Today, most major cruise lines offer dedicated apps that serve as digital travel companions, helping travelers manage every detail of their trip. These apps do much more than just provide ship maps and schedules; they streamline check-in, unlock stateroom doors, and even let you order food or book activities from anywhere on the ship. With cruise apps, you have a personal concierge right in your pocket, making it easier to navigate your vacation with confidence.
Top Cruise Line-Specific Apps
Each cruise line offers its own app with unique features. Here are some of the best cruise line apps that you should download before you embark.
Carnival HUB App
Carnival’s HUB app makes it easy to order pizza anywhere on the ship—just mark your location, snap a selfie, and the pizza will be delivered for a $5 fee (toppings included). This app also lets you browse menus, reserve seats for shows, and book rides like the BOLT roller coster on the Mardi Gras ship. Passengers aged 13 and up can access onboard chat for an additional $5 per person, enhancing communication across groups.
- Available On: App Store | Google Play
Celebrity Cruises App
Celebrity’s app turns your phone into a remote control for your stateroom, adjusting everything from the lights to the TV. It also functions as a digital key for cabin access (on most ships) and offers a complimentary in-app chat feature. Dining reservations and excursion bookings can be managed within the app, making it easy to plan your trip from anywhere on board.
- Available On: App Store | Google Play
Cruise Norwegian App
One of Norwegian’s standout features is the ability to make onboard-only calls, voicemails, and messages—a valuable tool for staying connected at sea. This feature costs $9.95 per person for the cruise, while calls to land are charged at $0.79 per minute. You can also send gifts, like wine or flowers, to other cabins.
- Available On: App Store | Google Play
Disney Cruise Line Navigator
Disney’s app is one of the most comprehensive cruise apps, connecting passengers directly to crew members through a live chat feature. From guest services to dining, the app makes it easy to reach the right person. For added fun, it also includes Disney-themed emoticons, adding a magical touch to your onboard conversations.
- Available On: App Store | Google Play
Holland America Line Navigator App
This app lets you order food and drinks directly to your location on the ship. You can also use it to save activities to a custom itinerary and see all your dining reservations and excursion bookings in one place.
- Available On: App Store | Google Play
MSC for Me App
Available on MSC’s “smart” ships, this app enables in-app messaging with other passengers, event bookings, and even connects to a Bluetooth speaker in your room on certain ships, letting you play your favorite music. You can also make reservations for dining and shore excursions.
- Available On: App Store | Google Play
Princess Cruises’ MedallionClass App
Princess Cruises offers a unique experience with its MedallionClass app, which allows passengers to order anything from drinks to bathrobes anywhere on the ship. The app works in conjunction with a Medallion device, which can also be used for location tracking and quick boarding. The app has a casino mode where you can play games and wager money from your phone when the ship is at sea.
- Available On: App Store | Google Play
Royal Caribbean App
Royal Caribbean’s app simplifies the onboarding process with passport scanning and pre-trip COVID-19 document uploads. On board, you can use it for group chats, dining reservations, viewing daily schedules, and monitoring your onboard account balance to keep your budget in check.
- Available On: App Store | Google Play
Essential Third-Party Apps for Every Cruiser
Beyond cruise line-specific apps, there are several third-party options that can enhance your experience on any cruise line.
Shipmate App
Shipmate is a versatile app where you can browse reviews, check ship details, and track current cruises. It also includes a countdown to your cruise and a community section where you can chat with other cruise enthusiasts.
- Available On: App Store | Google Play
CruiseMapper
This app provides real-time tracking for nearly every cruise ship in the world, with detailed itineraries, deck plans, and cabin details. If you’re curious about your ship’s location or want to explore the layout, CruiseMapper is the app to have.
- Available On: App Store | Google Play
Mobile Passport Control (CBP MPC)
Perfect for U.S. re-entry, Mobile Passport lets you upload your passport and customs information for a faster, paperless customs experience. It’s free, though only available at select ports.
- Available On: App Store | Google Play
Viking Voyager
This app includes weather updates, live TV, and even an art guide for Viking’s onboard art collection. With timely reminders for reservations, it’s a must-have for Viking cruisers.
- Available On: App Store | Google Play
Cruise Norwegian App
The Cruise Norwegian app offers onboard-only communication, reservations, and gifting. You can also make purchases and explore shore excursions, making it a versatile choice.
- Available On: App Store | Google Play
Tips for Using Cruise Apps Effectively
- Download Before Departure: Download the cruise app and set up your account before boarding the ship. This way, you’ll be able to access all the app’s features right away.
- Use Airplane Mode and Ship’s Wi-Fi: Once on board, switch your phone to airplane mode to avoid roaming charges and connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi. Most cruise line apps work without requiring a paid Wi-Fi package.
- Customize Notifications: Enable notifications for itinerary updates, dining reservations, and shipboard activities so you don’t miss any important details.
Final Thoughts: Cruise Apps for an Enhanced Vacation
Cruise apps do more than just streamline your experience—they bring a new level of convenience to your trip, from ordering meals to tracking ship locations and making reservations. By downloading these apps before you embark, you’ll be ready to enjoy your vacation to the fullest. Embrace the digital side of cruising and let these apps take care of the details, so you can relax and enjoy the open seas.
