How Can I Add a Cruise to My American Cruise Lines App?

If you’re getting ready for an exciting cruise, the last thing you want is to feel stuck trying to locate your booking or connect it to your mobile app. Cruise apps are meant to make travel smoother—giving you quick access to your itinerary, important trip details, updates, and anything else you might need while preparing for your trip.

So, how can you add a cruise to your American Cruise Lines app?

The good news is that the process is usually straightforward, and once your cruise is added, you’ll be able to manage everything in one convenient place. Whether you booked directly, through an agent, or you’re joining a cruise someone else reserved, this guide will walk you through everything you need to knowfrom finding the right information to troubleshooting common problems.

Why Adding Your Cruise to the App Matters

Before we get into the “how,” it helps to understand why linking your cruise to the app is worth doing.

When your cruise is properly added, you can typically:

• View your sailing dates and trip countdown

• Confirm your itinerary and route details

• Access booking and reservation information

• Review pre-cruise instructions and reminders

• Keep important documents handy

• Receive notifications and updates

• Stay organized without digging through emails

In other words, it turns your phone into your cruise planning hub.

What You Need Before You Start

To add a cruise to your American Cruise Lines app successfully, you’ll want to gather a few details first. Most issues happen because one small piece of information doesn’t match what’s on the reservation.

Here’s what to have ready:

1) Your Reservation Number (or Booking Number)

This is usually included in your confirmation email or travel documents. It may also be found on any invoice or receipt.

2) Your Name Exactly as It Appears on the Booking

Even small differences—like using “Mike” instead of “Michael”—can sometimes cause a mismatch.

3) The Email Address Used for the Booking

If you booked your cruise with one email address but try logging into the app with another, the cruise may not appear automatically.

4) Your Sailing Date or Ship Name (Helpful for Verification)

Not always required, but useful if you need to confirm you’re adding the correct cruise.

Step-by-Step: How to Add a Cruise to Your American Cruise Lines App

Now let’s go through the process in a clear, simple way. While app layouts may vary slightly depending on updates, the steps below follow the typical flow.

Step 1: Download and Open the App

If you haven’t already:

• Install the American Cruise Lines app on your phone

• Open the app and allow it to load fully

Make sure you have a stable internet connection, especially during setup.

Step 2: Sign In or Create an Account

You’ll usually see an option to:

• Sign in with an existing account

• Create a new account if you don’t have one

When creating an account, use the same email address that was used when the cruise reservation was made. This helps the system recognize your booking automatically.

Step 3: Look for “My Cruises” or “My Trip”

Once you’re logged in, the app generally shows a main menu or dashboard. Look for a section labeled something like:

• My Cruises

• My Trip

• Upcoming Trips

• Reservations

• Booking Details

This is where your cruise should appear if it’s already linked.

Step 4: Tap “Add Cruise” or “Link Reservation”

If your cruise is not showing automatically, you’ll likely see a button or option such as:

• Add a Cruise

• Add Booking

• Link Reservation

• Find My Cruise

Tap that option to begin adding your trip manually.

Step 5: Enter Your Booking Information

The app will ask for details to locate your reservation. Common fields include:

• Reservation number

• Last name (or full name)

• Email address

• Travel date (in some cases)

Enter everything carefully. Double-check spelling and spacing.

Tip: If your reservation number includes letters and numbers, be sure you don’t confuse “O” with “0” or “I” with “1.”

Step 6: Confirm the Cruise Details

Once the app finds your reservation, it may show:

• Cruise name or itinerary title

• Departure date

• Ship name

• Passenger name(s)

Review it to confirm it’s correct.

Then select:

• Confirm

• Add to My Trips

• Link

• Continue

Step 7: Wait for the Cruise to Sync

Sometimes the cruise appears instantly. Other times, it may take a minute or two to load everything properly.

If it doesn’t show right away:

• Close and reopen the app

• Refresh the page if there’s a refresh option

• Check your internet connection

Once synced, your cruise should now appear in your account.

What If Your Cruise Doesn’t Show Up Automatically?

It’s common for travelers to sign into the app and expect their booking to appear instantly—only to find an empty dashboard. Don’t worry. This doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong with your reservation.

Here are the most common reasons your cruise might not appear automatically:

You’re Using a Different Email Address

If you booked the cruise using one email but created the app account with another, the system may not match them.

Fix: Try signing out and logging in with the email address used for booking.

The Reservation Is Under Another Person’s Name

If someone else booked the cruise for you (a spouse, friend, or group leader), the reservation may be linked to their profile.

Fix: Ask the primary guest to share the reservation details or ensure you’re added properly as a passenger with your correct email.

You Booked Through a Travel Agent

Sometimes bookings made through agencies require an extra step to link.

Fix: Use the “Add Cruise” or “Link Reservation” feature and enter the reservation number manually.

Your Booking Was Just Confirmed Recently

New bookings may take a little time to sync across systems.

Fix: Wait a short while and try again later. If you’re close to departure, don’t wait too long before seeking support.

How to Find Your Reservation Number (If You Can’t Locate It)

If you don’t have your reservation number handy, you’re not alone. Many travelers lose it in a sea of emails and travel confirmations.

Here are a few easy ways to find it:

Search Your Email Inbox

Search for keywords like:

• “confirmation”

• “reservation”

• “American Cruise Lines”

• “booking number”

• “invoice”

Check your spam or promotions folder too.

Check Any Printed Documents

If you printed your confirmation page or travel summary, the reservation number is usually near the top.

Look at Payment Receipts

If you paid a deposit or full amount, your receipt may contain booking details.

