cruise ship phone service

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Complete Guide to Using Your Phone on a Cruise (Carnival, Royal Caribbean & More)

At this point, it’s beyond the debate of taking a cruise without bringing a phone. Phones are so much more than a simple device to call or text. Now they are our social lives, our entertainment devices, our cameras, and more.

And on the cruise ship they do all that, plus they are useful for the cruise line’s app, which features schedules, maps, and more, all right on your phone.

Of course, while it’s a good idea to put the phone down for a while and enjoy your vacation, it’s also reasonable to wonder if your cell phone will work on a cruise.

The good news? Yes, you can use your phone on a cruise . This includes major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian and more.

The bad news? It might be expensive, and there are several details you need to know about how your phone uses cell service at sea — or the shipboard wi-fi — before you get started.

Below, we’ve outlined what you need to know about using your phone to call, text, and browse the web. In addition, we’ve added some specifics for certain cruise lines.

One thing to keep in mind is that internet and cell phone service are regularly being updated on modern cruise ships . As time goes on, you can expect your access to improve.

In This Article...

How to Use Your Phone on a Cruise

First things first, you have to understand that there are no cell towers in the middle of the sea. Meanwhile, even the strongest cell towers with the best range in perfect conditions can only extend about 30-45 miles. In other words, after the first hour or two of your cruise, you’ll be too far away to pick up any reliable cell signal.

So what do you do in the middle of the water?

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.

Cellular Service on Ships For traditional cell service, today’s modern cruise ships use providers such as “Cellular at Sea” or “Wireless Maritime Services”.

For the vast majority of plans, these services are considered international roaming plans by your cell phone company, and you will be charged accordingly for use. That said, if you want to (or need to), you can simply make a phone call or send a text as you would back home — you’ll just be charged significantly more than usual.

Keep in mind that sometimes data service isn’t available through this method. For data, you’re better off using a wi-fi plan (discussed below).

Cell providers offer packages you help cruisers better budget. For example, AT&T offers a couple of cruise ship packages, starting at $50 for a package of minutes and texting. Other carriers will have something similar.

Just be warned of high prices. On AT&T’s $60 plan, it includes only 100 minutes of phone calls, and a $1 per minute overage cost.

In other words, if you use the ship’s cellular service, it’s considered international roaming and will cost you quite a bit of money. This applies to any carrier you have.

Luckily, there is a cheaper way to use your cell phone on the ship — wi-fi.

Cruise ships have cellular service that you can connect to. However, it’s usually considered international roaming and means you’ll be charged high rates to access.

Wi-Fi Service to Use Your Phone on Ships (Recommended) You likely know that instead of using a cell signal, you can hook your phone up to wi-fi and use the internet to make calls, send texts, and surf the web. Some apps like WhatsApp also let you make calls, chat, and even chat via video. You can use these features while a cruise ship.

Today’s cruise ships all come equipped with wi-fi, but there is a charge for passengers to use it. For example, Carnival offers three levels of service — Social (~$15 per day), Value (~$20 per day), and Premium (~$21 per day) — which all offer different speeds and access.

Wi-fi allows you to connect just like you were at home. This includes doing things like making calls from within communication apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, texting, and surfing the web.

Just like at home, you can hook up to the ship’s wi-fi and use your phone as normal. Just keep in mind that you will want to ensure any calls you make are over wi-fi or else they will be considered international roaming calls if connected over the ship’s cellular service. (For that reason, we suggest setting your phone to airplane mode once you get on the ship and then just connect through wi-fi.)

One other thing to know is that different cruise lines and even different ships within a cruise line may offer different online experiences. Some ships are updated with the latest technology while others can have slower service or more limited options of what you can do regarding video calling or streaming.

More details on specific ship wi-fi plans are featured later in this article.

• Read more about using internet/wi-fi on a cruise

We’d recommend accessing the ship’s wi-fi with your phone to use it as you would back home. This gives you the ability to access the internet, send messages, use apps, and even make calls with some plans/cruise lines.

Using Your Phone in a Port of Call

While most of your time is spent on the ship, there will be large chunks of the day spent in port. You might wondering about using your phone during this portion of your cruise.

Cellular Service in Ports of Call In port (and off of the ship’s cellular or wi-fi service), you phone will work just as if you had taken a flight to another country. That is to say you will be reliant on international cellular services.

The good news? Cell phone companies offer short-term international plans that are surprisingly affordable and provide calls, texts, and data.

In addition, many companies — such as T-Mobile — include calling in Mexico and Canada (home to several popular cruise ports) automatically in their plans. You can use the phone exactly as you would at home for no extra charge.

Below, we’ve charted out the cost for some international plans offered by cell phone companies. Remember that these prices could change, so you’ll want to contact your provider before heading out on your cruise.

You can read more about international service from the major carriers below:

• https://www.att.com/international/day-pass/
• https://www.verizon.com/plans/international/international-travel/travel-pass/
• https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/international-roaming-plans

Understand that this is only for service while onshore in a port. When you are on the ship and in the middle of the ocean, you will need to use the ship’s wi-fi or cellular service. It may be worth it to use just one service or another instead of paying for both during your cruise.

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.

Wi-Fi Service to Use Your Phone in Port Want to save some money? Then you may be able to skip dealing with international plans altogether and just connect to wi-fi hotspots in port. In fact, it may even be free.

To be sure, your wi-fi plan from the ship won’t work in port (unless you are at a private island; sometimes ships extend service to their islands.) But many ports of call offer wi-fi service.

Sometimes there is service sold that will cover the port area. Other times spots like restaurants or shops will offer free wi-fi service to customers as a perk for shopping there.

Either way, it’s a cheaper and easier way of using your phone in port if you are fine with having access on a more limited basis.

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.

Using Your Phone on a Carnival Cruise

As mentioned above, we recommend using the ship’s wi-fi to use your phone . This will allow you to make calls (you may have to use an app like WhatsApp to do so), send messages, email, and browse the web.

