One of this year’s biggest developments for the cruise industry has been the gradual roll out of affordable internet. While in the past passengers have had to resort to sky-high Wi-Fi fees or inconvenient trips to the internet café, vessels such as Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas now offer lighting fast satellite Wi-Fi at rock bottom prices. This means that it’s easier than ever for passengers to stay connected throughout their trip.
To celebrate the arrival of internet for all, we’ve put together a list of our favourite mobile apps for 2015. From fun and flirty to educational and informative, these apps are guaranteed to enrich your at-sea experience.
1. Cruise Card Control
Whether you’re cruising on a budget or have plenty of cash to splash, on-board spending can quickly get out of hand. With extras such as sunset cocktails, spa treatments, dinner at specialty restaurants, trips to the casino and shore excursions to fork out for, credit card balances can start to take a serious hit. Designed especially for cruise ship goers, Cruise Card Control helps keep spending in line by tracking exactly how much is spent each day. You can even create custom budgets for different categories. And at just US$2.99, it definitely won’t break the bank!
2. Anti-Mosquito – Sonic Repeller
Nothing ruins a balmy evening quite like being attacked by a mob of blood thirsty mosquitos. Stop them in their tracks with this innovative app that beams out a high-frequency pitch that will have mozzies heading for the horizon. You’ll be bite free and won’t have to worry about contracting any nasty diseases. Genius!
3. Fishes: Greater Caribbean
Next time you’re lounging by the pool wishing you had a good book to read why not whip out your smartphone and start up the Fishes: Greater Caribbean app? Developed by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, it helps users identify over 1600 species of tropical fish, accompanied by a kaleidoscope of colourful photos. Search by name, location and physical features, then learn all about a fish’s size, depth range, habitat, eating patterns and more. Perfect for enriching diving trips, snorkelling adventures and glass bottom boat cruises!
4. Your in-house cruise app
With internet now becoming the norm a handful of lines have launched their very own mobile applications designed to enhance the on-board experience. Carnival Cruise Line’s new Carnival Hub app features a handy chat platform, day-to-day schedule overview, favourites tab, searchable deck plan and more. Princess Cruises is also in on the action, with its brand new Princess@Sea Messenger social network.Gus Antorcha, Carnival’s senior vice president of guest commerce explains that “consumers expect a high level of connectivity even while on vacation and these new enhancements provide our guests not only with helpful tools for getting the most out of their cruise but also a convenient and cost-effective way for keeping in touch with their family and friends while on board.”
5. Star Walk
Sure, you could spend the night checking out a live theatre show, wining and dining, hitting up the cinema or heading back to the cabin for a relaxing night in. OR you could head up to the top deck, pull out your smartphone and use Star Walk to track the mesmerising constellations, satellites and starts that light up the night sky. The augmented-reality app offers users names and overviews of the celestial marvels, all for only US$2.99.
6. Tinder
It may be a little controversial these days but when it comes to meeting people fast, Tinder is just the ticket. Swipe right if you’re keen to head off on a first date, or left if they leave you feeling less than impressed. Yes, it has a reputation for being ‘romantic’ but plenty of people also use Tinder to make friends and simply enjoy new company.
7. World UV
Make embarrassing lobster lines a thing of the past with the fantastic World UV app. Developed by the British Association of Dermatologists, the app uses a smartphone’s GPS system to determine location specific UV levels. It then offers recommendations for ideal SPF sunscreen levels and other handy tips to protect your skin from the sun. Great for those sailing through the Caribbean!
Ready to put your new app inventory to use? Head over to the Cruise 1st website where you’ll find great deals on a huge range of itineraries! Alternatively, give our friendly sales team a call on 0808 2746 777.
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Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credits: Ashok Govind