Ask the Person Who Booked the Cruise

If you’re part of a group or someone else arranged the booking, they may have the number.

Adding a Cruise for Someone Else (Family or Group Trips)

Sometimes you’re not just managing your own travel—you’re helping a parent, spouse, or friend who isn’t comfortable with apps.

In that case, you may wonder if you can add their cruise to your app too.

Here are a few possibilities depending on how the booking is structured:

If You’re the Primary Guest on the Reservation

You should be able to see the trip and manage it within your account.

If They Are the Primary Guest

You may not be able to link the booking unless:

• Your email is included on the reservation

• You have the reservation number and passenger details

• The system allows multiple users to view the same trip

If you’re assisting someone else, the simplest approach is often:

• Log into their account on their device

• Add the cruise directly for them

• Make sure they write down their login info securely

Common Issues When Adding a Cruise (And How to Fix Them)

Even when you do everything right, apps can be picky. Here are the most frequent problems and solutions.

Issue 1: “Reservation Not Found”

This usually means the details you entered don’t match the reservation exactly.

Try these fixes:

• Recheck the reservation number

• Make sure the last name is spelled correctly

• Try entering the email used at booking

• Avoid extra spaces

• Use the legal name (not a nickname)

If it still doesn’t work, it could be that the reservation hasn’t synced yet or is listed differently.

Issue 2: The Cruise Appears, Then Disappears

This can happen due to temporary syncing issues or login problems.

Try these fixes:

• Log out and log back in

• Restart your phone

• Update the app to the latest version

• Check if you’re using the correct account

Issue 3: App Freezes or Won’t Load

Sometimes the app itself is the issue, not your booking.

Try these fixes:

• Close the app completely and reopen it

• Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data (or vice versa)

• Restart your device

• Clear app cache (if your phone allows it)

• Delete and reinstall the app

Issue 4: You Added the Cruise, But Details Are Missing

You might see the cruise name and dates, but not the full itinerary or documents.

Try these fixes:

• Give it a few minutes to sync

• Refresh the page

• Check again later in the day

• Ensure you have a strong connection

Sometimes certain details only appear closer to departure.

Issue 5: You Can’t Add the Cruise Because the App Says You’re Not Authorized

This can happen if your name or email isn’t properly linked to the reservation.

Try these fixes:

• Confirm the reservation includes your passenger details correctly

• Make sure your email is added to your traveler profile

• Contact customer service to confirm your access

Tips to Make the Process Smooth and Stress-Free

Here are a few practical tips that can save time:

Use the Same Email Everywhere

Try to keep one consistent email address for:

• Booking confirmations

• App login

• Cruise communications

This prevents mismatches.

Avoid Autocorrect Errors

Phones sometimes autocorrect names or emails without you noticing. When typing details, go slowly and double-check.

Take a Screenshot of Your Reservation Number

Once you find it, save it somewhere secure so you don’t have to search again.

Add Your Cruise as Early as Possible

Don’t wait until the day before departure. Adding it early gives you time to fix issues calmly.

What You Can Do After You Add Your Cruise

Once your cruise is successfully linked, you can use the app as your planning assistant. While features vary, here’s what many travelers typically do next:

Review Your Itinerary

Check:

• Departure location

• Stops and destinations

• Daily schedule (if available)

Confirm Your Travel Dates

Make sure your calendar matches your cruise dates so you can plan flights, hotels, or transportation.

Track Important Reminders

The app may include helpful reminders for:

• Documents to bring

• Packing suggestions

• Arrival time recommendations

Keep Your Information Handy

Even if you’re an organized traveler, it’s comforting to have key trip details in your pocket.

When You Should Contact Support

If you’ve tried all the steps and still can’t add your cruise, it may be time to get help—especially if your departure date is approaching.

You should consider reaching out if:

• The app cannot find your reservation after multiple attempts

• Your booking information is correct but still rejected

• Your cruise appears under the wrong passenger name

• Your itinerary details look incorrect

• You suspect your reservation email needs updating

When you contact support, have these ready:

• Reservation number

• Full passenger name

• Sailing date

• Email used for booking

• The exact error message shown in the app

That information helps resolve things faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add multiple cruises to the app?

In many cases, yes. If you have more than one upcoming trip or you cruise frequently, the app may show multiple reservations under your profile.

Do I need internet to add my cruise?

Yes, you typically need an internet connection to link your reservation and load trip details.

Why does the app ask for my last name?

It’s a common security measure to confirm you’re the traveler connected to the booking.

What if I made changes to my booking?

If you updated passenger details, dates, or other reservation info, the app may take time to reflect the changes. Logging out and back in can help refresh it.

Can I add my cruise without a reservation number?

Sometimes you may be able to locate it using your email and name, but the reservation number is usually the fastest and most reliable method.

Final Thoughts: Adding Your Cruise Is Easier Than It Looks

Adding a cruise to your American Cruise Lines app might feel like a small task, but it’s one of the most helpful things you can do before your trip. Once your reservation is linked, you’ll have your cruise information right at your fingertips—making planning, packing, and staying organized much easier.

To recap, the basic process is:

1. Sign into the app using the email connected to your booking

2. Navigate to the “My Cruises” or “My Trip” section

3. Use “Add Cruise” or “Link Reservation” if it doesn’t appear

4. Enter your reservation details carefully

5. Confirm and let it sync

If something goes wrong, it’s usually due to a mismatch in booking details or account email—and those are fixable with a few quick checks.

Now that your cruise is added, you can focus on the fun part: looking forward to your journey, planning what to pack, and getting excited for the experience ahead.