To access Carnival’s wi-fi, you’ll have to sign up for one of three packages :

Social (~$15 per day) — Offers access to social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat and more. It also provides access to airline sites. However, it doesn’t include access to most of the web, nor does it support in-app calling, streaming services (Netflix, Spotify, YouTube), or Skype.

Value ($20 per day) — Offers everything in the Social package, with the addition of popular news, weather, banking, finance, and entertainment sites. However, it still doesn’t allow streaming or Skype/FaceTime calling.

Premium (~$21 per day) — Offers the fastest speeds on the ship and full web access. While Carnival’s website says this plan doesn’t support video streaming (outside Netflix) or FaceTime calls, we’ve personally done both with this plan. If you are a heavy phone user on your cruise or want to make video calls, then you’ll likely want the Premium package.

You can purchase a plan at a discount before your cruise starts or you can simply purchase when you are on the ship. Note that shipboard prices are higher than what’s shown here.

Read more about Carnival’s internet service here .

Using Your Phone on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

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.

The cruise line offers VOOM internet access across its fleet, which is touted as one of the fastest wi-fi services of any major cruise line. With it, you can hook up your phone to wi-fi and make calls (via wi-fi), text, use apps, and browse the web.

Prices are not set in stone, but vary between around $15-25 a day. Discounts are available for ordering online ahead of time.

Read more about Royal Caribbean’s Internet service here .

Using Your Phone on a Norwegian Cruise

Norwegian offers two different levels of wi-fi access on their ships that allow you to connect with your phone. From there, you can use wi-fi to send messages, talk, and send email to keep in touch.

First is the Unlimited Wi-Fi Package ($30 per day) that includes access to things like Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat, along with the rest of the web. This includes apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, and FaceTime, allowing you to keep in touch. However, it doesn’t allow streaming services.

Second, there is the Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi Package ($40 per day), giving you full access to the web and streaming services — including YouTube, TikTok, and Netflix. With this level of service, making calls, sending texts, and video chats are no issue.

You can read more about NCL’s internet service here .

Using Your Phone on Other Cruise Lines (Disney, Celebrity, Princess, and Others)

As you can see, the easiest way to use your phone on a cruise is to use it to connect to the ship’s wi-fi. While we’ve spelled out more details for Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line, this method will work on any ship you sail.

Through the wi-fi offered on your cruise ship, you should be able to connect and use your phone just as you would on land. This includes web browsing, messaging, and calls through wi-fi. Just keep in mind that you might have to upgrade to the highest-tier service in order to get full benefits of the internet like streaming and video calls. In our experience, lower-tier wi-fi plans are slower, meaning choppier connections on things like video calls.

Have more questions about using your phone on a cruise? Let us know in the comments below.

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Hey Tanner: Thanks for the great article. We are going on Norwegian to the Panama Canal. My cruise buddy has Verizon and wants to make a voice call to her husband. He does not know how to use WhatsApp or FaceTime. Can they make regular voice calls using the ships Wi-fi? We understand that she can call him from ports with her Verizon Travel Pass, but she is concerned about sea days. Thanks!

Typically phones have a “call over wi-fi” setting. I’ve used it before and it worked well, but usually I use Facetime to call back home.

Tanner – I will going on a Norwegian cruise and would like to use WhatsApp for audit calls. I don’t need to make any viedo calls. Can I get by with the Unlimited plan or do I need the Unlimited Plus?

My advice is to always go with the fastest plan just because in general speeds are slower on cruises (getting better in some cases with Starlink).

But it looks like voice calls don’t require that much bandwidth. My suggestion is if you only want access for these calls, then opt for the cheaper plan and test it out. If it’s not enough, then you can always upgrade.

Tanner, my brother in – law just started his job on a cruise ship – they are provided only 5 gigabytes per month for phone use – he uses what’s app – what can advise him to do to get more gigabytes ? Approximate cost ?

I’ll be perfectly honest: the Royal Caribbean cruise was fantastic except for the beverage package issue, gratuity, and the cell service/internet packages. For the price of the cruise, surely you could include water, tea, coffee, and fountain soda. Those are cheap! I did know ahead of time that 18% gratuity was added to everything, yet for some reason I bought the gratuity package. Then would forget and add tip above the 18% plus the gratuity package. I know I’m responsible, but still felt taken advantage of. AT&T charged me 100.00 within 3-4 hours (started before we even left port). Then cut off service to “protect” me. So I pay another 100.00 for their “international data plan”- which is NOT 10.00 a day. Then I pay 75.00 for better internet speed through Royal. Guess what- 275.00 and I STILL couldn’t use my phone half of the time. I felt nickeled and dimed to death between just getting a bottle of water and checking my work email. And now that I’m home, my phone has ZERO internet. Sigh. FYI: This was my first cruise, but I did research the best I could ahead of time. I didn’t even think about the cell issue. But really- RC is first class.

Do you know if you can get reception on the ship from an island nearby if you are docked at a tender port, or is that still too far away? I have a virtual doctor visit the day I’m in Grand Cayman that I really don’t want to cancel and I would rather use my international phone plan then waste my limited ship wifi minutes.

We’re traveling on Cunard next month. Their website says that even if a phone is in airplane mode but connected to the ship wifi, voice call charges will still be incurred by the cell provider. That doesn’t make sense. Are they just saying that to protect their “assests”?

Never heard that before. I’d likely just take them at their word and plan around it.

If I purchase the cruise plan through AT&Tfor 100$ Do I still have to purchase the wifi on princess as well?

Does regular wi-fi calling (Not WhatsApp) work on Carnival social plan?

That I don’t know. I haven’t personally tested it.

I have straight talk, would I still be able to call or txt since it’s a pay as I go an each month. We will be on Carnival Horizon in October.

Well at sea you won’t have service, but you can hook up to the wi-fi and use your phone that way.

If I purchase the International Plan on Verizon, will it connect to the ship’s tower? I am going on Carnival Horizon in March 2023 to the southern Caribbean (Aruba, Bonaire, Dominican Republic). If I’m signing up and paying for this plan, I want to make sure I actually have coverage my entire cruise (on and off the ship). Can you help?

