AARP Rewards Online Community Cruise Contest 2024

Watch youtubes about your ship to familiarize yourself before boarding.

I always go to the city of departure the night before. It cuts down on my frustration with the airline and their proclivity for tardiness.

Often you can earn a free play credit at the casino if you attend the learn how to play event.

It's safe to drink the tap water. It's either distilled sea water or reverse osmosis filtration is used.

Don't wait until the last minute to visit the onboard gift shops. They are only open on sea days.

Consider "What kind of person is going to like this cruise?" before you book your trip. Spring Break might attract a college crowd. A ship that advertising water slides and a gocart track might attract families. People with full time jobs might not be able to choose sailings greater than 7 days because of work obligations.

My husband and I will be going on a cruise for our 40th wedding anniversary in June.  I have found that I usually overpack, and need to do better on this upcoming cruise.  I always appreciate how AARP can help me save money on my daily purchases with sweepstakes and online deals.  This way I can go on more cruises!

 If you are prone to seasickness, try to book a room near the center of the ship and on a lower deck. There is far less up and down movement in this section of the ship. Think of a seesaw, the least amount of up and down movement is at the center. Do try to book early as these rooms tend to be the first to go.

Book as early as possible so get best choice of cabins and excursions 

  (1) If you're new to cruising and a tour of the ship is offered, take it. The ships are so big anymore, that it's difficult to remember what is where, and on what deck. By taking the tour, you get tips about the easiest way to get around; where areas like internet help, customer service, library, computer rooms, etc. are. Some of these are in little rooms that are really hard to find.

  (2) Most cruise lines try to have everyone on board by 3-4 pm, with dinner starting at 5 pm. So, my advice is to avoid the main dining room(s) that first evening. It will be packed and wait time could be up to 3 hours long. On top of that, passengers are "hangry," and can get rude, especially if they've been taking advantage of their drink package. Go to one of the smaller restaurants that are also free, or the cafeteria.

   (3) Go to as many shows as you can. They're free, and they're wonderful!

   (4) Plan on s-l-o-w  elevators.

   (5) Relax, have fun, enjoy the adventure!

I've used my AARP rewards points to get Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart gift cards to purchase

  items we need for the flight and cruise: 3.4-ounce bottles of styling products, band aids, little 

  sewing kits, snacks,etc. 

Make a door decoration for your stateroom door.  Doesn't have to be fancy, just something you will remember.  Easier to find your stateroom going down those long halls.  

 Enjoy your cruise, relax don't be in a hurry Book early if you are able to and watch to see if the price goes down and call Carnival or your agent to get a price adjustment. This will give you a bigger savings when you use your AARP carnival gift cards. Buying the gift cards at the discounted price always makes my trip extra special.

Be there at the start, to leverage a time advantage!