Why You Should Always Download Your Cruise Line's App Before Boarding
Embarkation day on a cruise ship is one of the most exciting days. You get to see the layout of the cruise ship, meet tons of new people, settle into your stateroom and get a glimpse of all the entertainment and offerings onboard. For most people, a lot of planning and preparation goes into getting yourself to embarkation day, and once you do, you can finally relax and enjoy your vacation.
I'm no stranger to cruise ships, in fact I used to live and work on cruise ships for over five years. While I loved my time working at sea, I've moved onto different career paths, and a cruise ship is now my vacation of choice when I have the time. I have sailed on Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seasand Princess Cruises . While each cruise line is unique and offers their own special features–there is one specific thing that is true across nearly every cruise line, and I urge passengers not to forget this simple step before boarding.
Related: The One Thing You Should Never Do on a Cruise Ship, According to Cruise Experts
Make Sure You Download Your Cruise Line's App On Your Phone
In an article written by The Points Guy , which shares a list of tips for people's first cruise, one major tip was to download the cruise line's application onto your phone before you embark. This is key, because once you get onto the ship, accessing your regular internet plan can be nearly impossible–especially after the ship leaves the port. You would then need to use the ship's Wi-Fi, which usually costs extra money, to download the app onto your phone. With slow Wi-Fi speeds, that may take a long time as well.
For many cruise lines, downloading the app before you board the ship can be incredibly helpful in planning your voyage. On some cruise line's apps, you can manage dining reservations, excursions, see the itinerary, and even sign up for events onboard. Then, while you're onboard, you can see all of that as well, plus some cruise lines allow you to talk to other guests on the app, order food and drinks for delivery to wherever you are on the ship, and see the daily schedule of events happening throughout the ship.
Related: The Secret Trick to Actually Enjoying Every Cruise, According to Long-Time Cruisers
Don't Forget To Turn Your Phone On Airplane Mode As Well
Settings Screen on Apple iPhone 5 focus airplane mode "Airplane Mode: ON"
One of the biggest mistakes that I made when I first boarded a cruise ship was keeping my phone completely turned on, instead of switching it to airplane mode. I saw "cellular at sea" pop up in the corner of my phone, and I thought that meant my cell phone plan must somehow work while I'm in the middle of the ocean . Well, a few weeks later, I got my cell phone bill, and I was charged over $100 for my cell phone usage while at sea.
Now, there are many ways to handle your cell phone while on a ship. The most common way is to turn your phone in airplane mode and connect to the ship's Wi-Fi. Most cruise lines allow access to their apps without having to pay for Wi-Fi. However, if you want to do anything beyond using the app, like searching the internet, downloading anything, or sending messages to people at home, you'll need to purchase Wi-Fi onboard.
There are also cell phone plans with certain carriers like Verizon and AT&T that allow you to pay for cell service that is particularly meant for usage on a cruise ship . Esim company called Gigsky offers a similar option. In those cases, you will be connected to the actual internet, not Wi-Fi, so you'll be able to keep your phone off of airplane mode with no issue. However, if you're doing what most people do and are only using the ship's Wi-Fi, don't forget to toggle airplane mode on every time you get back on the ship.
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This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