I’m not sure how the service works on the ship (I personally use wi-fi). You’ll need to contact your carrier to ask as it’s their plan.

GOING TO BAHAMAS AND ORLANDO FLORIDA. WHEN IN FLORIDA AND I AM OFF THE SHIP CAN I USE THE PHONE TO CALL AND TEXT WITHOUT BEING CHARGED MORE THAN MY NORMAL BILL. I WONT BE ON THE SHIP USING THE PHONE ONLY FOR PICTURES. I AM GOING ON NCL AND I AM A VERIZON CUSTOMER

Depends on your plan, but likely not. Most of the time, however, you can get a short-term international plan for cheap:

https://www.verizonwireless.com/solutions-and-services/international-travel/

everyone gives info for making calls, etc. what about getting calls???? have a disabled son and I need contact with him each morning around 6 am Central. how do I arrange that?

The best idea we can suggest is to sign up for the Internet package and use a program like WhatsApp to talk.

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Can you use your cellphone on a cruise?

Most travelers depend on their cellphones for directions, photos, recommendations, wake-up alarms and ride hailing, not to mention calls and texts. But if your vacation plans involve a cruise, you will need to consider rethink your phone use. Simply put, you can't use a cellphone on a cruise the way you can on land without incurring outrageous roaming charges.

What's the smartest way to use your smartphone at sea without racking up a bill that costs more than your inside cabin? Will a cellphone even get reception in the middle of the ocean?

Here's your guide to using cellphones on cruise ships and avoiding high fees while you sail the high seas.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Do cellphones work on cruise ships?

Yes, you can make calls, text, and even video chat from a cruise ship. In port, you can connect to local roaming networks. 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.

Bandwidth and connection speed can be an issue at sea. You may experience lag time on calls or slow connection speeds. Depending on where your ship is in the world and whether anything (like a mountain range) is blocking the connection to the satellite, your phone may not work temporarily for calls or Wi-Fi access.

Any part of your phone that does not require a network (downloads, photo apps, alarm clocks) will function as normal on board.

How can I avoid cellphone charges on a cruise?

Once you've drifted away from the nearest land-based cell tower, however, your phone will go into roaming mode. That's when hefty charges can start to accrue. We're not talking about your average international roaming charges, but extra-expensive satellite roaming charges.

Surfing the internet, using social media, reading emails or checking the weather will all use data charged at a premium rate. Phone calls and messages, regardless if they are incoming or outgoing, will also be charged at a premium.

If you want to avoid extra charges from your mobile phone service provider, put your smartphone on "airplane mode" sometime between boarding and when the ship sets sail. Even if you're not actively using your phone, your smartphone is constantly utilizing data in the background, racking up charges you're not even aware of. Better to keep cellular service off.

Airplane mode will switch off your phone's transmitters for cell signal (calls and text messages) and data (browsing the web, using apps) ensuring you will not be privy to unwanted charges. But don't worry: Your smartphone won't be completely useless for the trip. Toggle on the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features and make use of your phone in other ways.

Related: 7 extra-charge items on cruise ships that are worth the cost (and 7 that aren't)

What if I accidentally use roaming services while on board?

It's up to you to make sure your phone settings are adjusted to keep you from roaming at sea. Expect an alert via SMS text that you're headed into roaming territory, but beyond that, service providers won't necessarily notify you of overages and fees — you'll just be surprised with a large charge on your next bill.

Keep a watchful eye on your "airplane mode" setting, ensuring it's always on when you're on board your cruise ship. If you forget, you won't be charged for incoming calls you don't accept, but some service providers will charge for unread text messages that arrive while your phone is roaming.

Use the ship's Wi-Fi to monitor usage on your service provider's app. If something seems off, contact the service provider's customer service.

Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on ships

Can I access cruise-specific phone plans and costs?

If you plan on using your phone at sea, some service providers have cruise-specific plans available for when you're at sea. These plans charge a premium for use through the ship's satellite connection.

Once you're in port, double-check whether your phone is connecting via the ship or the local land-based cell tower. Depending on the port, there might not be land-based reception. Cruise versus land-based roaming charges differ, with land-based reception often the less-expensive option.

These are the major US carrier's cruise plans. Note the difference between SMS (text only, up to 160 characters long) and MMS (a message that contains media including photos, videos and audio files).

Verizon : Verizon's "Pay As You Go" cruise rates are $0.99-$2.99 per minute for voice calls, depending on your destination and the country you're calling. Data rates are $2.05/MB, 25 cents for a sent SMS, 5 cents for a received SMS and 25 cents for a sent or received MMS, available on most cruises. If you're on one of the 400 ships that host Verizon ( check the list here ), Verizon will send you a text message alert offering you a $20 monthly plan with 50MB of data. Be careful, because 50MB will go quickly on a modern smartphone and overage fees start at $20 for 50MB.

AT&T : AT&T's two cruise packages are both one-time charges that don't recur. AT&T Cruise Talk & Text ($50) includes 50 minutes, overage at $2 per minute. AT&T Cruise Talk, Text & Data ($100) offers unlimited talk, text and 200MB of data with $2/MB overage fees.

T-Mobile (and now Sprint) : T-Mobile doesn't feature cruise-specific packages. The provider's rates on cruises are considered international roaming and charged accordingly with no data option. It costs 50 cents to send a text; received texts are taken from your domestic texting plan's allotment, and a pricey $5.99 per minute applies to voice calls. Check specific ship availability and pricing here: T-Mobile on cruises .

US Cellular : US Cellular features roaming coverage on select cruise ships only with recurring plans. Prepaid plans are not eligible to connect while at sea. Rates are $4 per minute for voice calls made and received while at sea, 80 cents per sent text, 25 cents per text received, and $20/MB of data.

Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile : There is currently no cruise ship roaming access for Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile customers. Consider buying a prepaid International SIM card that has coverage on cruise ships and in international ports to avoid outages and manage costs.

Can I use my phone in port?

