How to track a cruise ship
Ever spotted a major ship on the water and wondered which ship it could be?
Stop squinting! You can use a variety of cruise tracker websites — which follow ships of all sorts around the world — to help you identify a vessel.
For the nautical-obsessed, cruise trackers can show you a specific ship's location or traffic in a particular port. They can be handy in the event of a weather-based delay or some kind of emergency situation when you're trying to figure out whether a cruise ship has left or made it back to port. You can even track a ship when you're on it to see which destinations you're cruising past. For the most part, cruise trackers are more recreational rather than practical.
Here's a list of the best cruise ship trackers and how to use them.
Can you track every cruise ship?
You can track most cruise ships, but if you use free cruise tracking websites, you might not always be able to spot your ship.
Cruise ship trackers receive data through a tracking system called Automatic Identification System, according to Cruisin. Many vessels use some combination of AIS satellite relays and very high-frequency radios, known as VHFs, to transmit and accept AIS data.
However, all free ship trackers on the internet use land-based VHFs rather than satellite-based AIS to gather their ship data because it is less expensive, according to Cruisin. Since online trackers employ VHFs to track ships all over the world, you will not be able to receive data on a ship when it is sailing in the middle of the ocean.
Online cruise trackers are most reliable when a ship is closer to a shoreline or can receive AIS land-based reception.
Best cruise ship trackers
I tested several of the most popular, free cruise ship tracking websites. Here's what I learned about how to track a cruise ship.
CruiseMapper
Of the online cruise trackers I tested, CruiseMapper was the easiest to use. On CruiseMapper's homepage, you can select the cruise line you'd like to track, and then the website displays a map showing the routes of all the ships in that cruise line's fleet.
The arrows on the map indicate a cruise en route, while the points show where a cruise ship is docked.
You can also use CruiseMapper to search for a specific ship or port. When searching for a particular ship, CruiseMapper provides information about that ship's location and home base. CruiseMapper also offers links to additional details on cabins, news, recent accidents, itineraries and deck plans. CruiseMapper also provides a map of a specific cruise ship's location.
For ports, CruiseMapper offers a rundown of the port's location, city, recent news and a list of tourist activities. CruiseMapper also allows you to track the number of ships currently in or near a specific port. All you have to do is type the port you're interested in into the site's search bar on the homepage.
Compared to other trackers, CruiseMapper by far provides the most comprehensive information on cruise lines, cruise ships and ports.
Cruisin
Cruisin is another cruise tracker website that allows you to see maps of specific ships and port traffic around the world. While Cruisin's interface has a dated look, the website provides useful information on the ins and outs of planning a cruise trip and resources on tracking the weather ahead of an upcoming cruise. The tracker also has a forum where cruisegoers can connect and ask questions about their trips.
Other than cruise ships, Cruisin also lets you track U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy ships.
To track a cruise ship on Cruisin, you have to select a cruise line first; the website allows you to choose from 124 different cruise lines. After selecting the cruise line, the website will then ask you to choose a specific ship within that cruise line. Once you click on the ship you want to track, Cruisin will take you to a page showing an interactive map with the ship's location.
The site additionally allows you to track port traffic in real-time. To do so, select "View Ship Traffic in a Port" in the website's "Trackers" section. Then, click on one of the 14 regions that interest you. After choosing a region, you can select a port from a list; the U.S. region lists 135 ports, for example. Once you choose a port, you can see a map of port traffic and have the option to view a live webcam of the port.
Cruisin offers much information on cruise lines and tracking them, but the site's dated interface can make it a little confusing to use, especially if you're using the site's trackers for the first time.
Also, the website includes the defunct White Star Line solely to track the wreckage of the RMS Titanic, but I personally found its inclusion on the list of 124 currently operating cruise lines added more confusion.
Cruisin provides the same live cruise data as Cruisemapper and can be a useful tool if you're well versed in all things nautical.
Cruise Hive
Unlike CruiseMapper and Cruisin, Cruise Hive shows live data for a greater variety of ships, ranging from cruises to cargo vessels. To track a cruise ship on Cruise Hive, simply search for the specific ship you want to see. The website also allows you to search for ports.
If you're interested in tracking ships that are not cruises, Cruise Hive can be a handy tool. Unlike Cruisin, Cruise Hive makes a clearer distinction between cruise ships and other ships. The website's homepage displays an interactive map with a legend denoting symbols for ports, cruises, cargo ships, fishing boats, navigational and tug crafts, high-speed vessels and tankers.
Cruisehive's map is also relatively easy to use; hover over a symbol on the map to learn more about any vessel or port.
Marine Vessel
Like Cruisin and Cruise Hive, Marine Vessel is not exclusive to cruises; you can track any type of ship on the site. For tracking cruise ships, use the search bar to find a particular vessel. Marine Vessel's interface is similar to Cruisehive's; both websites feature a map displaying live data for cruises, cargo ships, tankers and other watercraft.
The main difference between Marine Vessel and Cruise Hive is the interface. Marine Vessel's site looks dated compared to Cruise Hive's, but both still provide much of the same live data.
Bottom line
Cruise trackers can be a fun way to learn more about a ship you see out at sea or look up where in the world your favorite cruise ship is sailing. After testing a few popular trackers, Cruisemapper turned out to be my favorite because it provided the most accessible information on not only the cruise line but also tourist attractions near major ports. However, you'll find the information you're looking for on any of the sites.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
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- A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
- The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
- A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
- 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
- 15 ways cruisers waste money
- 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
- The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.