What do I do with my 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 use a cell phone on a cruise ship?

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.

Do you have to turn your phone off 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.)

Can you text on a cruise ship without Wi-Fi?

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.

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

Make sure to put your phone on airplane mode to avoid expensive roaming charges. Cellular rates at sea can sneak up on you, and you can easily rack up a $500 roaming bill. Even if you're not actively on your phone, most are still using data, so make sure to set yours on airplane mode to avoid roaming charges.

Using a Cell Phone on a Cruise

How can I text for free 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.

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.

Is WhatsApp free on cruise ships?

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.

How do you get free Wi-Fi on a cruise?

Use onboard credit to pay for a Wi-Fi package

You can use your credit to pay for onboard internet access, thereby getting Wi-Fi on your cruise for free! On most cruise lines, you'll need a minimum of $100 in onboard credit per device for a week's worth of free basic Wi-Fi.

Can I FaceTime on 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.

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).

How do you use WiFi calling on a cruise ship?

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”.

Do I need a plug adapter on a cruise ship?

There are other options available and Amazon is a place to search for cruise gadgets. USB Power Charging Ports can be a handy accessory at home, but in a cabin, with limited electrical outlets, they are a must-have accessory.

Does cellular at sea cost extra?

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

How do I communicate with my family on a cruise?

Does WhatsApp work without Wi-Fi?

WhatsApp uses your phone's cellular connection or Wi-Fi network to send and receive messages and calls to your family and friends. As long as you haven't exceeded your mobile data allowance or you're connected to a free Wi-Fi network, your mobile provider shouldn't charge you for messaging or calling over WhatsApp.

Do cruise ships have Wi-Fi?

Cruise Ship Wi-Fi Packages

Cruise lines will usually present guests with several different Wi-Fi packages to choose from, often in the ballpark of $30-50 per day. These packages generally vary in price based on speed, data usage, and how each guest plans to use the internet.

Can you watch YouTube on cruise ship?

As long as you sail on a “Netflix-enabled” ship, you should have no problem streaming Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. Just make sure you purchase the Premium Plan.

Do cruise ships have jails?

Yes, cruise ships have brigs, which is the nautical term for a jail on a vessel, including a cruise ship. The term comes from the word “brigantine,” which is a type of two-masted sailing ship formerly used to house criminals.

Will a hotspot work on a cruise ship?

Do Hotspots Work on Cruise Ships? Portable wireless hotspots do work on cruise ships but only when the ship is docked or VERY close to land. Your phone's hotspot will also work on a cruise ship as long as you have cell service, are docked or close to land and roaming is included in your plan.

Can you text or call while on a cruise?

Stay Connected While At Sea On Your Cruise!

WMS offers an advanced roaming network onboard cruise ships allowing you to use your phone just like you do at home. Service for voice calls, texting (SMS) and data is available onboard while the ship is at sea.

How much does it cost to text on a cruise ship?

Wireless carriers offer data, messaging, and calling plans for cruise ships that are similar to on-land packages, so you can pick the one that best suits your needs. Data plans cost around $25 for 100MB, and text messages costs as much as 50 cents per text.

Should I turn on Wi-Fi calling?

It can improve call quality, but Wi-Fi calling can also extend your phone's battery life, as weak cell signals cause your phone to use more power to boost the connection.

Do I want Wi-Fi calling on or off?

Should I have WiFi calling on or off? In areas where mobile phone coverage is non-existent, but the wifi signals are good, then keeping the wifi calling On will help save your phone's battery life. In case you have no or very low mobile phone signal, then consider switching off your cellular service.