Once you've arrived in port, be wary of international roaming charges that might differ from your at-sea rates and change by country. Check your provider's international plans and rates for each port you plan to visit on your itinerary.

Consider opting for an international SIM card that can keep you connected while in foreign countries and help with budgeting and allotting usage. International SIM cards offer the benefit of choice and variety, with an open market of plans that fit your budget and usage needs. You'll be using a different phone number with that new SIM card, but you'll still be able to access your web-based apps, email, and internet messaging like WhatsApp and Apple's iMessage.

Pro tip : Pack a paper clip to easily eject and swap out SIM cards.

Can I use the ship's Wi-Fi on my cellphone?

Nearly all major cruise lines sailing today have ship-wide Wi-Fi available. It's pricey and can be slow or finicky, even on the cruise lines that bill their internet as the "fastest at sea." However, you can definitely access the ship's Wi-Fi on your phone if you purchase a plan.

Because the internet connection comes via satellite, passengers cannot rely on the same high-speed access as land-based, wired providers offer. Activities like video conferencing, high-definition streaming and online gaming are going to be more of a challenge on your phone at sea. Plan for spotty coverage.

Related: How can I get Wi-Fi on a cruise for free?

However, depending on the plan you choose, you will be able to text, voice call, video call, check email, and stream music and video. Make sure you have enabled your smartphone's Wi-Fi calling, texting and video call options, or have downloaded apps to do these things pre-cruise.

Download your cruise line's app prior to boarding, and you'll be able to browse onboard internet packages available through the ship's satellite internet service. Most cruise lines offer a few basic web-based services for free via their cruise app, including viewing activity schedules and deck plans, ordering food delivery and making reservations for shows or restaurants. Some even offer in-app texting (sometimes for a minimal fee).

Related: The ultimate guide to international smartphone use

What are the best ways to use my cellphone on a cruise?

There are plenty of ways to use your phone on board without incurring unwanted charges and fees.

Depending on your cruise line's app, your smartphone might have the ability to unlock your cabin door, help you make dinner reservations, or even order a burger and cocktail to be delivered to you poolside. Just as we've seen landside, cruise ships have begun to use QR codes to replace physical bar and restaurant menus.

Smartphones make great cameras for capturing the many fun moments on board and in port. Consider a waterproof case or a plastic waterproof pouch to have the freedom and fun of bringing your phone with you in the ship's pool and to the beaches at port.

Use your phone as an alarm clock to make sure you're up at the right time for excursions, pool parties and dinner reservations.

Prior to boarding, always download media (movies, TV shows, music, books, podcasts, etc.) via your fast and cheaper home internet so you will have free entertainment at the ready on your vacation.

But remember, your cellphone won't be useful to you if you run out of battery life. Double-check that you have packed the right chargers and outlet plugs, especially for accessories like Bluetooth earphones.

Consider bringing a travel power strip (one without surge protection) if your cabin's electronic devices will all need to be charged overnight at the same time. Power brick chargers are essential for topping up power anywhere else on the ship or exploring a port.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

Bottom line

Your smartphone will likely go everywhere you go on board a cruise ship, so plan ahead to make sure any and all fees are managed and expected. Cellphone roaming costs can add up quickly, but you can keep costs manageable by opting into a service provider's package deal, buying international SIM cards or using onboard Wi-Fi for calling and web browsing.

Even on a cruise, your cellphone will be your number one travel accessory. Rove freely around the world, phone in hand — just don't roam without understanding the costs first.

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How to stay in contact on a cruise ship

If you’re looking to unwind for a week or two aboard a cruise ship, you might not mind the idea of stowing your phone or tablet in favor of a poolside paperback. But if you need to stay in touch while you’re on board, the lack of a strong cell signal can turn your sense of bliss into FOMO.

Don’t worry: there are plenty of ways to stay connected while you’re on a cruise ship. What option you choose should depend on how much you need to use your device and whether you need to talk, text,  go online, or all three. Follow these tips to create a cruise-ship-connectivity game plan that works for you.

Verizon’s Cruise Daily Pass for use on cruise ships.

With the Verizon Cruise Daily Pass you get 0.5 GB data 1 , 50 calling minutes 2 and unlimited text messages, all for just $30/day (24-hour session) to use while on board select cruise lines. You can add the Cruise Daily Pass before your cruise as you’re only charged when you trigger a 24-hour session on board, e.g., when you use data, make or answer a call, or send a text message. To add a Cruise Daily Pass, you can text the word CRUISE to 4004. It’s often best to add it before your cruise leaves the pier, so you don’t have to think about it while you’re trying to enjoy the open sea.

If you disembark during a 24-hour session, you’ll pay applicable rates for the country you’re visiting.

How to stay in contact with apps while on a cruise.

Some cruise lines have their own mobile apps that work via the ship’s Wi-Fi. These apps include access to ship-specific information, such as deck layouts and programming schedules. While these apps don’t typically offer connectivity with the outside world, they can be helpful for scheduling dinners and arranging poolside meet-ups. If you want more freedom and flexibility to stay connected with others during your cruise, you’ll want to add Verizon Cruise Daily Pass so you can share, scroll and stay in touch, worry-free. 

Also, remember that you don’t necessarily need a Wi-Fi connection to make good use of your smartphone while onboard. A number of travel apps (such as mapping and translation apps) require internet access for some features. Many other apps, however, can be used while you’re offline, whether you’re playing games, editing your photos or reading city guides for the next port. And speaking of the next port, adding Verizon TravelPass , with unlimited data, talk and text, is a great way to ensure you have the connectivity you need to stay in touch with people back home, share your travel experiences, or access maps so you can get around confidently once you disembark and reach your destination.

Cruise ship on-board Wi-Fi

Cruises offer Wi-Fi access in a variety of different ways. No matter how your cruise ship offers Wi-Fi, with Verizon Cruise Daily Pass, you can access everything you need on your device, from your favorite social sites to calling and texting for one flat daily fee. It’s easy to add to your plan, so you don’t have to hassle with creating extra accounts or passwords for everyone in your family. Plus, with this secure service, you won’t have to worry about any surprise fees.

