Thoughts on increased smartphone usage on ships?

I posted this poll on Facebook asking what people think of this:

https://www.facebook.com/111068072379646/posts/1530406003779172/?d=n

But I'll ask here too. It seems like cruise lines are encouraging people to use their smartphones throughout their cruise more and more, even without needing to purchase internet. Things like ordering food or drinks from wherever you are on the ship, checking the daily planner or dinner menus, making reservations, etc. I don't know that I'm a huge fan... cruising was kind of the last major type of vacation where most people went without their phone in their pockets onboard because there's no cell service and internet was either nonexistent or extremely expensive.

The ONE thing I love about it is that on some of the lines' apps (Carnival's at least) you can check off the activities you might want to do throughout the day and your phone will actually get notifications 15 minutes before they start so you don't have to remember when things are. That was very helpful. Otherwise I think I'd rather go back to the time when no one really used much personal technology on a cruise at all.

What are your thoughts?

Tags: technology app smartphones

14 Answers

I feel like it takes away from actually connecting with my family and being able to relax on vacation. Back on land, we are way too focused on phone usage that we never really have time to spend with loved ones, which I find unfortunate. Technology is great, when used appropriately.

Amen!!

I love not having my phone. If I really wanted to talk to someone, I would make sure they were on the cruise with me. Everyone else can hear about my cruise when I return.

I believe that some of those reasons are why some of the cruise lines exploring the use of wrist bands with chips

Thinking more about it, if the cruise lines can consistently get most passengers to carry their devices during the cruise, they could justify eliminating printing most of the daily activity/newsletters saving cost and disposal of all those dailies. They can also use them to track passenger movement on the ship - showing what venues are most popular and at what time. Eliminating venues that don't get used and improving those that do get a lot of use. Of course, it also provides security assistance.

Good n bad. I like being able to access a calendar, deck map and other info. Not fond of lugging my phone along on vacation. I used to just lock it up in the room safe. Now I feel obligated to keep it with me.

I dont mind using my phone for the app, however, I REFUSE to pay for internet, or have cell service.

When I'm at home, I am at work, or on call 24/7. when I go on a cruise, it allows me to turn my work leash(phone) off, and leave it in the safe. If they choose to contact me through the cruise line, they better plan on paying for my cruise...

Exactly! And I've only had to call home once! I broke a toe and my cousin dislocated her shoulder ON THE SAME DAY! The funniest thing about it is, no one believes us when we tell them; that was the best day of the trip! I simply tapped my toe to the next one and called it a day. She went to the med center got popped in back in place and wore a sling for the next 48hrs and the partying continued! HappyHappyHappy

I agree. Love being unplugged.

The phone is nice and I can see using it to plan and book in advance .. but once on the ship .. prefer not to have to use it. Much rather talk to the bartender as I order the drink rather than the remote order thing

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