Cruise-line Apps Worth Downloading

While the official cruise-line app likely sent your way after booking may cover the basics — navigating the ship’s layout, planning excursions, making reservations — there is a whole lot more your phone can do to streamline your life at sea. Here are five features that will convince you to put off that digital detox for another vacation.

By Marc Saltzman Illustration by Ane Arzelus

Control Your Cabin

Smart-home technology is coming aboard. On select Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean ships, for instance, the official apps can serve as your stateroom key, while also turning your phone into a remote control to adjust cabin temperature, lights and blinds.

Find Your Crew

Whether you’re sailing with a group or have made new friends on board, several cruise-line apps can help you stay connected — without risking outrageous roaming charges. Tapping the ship’s Wi-Fi, the in-app passenger-topassenger chat function on the likes of Disney Cruise Line Navigator and Cruise Norwegian apps makes it easy to plan your next meet-up, or keep tabs on your independent teen.

Skip The Lines

Why wait in the restaurant queue when you can reserve your spot in line from your phone? This handy feature on Cunard’s My Voyage app frees up precious time so you can enjoy your pre-dinner cocktail.

Get A Guided Art Tour

Between a Fabergé egg and multiple Picassos, the art collection on Regent Seven Seas’ Grandeur is so extensive, you could really use a guide. That’s where the Regent app’s Art Experience feature comes in. Point your phone’s camera at the exhibit on display to unlock a video detailing the story behind the piece and its artist. Like the Viking Art Guide on Viking Cruises’ Voyager app, it’s the next best thing to your own private docent.

ORDER A PIZZA — ANYWHERE

Don’t lose that amazing poolside seat just because you’ve got a case of the munchies. Through apps including Carnival HUB and Princess, you can have meals delivered no matter where you are on board.