AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2024

Bring some kind of anti-nausea see sickness medication. It’s no fun if you’re sick so just do it and don’t take a chance.

Pace yourself while cruising, and don't try to cram in every activity available for each day.  Leave some time to relax and "enjoy the ride!"

Book excursions early to get the most choices. It also helps you know if you need to bring special clothes or items with you. Pre and Post cruise excursions/days are sometimes available. They are a good way to extend the fun. AARP rewards can be used to reduce the costs for travel, clothes, and other items needed for your vacation. 

- Become a AARP member first, then book your Holland America Cruise. Be certain to give your AARP number at the time of booking. Check back with your Travel Advisor in about 10 days, and your lovely additional on board credit will magically be attached to  your reservation courtesy of AARP. My most recent credit was $200 for our upcoming 14 day cruise.

-Additionally, begin purchasing Holland America gift cards from AARP (at a 10% savings!). Use your AARP Essential Rewards credit card to score an additional 1% cash back. Note that there is a maximum number of HAL gift card purchases allowed per month from AARP  so plan way ahead of final payment due date to cover your cruise fare.  Be very careful - SAVE each of the gift card numbers and pin numbers, and keep them organized. If you have to cancel the cruise outside of the cancellation penalty,  the reimbursement will go back to the Holland America gift cards and you will need these numbers!!  If you purchase a good travel insurance and cancel for a covered reason inside the cancellation period, your refund will usually be by check from the travel insurance company. Check with your travel insurance provider.

By purchasing ten $500 gift cards, I am able to save $500 on my cruise! With the AARP $200 onboard credit and additional AARP savings, I am certain to have a Bon Voyage!

First check AARP for rewards discounts and travel arrangements cost comparisons!  If you book through Cruiseline you still can use AARP airfare if better cost and times.  While many have already offered tips I offer two new points.  Pack two small battery operated tea lights.  They make perfect nite lights - one for the small  bathroom and the other on the nite stand to “reorient “ you when you wake up in a different place! I do this for my husband and it has prevented many falls!

the second point is not to fall for the “free” drink packages unless the benefit for you is greater tthan the cost.  The cruise line I use puts a “price value” of 3k on it that is free but they automatically pre charge you the 20% tip fee on that value. Essentially it works out that you need to have 10 drinks a day to make this free package worthwhile.  Given the excursions and time off the ship we never would drink that much in any evening.  And in the Caribbean check to see if the package covers the day spent at the cruise lines own island beach  stop- ours doesn’t!  So buying our own and tipping  per drink works for us and reduces the incentive to overdue drinking just to get your moneys worth!

Cruising with extended family and friends can get expensive, but it's worth the experience of exploring new sites with your loved ones. One way to save is to book less costly interior rooms for your teenage children, across the aisle from you. These rooms may not have exterior views out onto the ocean/river, but the kids won't mind. They're usually out-and-about with you on the ship or ports.

When packing, roll your clothing in the case rather than folding flat. Take only comfortable shoes

My wife and I love the cruise ship lifestyle!  A different kind of cruise that we enjoy is the crossing!   It’s like the movie An Affair to Remember!

I use AARP discounted gift cards then use the savings to purchase excursion on the cruise.   All around you save money and have fun!  Love to cruise a new found experience to enjoy in retirement.  Cruising cheaper than flying to a location.

Shop around for excursions. Independent tour companies do a great job, usually less expensive and have always brought us back on time.

if you like parties and art. Attend art shows on the ship. It fun and you’ll get free champagne 😀

bring clothes pins to keep the curtains closed at night for a better sleep (if you have a window). If no window, be sure to bring sticky notes, I used one to cover the peep hole (if not covered) at night (it shined right between us in the bed).

I’ve been cruising 2001