The Best Apps to Save and Plan Your Dream Cruise!
Ahoy, cruisers! If you’ve been dreaming of setting sail on an unforgettable cruise vacation, you’re in the right place. Planning a cruise adventure has never been easier, thanks to the treasure trove of smartphone apps at your fingertips. In this blog, we’re diving deep into the digital sea to discover the best apps that will help you save money, plan your itinerary, and ensure smooth sailing on your next cruise. Get ready to set sail in style!
1. Cruise Price Comparison Apps
Before you embark on your cruise, it’s crucial to find the best deals. Cruise price comparison apps are your ticket to securing the most affordable fares. Here are some top picks:
A. Cruise Critic: Cruise Critic is like having a cruise expert in your pocket. Not only does it provide price comparisons, but it also offers reviews, forums, and insider tips to help you make informed decisions.
B. Cruise Finder by iCruise: This app lets you search for cruise deals based on your preferences and budget. It’s a great tool for finding the perfect cruise line, itinerary, and cabin type.
2. Budgeting and Savings Apps
Saving up for your dream cruise is a breeze with the right budgeting apps. Here are a couple of handy options:
A. Mint: Mint is a comprehensive budgeting app that helps you track your expenses, set savings goals, and manage your finances effectively. Saving for your cruise has never been more straightforward.
B. Oportun is a new brand and redesigned app here Learn more It is an automated savings app that analyzes your spending habits and saves money for you. It’s like having a financial wizard in your corner, stashing away funds for your cruise without you even noticing.
3. Travel Planning Apps
Once you’ve booked your cruise, it’s time to plan the details. Travel planning apps are here to assist:
A. TripIt: TripIt is a travel organizer that centralizes all your cruise details in one place. Forward your confirmation emails, and it creates a master itinerary for you, complete with maps, directions, and weather updates.
B. PackPoint: Packing for a cruise can be tricky with varied activities and dress codes. PackPoint generates customized packing lists based on your cruise destination, length, and planned activities, ensuring you don’t forget a thing.
4. Onboard Entertainment and Activity Apps
Cruise ships are like floating cities with a wide array of activities. The following apps can be downloaded before you cruise but only become active when you are actually on your cruise. They allow you to make the most of your onboard experience with these apps. Some are better than others I must admit. In no particular order:
Virgin Voyages App
Description: Virgin Voyages offers the “Scarlet Lady” app, designed to elevate your voyage on their innovative cruise ships. With features like mobile boarding, restaurant reservations, and the ability to book shore excursions, it ensures a seamless and enjoyable cruise experience with a touch of Virgin flair.
Download Link: Virgin Voyages App
Royal Caribbean International
Description: Royal Caribbean’s “Royal Caribbean International” app offers an array of features, including digital check-in, mobile boarding passes, and the Cruise Planner for scheduling activities and dining. Stay connected, chat with fellow cruisers, and access ship information while enjoying your Royal Caribbean cruise.
Download Link: Royal Caribbean International App
Princess MedallionClassâ„¢ (Princess Cruises)
Description: The Princess MedallionClassâ„¢ app enhances your cruise experience with features like keyless cabin entry, ship navigation, and the ability to order food and drinks delivered to your location. It also offers real-time ship and port information, making it a handy tool for Princess Cruises passengers.
Download Link: Princess MedallionClassâ„¢
MSC for Me (MSC Cruises)
Description: The MSC for Me app provides guests on MSC Cruises with a range of services, from booking shore excursions and restaurants to accessing your cabin and making onboard payments. It offers a seamless way to stay connected and manage your cruise experience. This is the best App I have experienced on a cruise ship, it worked so well for us, with no glitches.
Download Link: MSC for Me
Costa Cruises
Description: Costa Cruises offers a variety of apps designed to enhance your experience, including the “Costa Excursions” app for booking shore excursions and the “Costa Mobile” app for onboard services like checking your account balance and accessing ship information.
Download Link: Costa Cruises Apps
Carnival Hub (Carnival Cruise Line)
Description: The Carnival Hub app lets you access a wide range of onboard features, including a digital cruise planner, onboard chat, and a daily schedule of activities. You can also use it for dining reservations and making payments.
Download Link: Carnival Hub
Celebrity Cruises
Description: Celebrity Cruises offers the “Celebrity Cruises” app, which allows you to explore and book excursions, view ship activities, and access important information about your cruise. It enhances your Celebrity Cruises experience with convenience at your fingertips.
Download Link: Celebrity Cruises App
P&O UK Cruises
Description: P&O UK Cruises offers the “P&O Cruises” app, which allows you to access essential information about your cruise, including your booking details and itinerary. You can explore onboard services, book shore excursions, and stay updated with the latest cruise news. It’s a helpful companion for P&O UK Cruises passengers. Please note you can only download this app once you embark on your cruise.
Download Link: P&O Cruises
These apps are designed to make your cruise experience smoother and more enjoyable, offering a wide range of features and services to enhance your journey at sea. Be sure to download the app corresponding to the cruise line you’re sailing with to maximize your onboard experience.
5. Communication Apps
Staying in touch with loved ones back home or coordinating with fellow cruisers is essential. Communication apps come to the rescue:
A. WhatsApp: WhatsApp allows you to send text messages and make calls over Wi-Fi, helping you avoid hefty international roaming charges while at sea or in port.
B. Cruise Line-Specific Apps: Some cruise lines have their own chat apps, such as Carnival’s “Hub App” or MSC’s “MSC for Me.” These apps let you stay connected with other passengers and access ship information. See above for some examples.
6. Currency Converters
When visiting different ports of call, dealing with various currencies can be confusing. XE converter is the only one I use, it is the most up-to-date and reliable.
Here is the link to the website for a quick currency check https://www.xe.com/ Or download the app before your cruise XE Currency: XE Currency provides real-time exchange rates and a currency calculator. It’s a handy tool for knowing the value of your money in different countries.
7. Local Exploration Apps
Exploring ports of call is a significant part of any cruise adventure. Make the most of your time ashore with these apps:
A. Google Maps: A reliable navigation app like Google Maps can help you explore ports, find attractions, and locate the best restaurants and shops.
B. TripAdvisor: TripAdvisor offers reviews, recommendations, and ratings for restaurants, activities, and attractions at your cruise stops, ensuring you make the most of your time on land.
C. Download your Maps here using this link, just click on the ports you are visiting, sign in or sign up and start downloading your maps and coupons, have them handy on your phone or print and pack them in your suitcase no need to use your data roaming using Google Maps or Tripadvisor.
Conclusion
With these fantastic apps, you’ll be well-equipped to save money, plan your dream cruise, and make the most of your time both onboard and at the ports of call. The sea is calling, and it’s time to answer with a cruise adventure like no other. So, download these apps, start saving, and get ready for the voyage of a lifetime! Happy sailing! 🚢⚓
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