As someone who is always looking at travel, I have a few go-to apps that are essential to planning a great cruise.
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Trip Advisor is the app I use to get reviews on hotels, restaurants, and things to do. The reviews have the same kind of honesty you expect from Amazon.com reviews. If it's my first time cruising from a particular port, I go to Trip Advisor to read reviews and get an idea of where I should stay. The reviews on things to do in the area are also really helpful if you plan to turn-up before embarkation! Trip Advisor is available for iOS and Android.
Tripit is the ultimate travel organizer app. I can just forward all my travel plans to the app (plans@tripit.com) and it will create a detailed itinerary based on the confirmations you send. It even works with cruise itineraries - it'll list all your port days and their locations!
It even knows what's missing from your itinerary - you have a hotel, but no flight. Or vice versa. I use the Pro version of the app to get a few more features like real-time flight alerts and rewards points tracking. Tripit is available for iOS and Android.
Waze is the app I use for road trips. I have an iPhone and my Maps app works just fine, but Waze gives me just that little bit extra. It provides the standard GPS support with turn-by-turn directions, but it's community-driven. That means if someone has traveled this road and saw a State Trooper laying in wait at mile marker 22, Waze will tell you that. When driving to the port, this will be a lifesaver. If there is an accident that will cause a significant delay, Waze will reroute you to avoid it and keep you moving towards your destination. Waze is available for iOS and Android. Waze also works with CarPlay.
I always recommend getting to your departure port the day before your cruise (Murphy's Law and all). If you follow my advice, you'll need a hotel for your overnight stay. Nowadays, hotels offer the same or better price if you book directly through them. You can download any through your mobile device app store.
Most cruise lines have apps that offer a variety of things you can do with the app before and during your cruise.
Before:
Once on board:
*App features may vary by cruise line and ship.
If your favorite cruise line doesn't have an app, they may have an online portal like Princess. They have Princess@Sea which is an online portal instead of an app that you access once onboard.
I am often multitasking by watching TV and researching or planning my next trip on my iPad. I don't have to sit in front of my computer anymore and can plan on the go. These apps help me do that.
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Ola tries to feed her cruise addiction as funds allow. She works to cruise. When she's not on a cruise, she's planning one! She is an unapologetic balcony snob and spend lots of time sitting out there listening to music, reading a book or snoozing in a tropical breeze.
Your Cruise Girl