In-port connections while on a cruise

At domestic ports, you’ll be able to use your Verizon plan as you usually would, while you can use an international plan at many international ports. The simplest of these international plans is Verizon TravelPass , which allows you to pay a flat daily rate to use your domestic plan’s talk, text and data in more than 210 countries and destinations around the world. Remember, TravelPass doesn’t work on cruise ships or airplanes. Verizon Cruise Daily Pass can give you access onboard the ship while at sea.

If your cruise takes you to another country, you’ll still want to be able to share your adventures. In that case, another option would be Verizon’s Unlimited Ultimate plan . This plan includes international data, talk and text in over 210 countries and destinations. For international talk and text from the U.S., this includes Mexico, Canada and one additional country of your choice.

Also, many bars, restaurants and attractions in ports of call cater to tourists with Wi-Fi available. If you want to at least occasionally check your email and social media, you might consider sticking to this option. 

How to use airplane mode while on a cruise.

To avoid unwanted charges, keep your device in airplane mode when you’re not using voice, messaging or data services. You can still connect to Wi-Fi (either via the ship’s connection or via free Wi-Fi connections in ports of call), but you won’t have to worry about accidentally making a pricey five-minute pocket-dial. 

Stay connected during your trip abroad.

A proper stress-free vacation starts with great planning. To start your trip off right, Verizon offers Cruise Daily Pass and In-Flight Daily Pass , which offers unlimited data for 24 hours on international flights, both for a flat daily rate, so you can stay connected at sea or on international flights. Next, plan to stay connected once you arrive at your destination. Verizon international plans let you use your phone in more than 210 countries and destinations outside the U.S. With Verizon TravelPass, you can use your domestic plan’s talk, text and data allowances just like you would at home. And you’re only charged for the days that you use your phone. Heading out for 10 days or more? The Verizon $100 International Monthly Plan is ideal for longer trips. You’ll get unlimited data 3 and texts, and 250 minutes for international use. You can choose to have the allowance expire after one month or have the plan renew every month until you remove it from your account. Remember, planning ahead to stay connected can help make your trip a memorable one, for all the right reasons. 

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Using Your Cell 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. As you sail into international waters, these expenses can add up, so we recommend that guests turn off their cellular data and connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi instead. Here’s everything to know about using your cell phone on a cruise.

Internet Options

If you need to check your email or send photos to loved ones, stop by the Internet Café where there are computers aplenty. We also offer several internet packages with varying price points, so any guest can access Wi-Fi if they need it. This means you can catch up on world news while enjoying a breakfast parfait in the International Café or download audiobooks while lounging poolside. All of our Princess MedallionClass® ships have also been upgraded to MedallionNet® , with new reliable connectivity that allows guests to message, video chat, stream content and post to social media with ease.

Princess MedallionClass™

There are valuable ways to use your cell phone on board that don’t cost extra thanks to Princess MedallionClass®  – the newest technology at sea. When you sail on a MedallionClass ship, you get a complimentary Medallion® . Each quarter-sized device has built-in geo-location technology. When paired with your mobile device, have drinks – or pizza and extra sunscreen – delivered straight to your pool chair. Or access the app to locate friends and family on the ship. With your Medallion device, unlock a world of adventure on board — with or without your mobile device in hand. 

Still wondering if you can you text on a cruise? Here’s a quick recap: While you may be able to text, you may not want to. Avoid the expensive phone bill and save money with our Wi-Fi packages. Stay in touch with your friends and family at home through email and social media. Or, use MedallionNet along with your mobile devices to connect with your loved ones on the ship and unlock a whole new world of opportunity on board. Whether you want to use your cell phone on a cruise or not, the choice is yours when you sail with Princess.

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Follow the tips below to make sure you make the most of your time at sea without racking up high bills on your smartphone.

11 tips for using your smartphone on a cruise ship

And hard-learned lessons about what not to do when connecting at sea.

DB & the Princess

CruiseClout score: 20.0

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• Staying connected at sea — at a reasonable cost
• How to keep in touch during a cruise

Internet pricing on cruise ships

• 8 tips to reduce bandwidth use on a ship

During an emergency, cruise ships offered onboard phones that you could use to make a call for several dollars a minute (by the way, they still exist). For more routine check-ins, cruisers would wait until their next port of call and whip out an international calling card (what?!) to use a pay phone on shore.

How quickly times change! Now, almost everyone walks around with a smartphone, allowing us to not only talk to anyone but giving us access to texting, email, social media and the Internet.

Best ways to use your smartphone on a cruise

For most people, the days of going on an entirely “unconnected cruise” are pretty much over. And for most of us, that's a welcome development. Now we can go on vacation without being completely detached from our families, friends and the world.

No matter how much you like to unwind when on vacation, odds are that you'll be bringing your smartphone with you on your next cruise. With that in mind, we've put together some tips when using your smartphone at sea — and a few things you should avoid doing at all costs.

Make sure you have an international plan

While many smartphones are international phones, you'll want to check your carrier’s website to ensure that you can even use your smartphone overseas. Many carriers have sections of their website that allow you to determine if your current device is travel friendly. 

Head to your service provider's website to see what your coverage area includes for both calling and the Internet. You may be surprised what locations are already in your calling area, including some U.S. Virgin Islands, or parts of Canada and Mexico. The coverage area may give you enough space to get away without having to change anything or purchase a new plan.

During our travels to the Southern Caribbean recently, it was unclear from our provider’s website if San Juan , our departure port, was covered in our wireless plan, so we called to confirm that indeed our Internet and phone calls would be covered during our pre-cruise stay there, saving us some money.

