Can you use your phone on a cruise?

To use your cell phone on your cruise, you have two options — either connect to the ship's cellular service or connect to the ship's wi-fi. Both will cost you extra. For traditional cell service, today's modern cruise ships use providers such as “Cellular at Sea” or “Wireless Maritime Services”.

Can you text while on a cruise ship?

It's possible to send and receive text messages at sea on a cellular signal, as long as you have a signal through your ship's roaming network. (Just make sure you turn on data roaming in your settings.) Texting costs a lot less than a voice call -- usually in line with standard, international "pay as you go" rates.

Why can't you use your phone on a cruise?

Do cell phones work on cruise ships? It's a common question with varying answers. Guests are free to utilize their cellular data or connect to our onboard Wi-Fi on any ship. But, please be aware that cellular data used on the ship or in certain ports of call will result in charges from your cell phone provider.

Can you text for free on a cruise ship?

If you want to text while on a cruise ship, you have the option of either connecting to the ship's Wi-Fi network or its cellular service so you send an SMS over the Internet for free. Most modern ships are built with “Wireless Maritime Services” or 'Cellular at Sea” services to provide cell signal for those aboard.

Do you put your phone on airplane mode on a cruise?

Set Your Phone

To avoid unwanted charges, your safest bet onboard your cruise ship is to switch to airplane mode, reactivate your wireless feature and log in to the ship's Wi-Fi network. (Note: Switching to airplane mode will turn off wireless until you manually reactivate it.)

Using a Cell Phone on a Cruise

Can I FaceTime on a cruise?

Consult with the cruise line. If the ship provides free wifi and internet, then iMessage and FaceTime would be free. Those services are always free from Apple, and you only pay something if you are charged for the internet connection you are using.

Does Wi-Fi calling work on a cruise ship?

For large parties, the Ripple Connect app allows you to call and text other cruisers with the app as long as you have access to the ship's Wi-Fi signal, without having to pay for an Internet plan. Chomp SMS, a good choice for overseas texting on Android devices.

Is it worth it to buy Wi-Fi on a cruise?

Wifi can be extremely expensive onboard cruise ships and it is notoriously slow. We found rates as hight as $0.95 per minute and the least expensive package was $9.95 for 15 minutes of wifi. Eek! Wifi prices and speeds are improving into 2020, but they're still a very costly add-on to any cruise vacation.

How can I communicate with my family on a cruise ship?

Can I use my debit card on a cruise ship?

Cruise ships now are entirely cashless. This means that while they are eager to get you to book a massage at the spa, or purchase a fancy bottle of wine with dinner, they never accept cash for any of these purchases. In fact, they don't even take credit cards or debit cards in the traditional sense.

Is WhatsApp free on a cruise ship?

Using messaging apps to text for free on a cruise ship

If you use text messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, WeChat, or WhatsApp, you can use them on a cruise ship whenever you have a WiFi connection.

Do cruise ships have free Wi-Fi?

At sea, mainstream cruise lines usually do not include Wi-Fi in their cruise fares, but premium and luxury lines almost always do. Cruise lines that include free Wi-Fi for all passengers are luxury lines like Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, along with upscale cruise lines Oceania Cruises and Viking.

Does Bluetooth work on a cruise ship?

Cruise lines do allow guests to bring Bluetooth speakers on cruises. The majority of cruise lines only allow Bluetooth speakers to be used in personal staterooms and it is usually best to bring the Bluetooth speaker onboard by placing it in your hand luggage.

Can you FaceTime on a Carnival Cruise?

Value Plan: Gives email access, what's included in the social plan, as well as broad access to the rest of the web — all at faster speeds than the Social plan. However, Carnival says it still doesn't support streaming, FaceTime, or wi-fi calling.

Do cruise ships have phones in the rooms?

All cruise cabins have room phones with a messaging system the same as a hotel. Also like hotels, there are "house" phones throughout the ship that you can use to call directly to the stateroom phones. Some cruisers bring walkie-talkies onboard, particularly families with kids old enough to spend time on their own.

How can I get in touch with someone on a cruise?

Call 1-877-225-7447 and provide the ship name. The ship's operator needs the passenger's name and cabin number, if possible, to connect you to the stateroom. In true emergencies, the ship may be able to make a ship-wide announcement for your loved one to take the call.

Do cruises have jails?

There's a special place, however, for those who commit serious crimes at sea — the ship's jail, or “brig” in nautical terms. These steel rooms are located on one of the bottom decks of the vessel, usually near the security office. And if you end up down there, you won't be staying there for the duration of the cruise.

Do cruise ships dump poop in the ocean?

Yes. Cruise ships pollute the ocean. Cruise ships not only dump sewage and food waste, but they also dump harmful fuel waste into the oceans as well. Cruise ships often use cheap, dirty, heavy fuel to power their engines.

Can you watch Netflix on Carnival Cruise?

Yes, you can stream movies on Carnival Cruise Line's “Netflix-enabled” ships. Carnival's website states that none of its internet plans support video or music streaming. However, some ships such as Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Sunshine are “Netflix-enabled.”

What is the best floor to stay on a cruise ship?

In general, the most popular spot to be on a cruise ship is midship on a higher deck because these rooms are centrally located. Moreover, cabins towards the middle of the ship have the reputation of providing a smoother ride when the ocean is rough.

Does cellular at sea cost money?

There are no additional charges or billing from Cellular at Sea or the cruise lines.

How does Wi-Fi work on a cruise ship?

Cruise ship internet access works by sending a signal 22,000 miles to a satellite, then 22,000 miles again back to earth. This limits what applications can be used. Generally, high-data applications, such as video and VOIP services do not work.

Can I use iMessage on a cruise ship?

If you have purchased a cruise ship internet package, you can also use the WhatsApp app, Facebook messenger, or iMessage to communicate via “text” as all of these use data and not cellular coverage. Cruise line apps often include a messaging feature as well (sometimes for free or sometimes for a small charge).

Can I use iMessage on a cruise?

Connect to the ship's wifi and use a messaging app

If you have a wifi connection, you won't be able to use it to send regular SMS text messages, but you can use it to send texts via WhatsApp, iMessage, Facebook Messenger, Telegram or other messaging services.

Can I bring a speaker on a cruise?

Bluetooth, portable and wireless speakers are only permitted within your stateroom and must be used respectfully and at reasonable sound levels and times of day. Large speakers/radios are prohibited on board and will be confiscated.