The Smart Cruiser’s Guide to Staying Connected at Sea (2026 Edition)

Cruising is one of the best ways to vacation — new friends, incredible destinations, and nonstop entertainment. But on ships the size of small cities, staying connected and making the most of your sailing can feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared.

Here’s how to make your cruise smoother, more social, and more memorable in 2025 — and how DeckMate™ can help you get the most out of every sailing.

1. Know Your Ship Before You Cruise

Every ship has its own layout, venues, and personality. Spend a few minutes getting familiar with:

  • Deck maps

  • Restaurants and lounges

  • Entertainment venues

  • Pool areas

  • Ports of call

  • Onboard activities

The more you know ahead of time, the easier it is to settle in and start enjoying your trip immediately.

2. Get Your Cruise Apps Set Up Before You Sail

Before boarding, install and set up the apps you’ll use during your trip. This includes your cruise line’s official app — and DeckMate™, your all-in-one social and planning companion.

DeckMate lets you:

  • connect with people on your sailing

  • join group chats or create your own

  • discover what’s happening on board

  • explore your ship’s features

  • browse port information

  • plan activities

  • customize your profile

  • manage all your cruise details in one place

Setting up your profile and joining your sailing ahead of time ensures you’re ready to make the most of day one.

3. Meet People Before You Even Board

One of the best parts of cruising? The people you meet.

With DeckMate, you can:

  • find other passengers before embarkation

  • share plans and interests

  • meet new friends or like-minded cruisers

  • organize meet-ups

  • coordinate with your travel group

It’s the easiest way to break the ice and start building connections before the ship even leaves port.

4. Stay Connected With Your Group Effortlessly

Traveling with friends, family, or a big group? Keeping everyone coordinated on a massive ship can get tricky.

DeckMate gives you:

  • dedicated group chats

  • event planning tools

  • trip notes

  • easy meet-up coordination

  • alerts and updates

No more wandering around trying to find someone or guessing where everyone is headed next.

5. Discover What’s Happening Onboard

Shows, music, nightlife, theme parties — cruise ships offer so much every day, and it’s easy to miss things.

DeckMate helps you stay in the loop with:

  • event discovery

  • ship highlights

  • activity planning

  • easy access to key ship info

Now you always know where the fun is.

6. Explore Ports With Confidence

Each port stop is its own mini-adventure.

Use DeckMate to check:

  • port overviews

  • excursion options

  • recommendations

  • essential information for each destination

It’s easy to plan the perfect day whether you’re exploring on your own or joining an excursion.

7. Make the Most of Every Day at Sea

Sea days are often the most relaxed — but they’re also packed with opportunities to enjoy the ship.

DeckMate helps you:

  • plan your ideal day

  • check out popular areas onboard

  • find others who share your interests

  • keep track of everything going on

All in one organized, easy-to-use place.

Final Tip: Download DeckMate™ Before You Cruise

DeckMate makes cruising more social, more connected, and a lot more fun. From trip planning to meet-ups to exploring your ship and ports, it’s the ultimate companion for every cruiser.

👉 Download DeckMate™ today and get ready for your best cruise yet.

See you onboard. 🚢✨