When I boarded a cruise ship last week with roughly thirty family members, I knew I’d be off the grid, but I also figured most of the important people in my life were with me anyway. What I didn’t realize was how much I rely on my phone for everything from logistics to late-night distraction. The ship technically offered Wi-Fi, but shoddy service made messages sporadic and Google searches impossible. Here’s what I missed the most.
Google Maps
I’m pretty good with directions and can usually get my bearings fast, remember landmarks, and navigate a new area without walking in circles. But even with a decent internal compass, unfamiliar cities and sprawling cruise ports are a different beast, especially when everything looks vaguely like a duty-free shop. Without Google Maps, minor outings became mild scavenger hunts. Offline maps help, but they don’t match the ease of real-time search, turn-by-turn directions, or the ability to quickly scan for places “near me.”