Why People Track Cruise Ships
Millions of people check ship positions every day, from families waiting at port to maritime professionals managing schedules.
Waiting for Family to Arrive
When a loved one is arriving by sea, tracking their ship gives you an exact ETA at the port. No more guessing or calling ahead. Just check the live position and know when to head to the terminal.
Pre-Cruise Excitement
See your ship crossing the ocean before you even board. Many cruisers love watching their vessel approach the embarkation port the day before sailing, the first real sign that your vacation is about to begin.
Maritime Enthusiasts
AIS data is a window into the real-time movement of the world's cruise fleets. Follow a fleet's global deployment, track a ship's sea trial, or simply marvel at how many vessels are underway at any given moment.
Port Operations and Planning
Port agents, shore excursion operators, and hotel staff use ship tracking to plan their day. Knowing when a ship will arrive, or if it is running late, is essential for anyone whose work depends on cruise schedules.
Track Any Ship Live
Our interactive map shows the real-time position of 380+ cruise ships on the ocean. Zoom in on any vessel to see its name, cruise line, current speed, heading, and next port of call. Use the search bar to jump directly to any ship by name.
The map is updated continuously using AIS (Automatic Identification System) data, the same technology used by professional maritime operators. No login required, no app to download.
Where Is My Ship Right Now?
Each of our 380+ tracked ships has a dedicated "Where Is" page that shows its current position on a focused map, along with its last known port, next destination, speed, and voyage status. These pages update automatically and are perfect for bookmarking before your cruise.
Just search for your ship on the homepage or browse below to find popular vessels:
Popular Ships to Track
What Is AIS Tracking?
AIS, Automatic Identification System, is a maritime navigation safety system required by the International Maritime Organization on all commercial vessels over 300 gross tons, including every cruise ship in the world. Ships continuously broadcast a radio signal containing their identity, position, speed, heading, and voyage data.
A global network of terrestrial receivers and satellites captures these signals and makes the data available in near real time. This is the same data that port authorities, coast guards, and maritime traffic management systems rely on daily.
AIS Quick Reference
- What AIS stands for: Automatic Identification System
- Required by: International Maritime Organization (IMO) for all commercial vessels over 300 GT
- Update frequency: Every 2-10 seconds when underway, every 3 minutes at anchor
- Data transmitted: MMSI, ship name, position (lat/lon), speed, heading, destination, ETA
- Coverage: Coastal and ocean coverage via terrestrial + satellite AIS receivers
Track Your Ship Before You Board
Your ship is already at sea weeks before your embarkation date. Here is how to use real-time tracking to make the most of the days leading up to your cruise:
Check the live map the night before
Verify your ship has arrived (or is en route) to the embarkation port. If it is running behind due to weather or a delayed previous voyage, you will know early and can adjust your plans.
Find your ship's profile page
Ship detail pages list gross tonnage, passenger capacity, onboard amenities, year built, and the full itinerary history. Knowing your ship inside out before you board makes the experience richer.
Watch the previous voyage
See where your ship has been in the week before your cruise. It adds context to the vessel's life and sometimes reveals interesting previous ports.
Bookmark the Where Is page
Save your ship's Where Is page to your phone. Share it with family at home so they can follow your voyage while you are at sea.
Ready to Track Your Cruise Ship?
Free, real-time AIS tracking for 380+ cruise ships. Open the map and start exploring.