MarineTraffic - Ship Tracking 4+

Suddenly a new charge for basic data?

Having used the App for years and been very happy with the info and coverage it gives, I see this morning that, you suddenly have to pay to get anything more than very basic data. No past track etc. Bit of a disappointing start to 2022. The basic package you paid for in the App were fantastic, the additional packages you could buy were far too expensive for a casual user and really were more for corporate usage. The new “starter” patch for £10 a year seems a bit steep to me.
Update…..I think there must have been a software glitch on the iPad app and all functionality previously enjoyed suddenly came back after 24 hours. Track history and basic vessel detail etc were available, and my enthusiasm for the App has returned.

Developer Response ,

Thank you for your review. Allow us to note that once you install our App, you gain the access to some basic features, such as access to all positions received by our coastal network of AIS receivers. For the user to track the vessel sailing beyond the range of our stations, they may consider one of our SAT Services: https://bit.ly/2ZmIVpn and https://bit.ly/2ZnAcTW. Alternatively, there is In-App service "Access Plus 24", which unlocks SAT positions for one specific vessel you select for 24 hours. For any questions, feel free to reach out at https://bit.ly/3dzeALs

More payment options please

This is a really comprehensive app. I’d like to investigate it’s services more but it’s just too expensive. I appreciate that you can try before you buy . But the monthly fee is prohibitive unless you are actively using it for a business or serious daily fact based hobby or enquiry. I’d be happy to pay for an option per financial increment over a much broader range of services. The site does so much but I don’t want all of it by any stretch. I want to pay for the things that appertain to me but not be forced to pay for the things I’m not interested in simply because they are included in a monthly package. Please charge me for what want but not for what I don’t want and don’t need. The categories and current payment options are prohibitive and, in my opinion, need a more flexible and enlightened approach.
Other than that, it’s an excellent service and, if you can afford it, worth the investment. But the cost, for those of lesser means, probably excludes many who might benefit and help to bring the app to a wider audience, greater awareness and ultimately, a higher profit margin.

Developer Response ,

Hello Mol Cosmos, many thanks for kindly reviewing our App. It is great to know that in general, you like the services we are offering. Your feedback is enormously valuable to us so we greatly appreciate you taking the time to share this. Please be assured that we will pass your comments to the relevant team for review. If you have any questions, please contact us at https://bit.ly/2GsHvCe

I must go down to the sea again

Acting on the reviews I read before downloading this app., I have not bothered to try others because this one does it all for me. Many a time on the coast or on rivers I have located vessels and information about them which completely satisfies my nosiness. The only thing lacking are the names of the ships crew!!! I tracked my brother-in-law's cruise around the north of Norway and have viewed ships at my local port. I can see what is in the mid-Pacific in real time or in port anywhere in the world. For good measure, I have downloaded the computer version as well. This is a great app with lots of information which I highly recommend to all shipping buffs.