Are you planning your next cruise? Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, having the right apps on your phone can make a huge difference in your cruising experience. From planning your itinerary to navigating ports and staying connected, these top cruise apps are must-haves for any cruise lover.
Here’s our list of the top 10 apps for cruising, plus a few bonus tools that will help you save money, find local tours, and make the most of your time on board and in port. If you watch our YouTube Video, you will get a few more of our MUST HAVE apps simply by watching. Please check out the video here.
1. ShipMate Cruise App
If you’re looking for an all-in-one app for cruise planning, the ShipMate App is essential. This app lets you explore deck plans, read reviews, track your ship in real-time, and connect with other cruisers before your trip.
Why We Love It:
Track your cruise countdown
Get real-time ship location
Access port guides and reviews
2. Marine Traffic Cruise App
Want to know exactly where your ship is at any given moment? MarineTraffic allows you to track ships in real time. It’s a fantastic tool for anyone who loves watching maritime traffic.
Why We Love It:
Real-time ship tracking
Global coverage of ships
Great for cruise enthusiasts
3. StockPerks App
Are you a shareholder of a cruise line? StockPerks helps you access shareholder benefits like onboard credits. If you own shares in cruise companies like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Norwegian Cruise Line, this app is a must-have.
Why We Love It:
Easy access to shareholder benefits
Great for saving money on cruises
4. Expedia
Expedia is a go-to app for booking flights, hotels, and excursions. It’s also useful for finding cruise deals and last-minute offers.
Why We Love It:
Easy to book pre- and post-cruise stays
Find deals on excursions
User-friendly interface
5. Visit a City APP
Visit a City is an excellent app for planning your port days. It offers pre-made itineraries and allows you to customize your day based on your interests.
Why We Love It:
Free and easy to use
Customizable itineraries
Works offline
6. Google Maps
No cruise trip is complete without Google Maps. It’s perfect for navigating new cities and finding local attractions, restaurants, and hidden gems.
Why We Love It:
Works offline (download maps in advance)
Great for walking directions
Helps you find local hotspots
7. AllTrails App
Love exploring nature? AllTrails is the best app for finding hiking and walking trails at your cruise destinations.
Why We Love It:
Access to thousands of trails worldwide
Detailed trail maps and reviews
Perfect for active cruisers
8. GuruWalk APP
GuruWalk connects you with local guides offering free walking tours in various cities. It’s a great way to explore a port without spending a fortune on ship excursions.
Why We Love It:
Free walking tours with local guides
Unique and personalized experiences
No booking fees
📲 Visit: GuruWalk
9. Big Bus Tours App
Many cruise ports offer Big Bus Tours, which are hop-on, hop-off bus tours. These are great for getting an overview of a city and seeing major landmarks.
Why We Love It:
Flexible sightseeing
Audio guides in multiple languages
Great for first-time visitors
10. WhatsApp
Stay connected with family and friends while cruising with WhatsApp. It’s a reliable messaging app that works well with WiFi packages offered by cruise lines.
Why We Love It:
Free messaging and calling
Works on ship WiFi
Great for group chats
Why These Apps?
We love being adventurous while cruising, and these apps help us plan unique experiences without breaking the bank. Many cruise ports are easy to explore on your own, and with these tools, you can skip expensive ship tours and create your own personalized adventures.
For example:
Google Maps helps us navigate ports like pros.
Visit a City builds custom itineraries to make the most of our time in port.
GuruWalk connects us with local guides for unique walking tours.
Final Thoughts
Having the right apps can transform your cruise experience. From planning your trip to exploring new ports, these tools make cruising more enjoyable and less stressful. Download these apps before your next cruise and see how much easier it makes your travels!
Do you have a favorite cruise app we missed? Let us know in the comments or connect with us on our YouTube channel, KirkToriStory, where we share more cruise tips, port guides, and travel hacks to help you travel smarter.
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