You may need to call your provider for them to enable international roaming and service plans on certain smartphone models if you plan to use your wireless service during your vacation. Verizon and AT&T , for instance, have fairly inexpensive international plans — for instance, AT&T starts at $40 for 200 megabytes of data — but beware: If you exceed your allotted bandwidth usage, the expenses can add up quickly to hundreds of dollars. You should receive text messages from them when you're nearing your limit. (And see JD's warning, Are maritime carriers hijacking your smartphone when you're on a cruise ship? )

Download any apps you need before leaving

Don’t waste time and money downloading apps, games or software you need for your trip from your stateroom — do that before leaving. You may also want to use the ShipMate app so you can see who else is traveling aboard your vessel. For large parties, the Ripple Connect app (discontinued) 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.

Text, don't talk

Unless you really want to talk to those back home using your smartphone, we suggest passing on the international plans from your service provider. Rates for a weeklong Caribbean cruise start at about $25 to $30 for 100-120mb of data with 2G speeds, and that does not include any calls! Plans that include minutes start at around $40 and come with limited data usage as well.

Tech-savvy travelers might score the best deals with a local SIM card for their phones but that entails knowing how to install the card and dealing with foreign cell phone companies to setup service. And you can't install a SIM card on an iPhone without voiding your warranty.

Apps for overseas texting : What's App , Viber , Facebook Messenger , Android Messages , EvolveSMS (Android), Chomp SMS (Android) and others. 

Choose your cruise ship Internet plan wisely

Many cruise lines now offer a variety of internet packages based on the duration of your trip and online needs that will work with any smartphone. For instance, Carnival Cruise Lines offers a Social plan for $8 per day for unlimited access to social media networks and popular airline sites but not email or web browsing. The $12 per day (or $16 for 24 hours) Value plan adds access to email and the internet but restricts bandwidth-intensive activities, such as streaming movies and music, or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services, such as Skype and FaceTime. Other cruise lines offer unlimited internet access for daily rates that can be purchased at any point during your cruise.

We were able to save some money on Internet costs on our last cruise by waiting until day three of our sailing to purchase the internet package and sharing an unlimited device plan with other family members. Figure out what plan and duration of access is necessary for your smartphone before purchasing a plan. Remember, there is also the potential to save money on such packages by being a member of loyalty programs .

Check for Wi-Fi hotspots while on shore

Even if you don't feel like spending money using your smartphone at sea, when docked at a port of call, you might be able to get Internet access at restaurants, cafes, and even beaches for a limited time for free. (Cruiseable's travel guides list free Wi-Fi hotspots at hundreds of ports.) Many beach resorts and hotels that offer day passes now include access to Wi-Fi as part of the package price. So, you could score some time to check your email, post some vacation photos on social media, get caught up on the news or browse your favorite cruise website while on a shore excursion. Since many of these networks are public, you should be cautious about which sites you visit while connected.

Use Wi-Fi for voice calls

Many phones now enable you to use Wi-Fi calling (e.g., Skype ) so you can get in touch with family and friends back home without paying roaming charges. You need a fairly strong Internet signal for a high-quality call, so depending on your location and Internet speed, your experience may be a bit choppy! But, if you already have an Internet plan on your cruise ship or are connected to free Wi-Fi in port, it's worth giving this calling feature a try. The worst that could happen is that you get disconnected and have to go back to texting or email. Voice calling uses your phone's Internet connection rather than your cellular plan's voice minutes. In addition to Skype, other good VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) apps include WhatsApp ,  RingCentral  and Viber . CoWorker has a good roundup .

Bring your smartphone accessories

Nothing is worse than traveling with your smartphone device and realizing that you don’t have all your accessories. So, make sure you pack all necessary power cords, extra battery/power back-up and charging stations.

Also make sure your smartphone is protected during your cruise. When going to the beach or relaxing near the pool, consider getting a waterproof case to help prevent serious damage from happening to your precious cargo. (See Janet's article on handy gear to pack .)

Tips on how not to use your phone on a ship

Now, that's a good start. But you'll also want to take advantage of some of the mistakes we've made and others have made over the years. So here are some additional tips about how not to use your smartphone on a cruise.

Don't forget to put your phone in airplane mode

It might not dawn on you until you are sitting on the shorelines of the Bahamas, and all of a sudden your phone starts vibrating. It is only then that you realize a stream of texting messages, emails and social media updates are coming through as you somehow maneuvered into a service area. Don’t get hit with a barrage of data roaming fees — leave your phone in airplane mode! A lot of folks don't realize: You can still use Wi-Fi in this mode.

Don't be careless with your personal data

Whether you're on your ship or at a port of call, the Wi-Fi you are using is public -- that is, it's easily accessible to those who know a thing or two about computers. Unless it's absolutely necessary, we recommend never accessing private accounts, such as bank accounts or credit cards, while connected to these networks. Further, when searching for Wi-Fi hotspots, you should be extra cautious about which networks you choose and only sign on to connections you can confirm belong to a reputable company or retailer. Nothing would be worse than having your personal data or identity snatched while you are trying to access the Web. And even if you're in a friendly-looking cafe, there are still steps you should take to stay safe when using an open Wi-Fi network .

Be prepared for slow Internet speeds

The Internet on cruise ships has come a long way in recent years. Using your smartphone almost anywhere on a ship is a convenience that didn’t exist a few years ago. That being said, the Internet speeds are still slower (often considerably slower) than the broadband and 4G speeds you are probably used to back home. While speeds are getting faster, you shouldn't count on streaming music or video, and both upload and download speeds will likely not be as fast as you would like, even on the most technologically advanced ships.

Don't become tied to your device

The modern convenience of using a smartphone on a cruise ship is truly a great improvement and welcomed luxury. But you're still on vacation to see interesting new places, meet new people and have some fun and relaxation. Endless scrolling on your smartphone is not  the way to spend your vacation.

When sailing on Quantum of the Seas , the most technologically advanced ship, we could not get over the number of people that were always on their phone, resulting in a loss of some of the spontaneity and camaraderie we've come to love about cruising.

How do you use your smartphone?

Do you have any tips on how to best use your smartphone at sea? Leave us a comment to share your experiences of how you stay connected while on a cruise ship.

See anything wrong in the article above? Sound off in the comments below. Updated from an earlier version.

