Can you use your cellphone on a cruise?
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Generally, you probably won’t have any “unlimited” texting on such a plan like you might be used to at home. Instead, you will have some type of per text charge. And, at 50 cents a pop – a typical charge – this can add up quickly. You can control or limit your additional costs by managing the cellular data that you use on board.
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It is always good to purchase the onboard ships WiFi package when you can. That will keep you in touch with your social media and allow you to check any e-mail you feel the need to. Most carriers, however, offer special plans or travel passes (for an additional fee) that allow you to use your domestic plan allowances while in port. Most T-Mobile plans include unlimited texting and data at up to 2G speeds in 210-plus countries. On the other hand, Verizon's TravelPass and AT&T's International Day Pass charge $5 to $10 per day for travelers to text, call and use data based on the plan they have at home. Without the pass, pay-per-use data rates for both carriers costs more than $2.00/MB on land.
Using Your Phone on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
Check out this post for more information about the cruise line’s current plans in this area. Note that all of these cruise line messaging services will only work while you are actually on the cruise ship. Once you are on shore or on a shore excursion, you will not be able to use it.
Can I Use the Ship's Phone to Call Home?
I called T-Mobile just before going on the Allure about a month ago. Just like with Carnival and other major cruise lines, we think you’ll be best off connecting to the ship’s wi-fi in order to use your phone on a Royal Caribbean ship. When in port, you’ll be connecting to international towers. Phone companies have international plans (sometimes you can simply pay for a single day pass) that allow you access just as you would have at home.
Can I Send or Receive Text Messages? How Much Will It Cost?
If you do wish to access the internet while onboard, you can connect to the ship's Wi-Fi. As we mentioned, most ships charge for Wi-Fi usage, so you'll need to compare data roaming prices against the ship's internet charges to see which is a better deal. Whether or not you plan to access the internet using your cell phone or sign up for an internet plan through the cruise ship, you will need to get a handle on data. I had 2 incoming phone calls during my cruise that I didn't answer.
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Yes, you can make calls, text, and even video chat from a cruise ship. At sea, you can either make calls via a satellite connection or pay for the ship's Wi-Fi (also via satellite) and make Wi-Fi calls, text or video chat via the internet. We also couldn't get correct Info from customer service so didn't want to use it at sea. If you're in Mexico, you don't have to bother with activating your international roaming. It's automatic for Mexico and Canada at no extra charge.
Now, on cruises, you should be able to access wifi anywhere on the cruise ship, including your cabin. You no longer have to seek out the computer lab and fight other passengers for access. Kick back with your laptop and beverage of choice in the privacy of your balcony or any other cozy spot you desire. In the past I have always turned my T-Mobile phone to "Airplane Mode".
Can I access cruise-specific phone plans and costs?
Many ports have wi-fi service at shops or restaurants that can get you access while you’re there. It’s an easy way to check in back home if you don’t need constant access. Incoming calls are routed automatically to your phone, but placing a call while you're outside the U.S. works a little differently than when you're at home.
Cruise Ship Wifi & Internet Access
Most major carriers charge $0.50 to send a message or deduct messages from your monthly allotment. You can also use wifi calling over the cruise ship’s wifi provided you sign up for the right internet package. Specifically, you’ll want one that’s sufficient to support VoIP and streaming.
Your battery consumption may increase significantly compared to your typical consumption at home. In addition to using whatever power saving measures your phone may have, also carry a portable battery/charger. Even if you never run into consumption issues at home.
When you are on a cruise and trying to figure out cell service, you will have other considerations besides your geographic location in the world. You have to determine whether your carrier offers coverage with your cruise line and specifically with your individual ship. Suddenly, you may encounter issues with using your cell phone to call and text, and also with accessing wifi on a cruise – whether by phone, tablet or computer. Particularly if you want to stay in touch without breaking the bank, wasting large amounts of time, or tearing your hair out.
You can buy a day pass for faster data for the day at I believe $5. T-Mobile does not have its own network on cruise ships, so you won’t be able to use your T-Mobile phone to make calls or send texts without incurring roaming charges. However, many cruise ships offer Wi-Fi, and you can usually connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi network using your T-Mobile phone. All Disney Cruise ships offer internet access through Connect@Sea. You can purchase different buckets of megabytes, or you can use a pay as you go plan.
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