very little- don't underestimate the value of tips, kind words, common respect for their worth and contribution to your experience.
• Try to learn at least a few basic phrases of the local language to use in ports of call. The locals there will certainly appreciate the effort and that, along with smiles and common courtesies will help bridge the communication barrier. 

Always carry on items like swimsuits and cover up to enjoy some pool time before your room is ready. Everyone else will be going to buffet.

I'm brand new to AARP but have cruised many times. My tip would be to take the stairs if possible. It usually is much faster than waiting for the elevator and you'll work off some of that delicious food you've been eating while on vacation.  

Also,  bring heavy duty magnetic hooks to hang some of your belongings on the wall (bathing suits, towels, purses, belts, etc) the walls are made of metal so the magnets will stick. 

    I look forward to using my AARP card for hotel discounts when I travel.  #aarpcruisecontest

My best advice is travel with your family and your very best friends on the cruises whenever possible.  It truly makes the most memorable moments ever!!  And it's ok if everyone wants to eat at different times or do separate excursions, that just gives you more to talk about at the pool, or whenever you get together. 

My other advice is to be super kind to all of the stewards, hosts, cooks, bartenders, sanitation service workers, etc.  They work extremely hard day and evening to make our vacation the dream of our lives, and w/o their commitment and dedication we could not enjoy ourselves as easily on each day of our vacation. 

Well if I  became the winner of the AARP Rewards, I could enjoy a dinner at one of the specialty restaurants with my dear husband.  I would love to surprise him with this, he's so deserving of much more, but would be on top of the world.

Lastly, I'd like to say thank-you to AARP for allowing me to see how fun it truly is to be a part of the senior community.   Since joining AARP I've been informed, saved money and now I'm just having lots of fun.  Who knew that being a part of your wonderful program would bring me so many benefits, including money saving benefits win I cruise. 

Whomever wins this contest,  congratulations to you!  In my opinion, we're all winners being a part of the AARP program.  Thank you for taking care of the senior citizens!

Our tip for cruising is always carry on all of your meds, at least one change of clothes, and anything you need in case your bags are delayed getting to your cabin. AARP rewards discount gift cards are a great way to lower the price of your cruise. Most of all, enjoy your cruise! 💖

I would love to win this contest, so that I can go on my very first cruise!!!

Have never been on a cruise so I have no tips. For other travel I use my AARP card for hotel and dining discounts.

Definitely get to the port town early. These days with all the airline delays and cancellations, you’ll be much more relaxed arriving the day before. Plus you get to see the town. Pack light. Carry any meds and necessities in carry-on luggage incase they can’t locate your luggage or it’s delayed. I like travel insurance for the unexpected. And always use aarp for discounts at hotels, restaurants, stores, everywhere. Haven’t been on any vacations for many, many years so this would be a great win. Good Luck!

I've been on a couple cruises, one with several girlfriends and my mom and the other with the spouse. My recommendations are:

* Research where you want to go and the best time of year to visit.

*Research the cruise lines and ship amenities, some are geared towards families and others to couples. 

* Download the cruise line app, you'll likely use it lots when on board. 

*Pack relatively light and always have a carry on to enjoy the pool since it will take a minute to get your larger luggage. 

*Through the website or app, check out excursions and any specialty dining. You'll want to reserve as early as possible. Be mindful some lines only allow reservations once boarded. 

*Purchase luggage tag protectors, that minimizes lost luggage. Unfortunately they are not the same for all lines but they are relatively low price on Amazon and can purchase in different quantities. Great if you are a couple or large family. 

Use AARP travel not only to see what your savings can be for the cruise, flights, and hotels but also what discounts for restaurants are available in the area you will be departing from....you'll want to get there at least a day prior to reduce stress as much as possible. 

Use AARP Travel to compare prices for the cruise

My best tip is to plan to arrive at the embarkation port at least one, preferably two days, prior to your sail date. That way if there are flight delays or your luggage doesn’t arrive when you do, there is time to sort everything out without as much stress.

The other tip is to read online about your ship and ports of call so you are familiar with what to expect. Also watch YouTube videos about the ship so you have an idea of where things are onboard - like that semi-hidden hot tub or that special martini bar.

Finally if you’re going to explore a port without going on a cruise line excursion, triple check the official ship time and when to get back on board. I wear an old style watch on cruises that I keep at to ship time, and don’t use my phone or clocks in port to check the time. I never want to miss the boat!