DB & the Princess Along with my wife, I'm the co-editor of EatSleepCruise.com, helping you sea the world, one port at a time!

Related reviews & articles

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Cellular at Sea service is available once the cruise ship reaches 12 nautical miles from land (this is about 1 hour after the ship departs the port).

While at sea, your phone will say “Cellular at Sea” or “901” to indicate service is available (be sure “Airplane Mode” is OFF).

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Staying connected at sea has never been so easy. Share your unforgettable cruise moments by purchasing one of our onboard Wi-Fi packages or by calling home with plans provided by your cellular provider. As we strive to bring our guests the best onboard experience, we have partnered with Starlink - the fastest Internet at sea - to help you stay connected through your entire voyage. For cellular plan options, simply contact your provider to choose the plan that's right for you before you embark on your holiday. Got questions about staying connected at sea? We've got answers! Check out the following information to learn more.

Q - Will my mobile phone work whilst cruising? A - Most cellular providers ensure their service is available at sea. Please contact your carrier directly to choose the right roaming service and package for your cruise.

Q - How do I connect my cellular device to the Cellular at Sea network? A - Once you have reached international waters connection is automatic. Depending upon your cellular device, you will know that you are on the network when you see one of the following displayed on your device: “cellularatsea”, “wmsatsea”, “NOR-18” or “901-18”.

Q - Is Cellular at Sea available in port? A - Onboard cellular services are available only in international waters (12 nautical miles or more away from shore). The service will automatically shut down when entering a port or getting close to shore.

Q - How much will I be charged when I use my mobile phone onboard? A - Rates vary, depending on your cellular service provider. Most carriers offer special cruise packages you can use whilst sailing. The charges incurred will appear on your regular cellular bill you receive at home. For more information on exact pricing contact your carrier or visit their webpage.

Q - Can I purchase a cellular package? A - Cellular prices and packages are set by your home cellular provider. Most carriers offer cruise packages, contact yours directly to find out the options available to you whilst cruising.

Q - Can my family call me onboard? A - Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line guests can be contacted by calling the guest's mobile phone number directly. The cellular roaming service works just as it does on land; to be reached, the Cellular feature must be on (airplane mode off). Please contact your cellular provider for specific details on rates.

Q - How do I make calls onboard? A - For calls to North America dial “1” plus the area code and the number. For international calls dial "+" followed by country code, city code and number.

Q - Is there internet onboard the ship? A - Yes, we have Internet/Wi-Fi available on all of our ships. Our Internet Café Managers will be able to assist during posted hours with any questions / concerns you may have during your cruise with us.

Q - Can I access my own email provider onboard? A - Yes. Web based email providers are accessed as normal from our onboard system.

Q - How much does it cost to use the internet onboard? A - Pricing is outlined HERE . Once onboard, instructions on how to create an account and pricing details are present on-screen in the Internet Café or on your wireless device during the log-in process. Internet pricing is the same, whether you are using the Internet Café terminals, or any other wireless devices. All internet access charges will be billed directly to your onboard account.

Q - Can I check-in for my post cruise flight and print my boarding passes prior to leaving the ship? A - Yes, you can check-in online and print your boarding passes in the Internet Café. Please note that regular printing and online time charges apply.

Q - Can I use my wireless device onboard? A - Yes, you may use your personal or company issued wireless device whilst onboard. Wireless internet is available throughout NCL's entire fleet. Simply open your settings and connect to the ships’ Wi-Fi. You will be directed to our login page once your internet browser is opened, but if not, please visit loginnow.com. Use the Logout button to save your minutes if you have a minute plan. You can return to this window at any time by visiting loginnow.com in your browser. For unlimited plans, logging out is not necessary. If you are planning to utilise VPN access whilst onboard, be sure to discuss your VPN limitations with your company's IT department if you are planning to work whilst sailing. We are not able to change your settings onboard.

Q - Is the speed of my connection the same as on land? A - No, the data for onboard connection is transmitted via a slower wireless signal to satellites orbiting the earth approximately 22,000 miles from the earth’s surface and then bounce back down to the land-based exchange. At home, your data is sent through a fast cable connection to your local exchange, just around the corner from your house. Therefore, internet access onboard is significantly slower than high-speed connections normally experienced on land. We are in the process of updating our fleet with Starlink, the fastest internet at sea and are constantly working on finding ways to improve your internet experience onboard.

Q - Can I access video streaming and conferencing onboard? A - Yes, you access streaming with our Premium Wi-Fi plans.

Q - What do I need to prepare before the cruise / bring with me to use the internet onboard? A - 1. Convert your e-post settings to basic; you will have a better experience if your e-post is less graphic intense. 2. Discuss VPN limitations with your company's IT department if you are planning to work whilst sailing. We are not able to change your settings onboard. 3. Remember to bring:

• Wi-Fi enabled wireless devices
• Power supply for each of the devices you are bringing with you
• A charged battery for your trip to the ship
• Data cables to transfer pictures

Q - How can I improve my Internet experience? A - To get the most value from your internet package, adjust your device settings to disable internet usage that takes place in the background.

• Turn off all cloud-based syncing services: iCloud, Google Photos App, DropBox, etc.
• Turn off automatic software updates for all devices.
• Turn off background app refresh.
• Disable automatic back-up for photos & instant messenger chats.
• Disable automatic video play on social media apps.

Q - Will closing my internet browser or device end my internet session? A - No, you will always have to ensure that the LOG OUT button is clicked, or that you visit loginnow.com in the browser's address bar to end your internet session. If you are using your laptop, please ensure that your pop-up blocker is disabled to allow the "Logout/Time Remaining" window to appear and log out from there.

Q - Are there any restricted websites? A - Please be aware that some websites and Internet services will be restricted due to bandwidth limitations, depending on the plan selected.

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Do Cruise Ships Have Cell Service? Here’s What You Need To Know

by Judith Eve | Aug 9, 2023 | Cruise Planning & Cruiser Lifestyle

I always check with my cell phone provider and the cruise line about cell service before I sail.

