The best travel apps for cruisers

Tuesday, 24 October 2023

With the evolution in technology, there are now many ways to ensure your travel plans run smoothly. Many of us own a smartphone, which is filled with useful apps that are used to help us organise our day-to-day lives, connect with family or hold precious memories in the thousands of photos and videos we have stored.

Avid travellers are also using apps to organise, design and streamline their whole trip since holidays can now be booked at the push of a couple of buttons. For those who enjoy everything from mini cruises to a grand voyage around the world, there are plenty of useful apps where you can help manage what you plan on doing during your trip, apps where you can brush up on a different language, and much more. We have taken a look at some of the best apps for cruisers.

Best apps for cruisers:

Ambassador Cruise Line App
What3words
Google Translate
Citymapper
Ship Mate
XE Currency Converter
Duolingo
Tricount

Ambassador Cruise Line App

Yes, that’s right, we’ve got our own app! The Ambassador Cruise Line app is available on the Google Play store and App Store and will help you make the most out of your cruise holiday. From even quicker check-in and embarkation to accessing restaurant menus and daily programs from your phone and preregistering for destination experiences, you’ll be able to enjoy the full Ambassador experience.

What3words

When travelling with a larger party, everyone tends to go off and do their own thing, whether on the ship or when you leave the ship to explore a destination. However, trying to find the people you travel with can sometimes be difficult, especially if you aren’t too familiar with the local language. This is why it is always a good idea to install what3words, an app where you can share your exact location in just three words.

The app gives every 3x3 square metre of the world a unique code and is compatible with Apple Maps and Google Maps. This is an incredibly accurate way to find people who aren’t completely sure where they are. You will be able to find your way anywhere in the world. The app also offers an offline mode in case you don’t want to use your mobile data in a foreign country or are caught without signal.

This app ensures that individuals can convey their exact location with just three simple words, making it easy to share locations verbally or in writing, even in the absence of conventional addresses. This becomes particularly handy during emergencies, outdoor activities, or when meeting friends in unfamiliar places, for example, when exploring a new location. It can be downloaded from the App Store or the Google Play Store.

Google Translate

Google Translate is a language translation app that serves as an indispensable tool for breaking down language barriers. The app allows users to translate text, speech, images, and even handwriting from one language to another. Google Translate supports an extensive list of languages, allowing users to communicate effectively in a global context. The app is available for both online and offline use, enabling translations even in areas with limited internet connectivity. Google Translate's camera feature allows users to point their device at text in a foreign language, and the app will overlay the translated text in real time, making it incredibly useful for signs, menus, and other visual content when travelling to a different country. It can be downloaded from the App Store or the Google Play Store.

Citymapper

Citymapper is an efficient and user-friendly navigation app perfect for those exploring a new city. This app is designed to simplify navigating through cities, offering a wide range of features catering to various transportation modes. Citymapper provides real-time information on public transit options and helps users precisely plan their journeys. Citymapper also integrates other modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, and even scooters, providing a comprehensive view of all available options. The app's live service updates keep users informed about any service interruptions or changes in real time. Additionally, Citymapper incorporates user-friendly features like fare estimates and interactive transit maps, making it an indispensable tool for both locals and tourists navigating the intricacies of city transportation networks. With continuous updates and support for numerous cities worldwide, Citymapper proves to be an essential app for those looking to navigate urban environments seamlessly and efficiently. It can be downloaded from the App Store or the Google Play Store.

Ship Mate

Ship Mate is a comprehensive cruise companion app that significantly enhances the cruise experience for travellers. Developed to cater to cruise enthusiasts, Ship Mate provides information about cruise itineraries, ports of call, and specific cruise ships.

The app features real-time ship tracking, allowing users to monitor their location throughout the journey. Users can access detailed deck plans, helping them navigate the ship seamlessly, as well as including a cruise countdown feature, creating anticipation and excitement leading up to the voyage. The app's community forum enables cruisers to connect, share experiences, and exchange valuable tips and recommendations. It can be downloaded from the App Store or the Google Play Store.

XE Currency Converter

XE Currency Converter is an app designed to simplify currency conversions for travellers and provides real-time and accurate exchange rates for a vast array of currencies around the world and will be able to convert between different currencies. The app is easy to use, allowing users to input amounts and select currencies effortlessly. It also includes historical rate charts, helping users track currency trends over time. One notable feature is its ability to function offline with the last updated rates, making it practical for travellers who don’t wish to use their phone data. It can be downloaded from the App Store or the Google Play Store.

Duolingo

Duolingo is a popular language-learning app that offers an engaging and effective platform for individuals who are seeking to learn a new language. You can choose from a wide array of languages, and the lessons encompass various aspects such as vocabulary, grammar, listening, and speaking exercises. Duolingo utilises bite-sized lessons, allowing users to learn at their own pace and fit language practice into their daily routines. The app employs a variety of multimedia elements, including audio, images, and text, to cater to diverse learning styles. One of Duolingo's standout features is its adaptability to different skill levels, accommodating beginners and those looking to enhance their language skills.

It can be a great app if you are looking to brush up on the languages of the countries you will be visiting during your cruise and a fun hobby to do in your free time. It can be downloaded from the App Store or the Google Play Store.

Tricount

Tricount is an app designed to streamline the process of managing shared expenses in group settings, such as when you are on a cruise with a group of friends or family. When using this app, you will be able to record expenses effortlessly, specifying details such as the amount, category, and descriptions, and it offers real-time updates that everyone in the group can access, ensuring transparency and accuracy.

Tricount also tackles the complexities of currency conversion for international groups, where the app will automatically convert expenses, making bill splitting a breeze. It will calculate how much each person owes or is owed based on the recorded expenses, eliminating the need for complicated maths. Tricount ensures that you will be able to effortlessly track, calculate, and settle bills, making it an indispensable tool for anyone who regularly shares expenses with others, especially when on holiday. It can be downloaded from both the App Store and the Google Play Store.

These are just a handful of apps that can be used whilst on a cruise, all of which can improve your experience while enjoying a lifetime holiday. For more informative articles, including destination guides and updates on Ambassador Cruise Line, be sure to check out our blog.