Are you excited for your upcoming cruise trip but worried about huge phone bills? Don’t worry, today we will delve into the depths of the world of cell phone connectivity in the ocean so that after your cruise trip you will only be left with a little thirst. If the story of “little Johnny” about his $3,000 family vacation bill sounds familiar to you, then take note of these money-saving tips.
The Critical Step: Airplane Mode
As soon as you enter the airplane port, you should put your cell phone in airplane mode. This simple action disconnects your phone from data services and ensures that your phone does not incur any unexpected charges while searching for a signal. Keep in mind, even if your phone is in your cabin and it is not in airplane mode, you can still make calls or send texts without being billed.
Before You Sail: Contact Your Provider
Always contact your cell phone provider before leaving on your cruise. Whether you’re with Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint or another company, inquire about any special plans or packages for cruise ship or international use. But be aware, these plans do allow for voice calls or text messages but they don’t come very cheap – up to $3 a minute for calls and 50 cents for a text message, not even including data.
Beyond Calls and Texts: Using Your Phone Wisely at Sea
Your smartphone isn’t just a communication device – it’s also your camera, your diary, your music source and sometimes your way of staying connected to work. You can use these features by staying in Airplane mode and connecting to the ship’s Wi-Fi. Therefore, always check if your phone has automatically exited airplane mode.
Ashore: Know Your Options
When you are on a port, your provider may allow you to use the phone while on a roaming network, such as at home. But after returning to the plane, definitely put it in airplane mode again.
Communication with Family and Friends: Wi-Fi is Key
The best way to stay connected without the high cost of skyrocketing is through the cruise ship’s Wi-Fi service. However, not all onboard Wi-Fi is the same – some provide strong streaming speeds, while others simply struggle with social media updates. For constant connection, platforms like Facebook Messenger rely on different Wi-Fi services.
Cost-Effective Cruise Apps
Most cruise lines have their own apps that include a chat feature for onboard communication. For example, Carnival’s Hub App allows you to message with other passengers for just $5 for the entire trip.
How to Deal with Wi-Fi and App Messaging
For affordable communications onboard, sign up for the cheapest Wi-Fi package offered by the cruise and use cruise line-specific apps to stay in touch or stay entertained.
Final Checklist for a Surprise-Free Phone Bill
- Keep your phone in airplane mode.
- Find out what your cell phone provider offers for cruise travel.
- Keep checking your phone’s mode regularly during the cruise.
- If you are concerned about charges, keep your phone safe in the cabin and do not use it till demarcation day.
- Keep in mind, each cruise line has different policies, so it is important that you know beforehand what services and apps they provide for your stay without any unexpected fees.
It’s vital to familiarize yourself with the cruise line’s specific offerings related to onboard communication services to stay connected smartly.
Have you ever had a painful experience of disconnecting your cell phone at sea or do you have any tips related to saving your bill? Please share your experience or advice in the comments! Happy cruising, and hopefully your phone bill is the last thing you have to worry about on your pleasure cruises!
