The internet has improved our lives in ways we tend to forget, especially when it comes to travel.
Previously, booking travel, including cruising, was based on recommendations from friends, travel brochures you flicked through at the travel agents and a big fat dose of good luck.
But now the online world has opened up a world of possibilities, from great restaurants on tour, to wheelchair-friendly hotels. And cruising is no exception.
Here’s our guide to making cruising, well, a bit more cruisy.
Australian one-stop shop
If you are looking for a good all-rounder, Australian-based cruise site Cruiseplanner.com.au should be in your bookmarks.
It’s got news, deals, reviews advice and booking links. There’s even a podcast. And add a bit of general travel news thrown in for good measure.
World one-stop shop
Shipmate is the cruise app you can use before, during, and after your cruise and it covers every cruise line. Save and share your entire cruise history and learn everything you need to know about upcoming sailings.
You can also countdown the days until your board, meet your shipmates online and leave reviews of your cruise, port information, find and book excursions, explore dining options and check out galleries from fellow cruisers.
For those looking for a deal (that’s all of us, right?) you can also set up a ‘watch’ on your preferred cruises or cruise lines and the app will alert you if the price falls.
Download here.
Where’s that ship?
One of the great things about the internet is that it can quench the nosy parker in us all. If you are feeling the need to find out where a ship is at any given moment, Cruisemapper.com is for you.
As well as physical presence, you can also find each ship’s itinerary, its age, deck plans and, for those who love a bit of a worry, how many accidents it has had.
There’s also a review of ports and ships.
On-ship apps
Every cruise line has its own app and if you are cruising, or even just shopping around, they are worth downloading.
Each has its own features, but in general you can book meals, discover on-ship entertainment and activities information, explore deck plans, check your bill and browse and book shore excursions.
Other functions may include chat rooms, audio recordings of virtual tour guides for on-shore excursions, room service, gambling, and storing your passport and travel details for smooth boarding.
Been there, done that
I imagine I’m not alone in enjoying going down memory lane when it comes to travelling. Don’t we all love remembering our travels and the adventures along the way?
Well, of course, there’s an app for that. There’s a variety out there and some of the best include Been, Visited, Pin Tracker and Places Been.
You may have to fiddle around and find the best for you, but the base functions for most of them include tracking your travel destinations, travel wish lists and information on countries you have visited or wish to visit.
Most are free, with options to upgrade for a cost.
If you want to stay in touch with friends or family, or check up on your bookings, WhatsApp is for you. You probably already have it on your phone.
It’s a safe, free unlimited messaging system using wifi so you don’t need an international plan. It works in more than 180 countries and has been downloaded by two billion people.
It also includes voice and video calls, capacity for group chats.
Download it here.
PackPoint
Packing is one of the biggest stresses of travelling, especially when weight restrictions are an issue. Now you can subtract that stress with PackPoint. Simply enter your destination, time of year, length of travel, and any activities you have planned including sporting and social, and PackPoint will plan your packing for you.
But don’t just take our word for it, PackPoint has been named on best app lists by CNN, Forbes, The Huffington Post, The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times.
Download it here. Cost: free, or premium packages for US$2.99.
Book your own boat
Cruising is great and all, but if you want to book your own boat, Getmyboat is for you.
The app makes it easy to find and book on-water experiences globally. It offers everything from luxury yachts to budget-friendly kayak tours.
From a pontoon party boat in Melbourne’s Docklands to a fulled-catered motor yacht through Paris, Getmyboat has got you covered.
Features include:
- real-user reviews and review photos on listings, so you can book knowing you will have a 5-star time
- the filter-by-price tool so that you can see all the yachts and boating experiences available within your budget
- instant book options – book and secure your reservation in just a few clicks.
Do you use any online resources for your cruising holidays? Why not share a few ideas in the comments section below?
Also read: Can you have a cheap cruising holiday?
