Ship Time and Timezone Handling

Summary

What You Need to Know

Ship Time is the official time used throughout the cruise vessel. When you're on a cruise that crosses time zones, your phone's time might not match the ship's official time.

• All cruise activities, dining, and events run on Ship Time - this is the time displayed on ship clocks and schedules
• The app will always show Ship Time during your cruise dates, regardless of your phone's settings
• Time changes happen overnight (usually at 4:00 AM) to minimize disruption
• Your phone may or may not update automatically depending on your settings:
  • Phones with cellular/WiFi connection will auto-update
  • Phones in airplane mode will keep showing your original timezone
• Push notifications will reference Ship Time with clear labeling like "Event starts in 30 minutes (Ship Time)"

Tips for a Smooth Experience

1. Trust the App's Time Display - It will always show the correct Ship Time during your cruise
2. Don't worry about your phone's settings - the app handles the complexity for you
3. Check the Ship Time display when planning your day
4. Note the transition dates if you have early morning activities scheduled
5. Push notifications will always reference Ship Time

Detailed Information

Understanding Ship Time vs. Device Time

Ship Time represents the official local time of the ship. All onboard operations follow this time:

• Dining room hours
• Event schedules
• Entertainment shows
• Meeting times
• All printed schedules and displays throughout the ship

Device Time is what your personal phone or tablet displays. This can vary based on:

• Whether you have airplane mode on or off
• Your cellular/WiFi connectivity
• Your device's automatic time zone settings

How Time Zone Changes Work

Ships typically change time zones during overnight hours when most passengers are asleep. The captain coordinates these changes to align with the cruise itinerary and port schedules.

What happens during a time change:

• The ship's clocks are adjusted at the designated time (usually 4:00 AM)
• All ship operations immediately follow the new time
• Your app will automatically adjust to show the correct Ship Time

What You'll See in the App

During Your Cruise Dates

• Time Display: "Ship Time: 9:40 AM" appears at the top of your screen
• Status Bar Hidden: Your phone's normal time display is hidden to prevent confusion
• Consistent Display: All times shown (events, messages, schedules) are in Ship Time

Outside Your Cruise Dates

• Time Display: Shows "Time: 9:40 AM" synced to your device
• Normal Operation: The app follows your phone's time settings

Event Schedules and Reminders

• Event Times: Always displayed as scheduled, regardless of your phone's timezone
• Push Notifications: Will alert you based on Ship Time with clear labeling
• Hot Dates: Start and end times shown in Ship Time
• Chat Messages: Timestamps display in Ship Time during cruise dates

Couple with Different Phone Settings

• Partner A: Phone with cellular on - automatically updates to new timezone
• Partner B: Phone in airplane mode - stays on original timezone
• Both will see the same Ship Time in the app during the cruise, ensuring coordination

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why doesn't my phone's time match the app? A: Your phone may be in airplane mode or not connected to cellular service. The app shows Ship Time regardless of your phone settings.

Q: Will I miss events if my phone shows the wrong time? A: No, as long as you follow the Ship Time displayed in the app and the push notifications you receive.

Q: What happens to events scheduled during the time change? A: Time changes occur when there are minimal events scheduled (early morning). Any affected events will still occur at their Ship Time.

Q: Do I need to manually adjust anything? A: No, the app handles all time adjustments automatically. Just follow the Ship Time displayed in the app.