The world is changing as more and more people embrace technologies, to the point that it’s rare to see anyone these days who doesn’t own a smartphone, and who isn’t embracing the lifestyle we have of being always-connected, of staying in touch with the world, and of having an app to support every facet of life.
And it’s these apps that are truly fascinating sometimes. There’s an app for pretty much everything. From childish games designed to pass the time, to full software packages that allow you to work from your phone, there’s plenty to keep you informed, entertained and safe.
Travel apps are a big business, so I’ve picked out eight app types that you might find useful when you’re on a luxury cruise. I’ve not picked out specific apps because some are better than others, but often it’s down to opinion, and also some are less trust-worthy, so I’ve picked out eight of the best types of app you could enjoy, and left it to you to find the specific one that you like best.
Translator
Translator apps are great when you’re in a foreign country and you’re a bit lost, or you want to ask for information, and you aren’t fluent. These days you can get apps where you speak in English, and your phone will not only display a translation, but also read it back in the translated language.
Lens Translator
An extension of translation apps, these let you hold your phone up to something – a road sign, a menu – and using the camera it will translate it for you live into English (or your chosen language). These are very useful when you stop off at a wine bar before returning to your ship and you want to order a drink or a snack.
Flight Tracker
If you need to catch a flight to your port, a flight tracker app will give you real-time updates if there are any delays or changes, meaning you can easily find out what’s happening to your flight without having to scan through lists of others.
Packing help
Apps are available to download which help with keeping track of what you need to pack, along with general tips of what you might have missed from your list, so you’ll never arrive on-board and curse yourself for forgetting that tablet charger or phone charger or perfume bottle.
Emergency call
No matter how many times you travel abroad, chances are you’ll never be in an emergency situation. But there’s always the tiniest possibility that something could go wrong. Install one of these apps and you could have emergency contacts, or the emergency services, just a button press away, with automatic forwarding to appropriate numbers depending on your location.
Currency converter
Simple enough – don’t leave yourself the stress of working out how much that glass of wine or those souvenirs are costing in your own currency, let an app do all the hard work for you.
Toilet finder
This one’s a bit more obscure, but it could definitely be useful. These apps, usually community-driven, let you find a public toilet nearby, so if you’re exploring a town or city you won’t ever be left panicking trying to find something.
E-reader app
You don’t need to own a Kindle or other devoted e-reader to read whilst away. Your mobile phone or tablet can install the required software to access your library, so you can read on deck while sunbathing, or in bed at the end of the day.
By Ian Lewis
Google