When we review travel apps that actually do something , they often tap crowd-sourced information that is as rich (or not) as the number of users who have contributed their opinions or reviews. GPS-based travel apps take existing technology and manipulate it in one way or another to bring every thing from finding a friend on the road to creating a virtual journal of our travels, step by step. In the world of cruise travel, the number of apps available is limited compared to other modes of transportation but they are often highly specific, producing information not available elsewhere.Norwegian Cruise Lines has a newly updated travel app that can be a helpful planning tool in advance of sailing with information about destinations, ships and special offers. Once on board Norwegian's newest ships, even more helpful features are available.
The free download for iPhone, Android and Windows 7 features photo galleries and videos; ship information including deck plans and on-board amenities; stateroom descriptions, images and floor plans; 360-degree virtual ship tours and more.
On board Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Breakaway , passengers can log on, select an Internet package to buy then text and call others on the ship who are also connected, using time from their pre-paid plan. Free services include the ability to see previews of and book shore excursions, restaurants and other on-board products like spa services and shopping. Users can view their shipboard charge account as well as a list of daily activities at any time, also without using purchased Internet minutes.
Sailing some other cruise line? Cruise Ship Mate [1] ($1.99), can be even more helpful in the planning stages of cruise travel as it has the ability to see all itineraries of all major cruise lines [2] . Included among features that do not need an Internet connection to use are deck plans, cruise ship information and a packing list. Connected, users get cruise ship deck cam links and a chat feature that enables passengers on a specific ship and sailing date to communicate in advance of and during sailing.A unique feature on the Cruise Ship Mate [3] app is a Cruise Ship Tracker. This one allows users to see the exact location of any ship at any time, using technology similar to that of CruiseCal [4] , the long running subscriber-based website that pinpoints where ships are and which ships will be in port at the same time you are.
But maybe you are not really into apps but have some favorite travel websites that you would like to access quickly on your Apple iPhone or iPad?
iPhone 5 users can create quick links to their most-visited websites using the "add to home screen [5] " option, like I did for the Gadling site. On your favorite site, in Safari, just tap the "Share" button at the bottom of the screen, tap the icon labeled "Add to Home Screen," tap the "Add" button then launch the website from your Home screen by tapping its icon.
Looking for other helpful travel apps? Check this video for apps that tell us everything from what is going on at any given destination to where restrooms are located.
Filed under: Europe , North America , United States , Internet Tools , Cruises
Links
- ^ Cruise Ship Mate (shipmateapp.com)
- ^ all major cruise lines (shipmateapp.com)
- ^ Cruise Ship Mate (shipmateapp.com)
- ^ CruiseCal (www.cruisecal.com)
- ^ add to home screen (www.apple.com)
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