Cruise ships are a popular vacation option for many people. While on a cruise, passengers may wonder if they will be able to use their cell phone to stay connected with the outside world. The answer to this question is yes, but it can be complicated.

Cellular service on a cruise ship is possible, but it can be expensive. Each cruise line has its own policy regarding cell phone usage, and it is important to research this information before embarking on a cruise. Some cruise lines offer cellular service through agreements with wireless providers, while others offer onboard Wi-Fi that passengers can use to connect to the internet and make calls through apps like Skype or WhatsApp. It is important to note that the cost of using these services can add up quickly, and passengers should be aware of any roaming charges or other fees that may apply.

Understanding Cell Service on Cruise Ships

Cruise ships are equipped with cellular service and onboard Wi-Fi, but it can be expensive to use your phone on a cruise. There are no cell towers in the middle of the ocean, and even the strongest cell towers won't be able to reach the ship. Therefore, cruise ships use satellite technology to provide cell service and Wi-Fi to their guests.

The cost and reliability of cell phone service on a cruise can be a concern for almost everyone considering cruising these days. The mere concept of venturing onto the vast ocean can be daunting for those who rely heavily on their cell phone for communication and entertainment.

Most major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and more provide cell service and Wi-Fi to their guests. However, it is essential to know how your phone uses cell service at sea or the shipboard Wi-Fi before you get started.

Guests are free to utilize their cellular data or connect to the onboard Wi-Fi on any ship. However, it is essential to keep in mind that using your cell phone on a cruise can be expensive. Most cruise lines charge a premium for using their cellular service, and the cost can add up quickly.

To avoid any unexpected charges, it is recommended to turn off cellular data and roaming before embarking on your cruise. Instead, connect to the onboard Wi-Fi, which is usually available for purchase. Wi-Fi packages vary by cruise line and can be purchased for a daily or weekly fee.

In conclusion, cruise ships do have cell service and onboard Wi-Fi, but it can be expensive. It is recommended to turn off cellular data and roaming and connect to the onboard Wi-Fi to avoid any unexpected charges.

Phone Usage at Sea

Cruise ships offer various options for phone usage while at sea. However, it is important to note that using a phone on a cruise can be expensive due to roaming charges.

One option for phone usage is to connect to the ship's cellular service. Modern cruise ships use providers such as "Cellular at Sea" or "Wireless Maritime Services." However, using this service can result in high charges, and it is recommended to check with your cellular carrier for their specific cruise ship product offerings and potential costs.

Another option is to connect to the ship's Wi-Fi network, which is typically available for an additional fee. Some cruise lines offer Wi-Fi packages that allow for unlimited usage, while others charge per minute or per megabyte of data. It is important to note that the ship's Wi-Fi signal may not be as strong as on land, and connection speeds may vary.

To avoid unexpected charges, it is recommended to turn on airplane mode or turn off cellular data when not in use. This can prevent automatic updates and background data usage, which can quickly add up.

Making phone calls on a cruise ship can also be costly. Some cruise lines offer in-room phones, which can be used to make calls to other cabins or to shore. However, these calls are typically charged at a premium rate. It is recommended to check with the cruise line for specific pricing information and to consider using alternative methods of communication, such as messaging apps or email.

Overall, while phone usage is available on cruise ships, it is important to be aware of potential costs and to use caution when making calls or using data.

Internet and Wi-Fi Availability

Cruise ships have come a long way in terms of internet and Wi-Fi availability in recent years. Most major cruise lines now offer internet and Wi-Fi services onboard their ships, although the quality and cost of these services can vary widely.

Passengers can typically access the ship's Wi-Fi network through their personal devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Some cruise lines offer Wi-Fi calling and texting services, allowing passengers to stay in touch with their loved ones back home without incurring expensive roaming charges.

However, it's important to note that internet and Wi-Fi services on cruise ships can be slower and less reliable than what passengers are used to on land. Streaming services like Netflix and YouTube may not work well, and some ships may block access to certain websites or apps.

Cruise lines typically offer internet packages or Wi-Fi plans for passengers to purchase, with different pricing tiers depending on the amount of data or speed of the connection. Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, offer their own branded Wi-Fi service called Voom, which is touted as the fastest internet at sea.

Passengers should also be aware of the different types of Wi-Fi plans available. For example, Royal Caribbean offers a "Surf" plan for basic internet browsing and email, and a "Surf + Stream" plan for streaming and video calling. Carnival offers a "Social Wi-Fi Plan" for access to social media sites only, and a "Value Wi-Fi Plan" for basic internet browsing.

Overall, while internet and Wi-Fi services on cruise ships may not be perfect, they have come a long way in recent years and can be a valuable tool for staying connected while at sea.

Texting and Social Media Use

Cruise ships typically offer a variety of options for staying connected with friends and family back home through texting and social media use. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cost and quality of these options can vary depending on the ship and the location.

For texting, most major cruise lines allow guests to use their cellular data or connect to onboard Wi-Fi to send and receive text messages. Some popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and iMessage can also be used as long as they are connected to a Wi-Fi network.

It's worth noting that while texting on a cruise ship is possible, it can be expensive. Guests should check with their cell phone provider to see what international roaming packages are available to help reduce costs.

When it comes to social media use, many cruise ships offer Wi-Fi packages that allow guests to stay connected to their favorite social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. However, it's important to keep in mind that the ship's internet connection can be slow and unreliable, especially when the ship is at sea.

Guests should also be aware that some cruise lines may block certain websites or apps, particularly those that are known for using a lot of bandwidth. It's always a good idea to check with the cruise line ahead of time to see what restrictions may be in place.

Overall, guests who want to stay connected through texting and social media use on a cruise ship should be prepared to pay for the convenience and be flexible when it comes to the quality of the connection.

Data Usage and Roaming

Cruise ships offer a variety of options for staying connected, including cellular service and Wi-Fi. However, it is important to be aware of the potential costs associated with data usage and roaming while on board.

When using cellular data on a cruise ship, passengers may incur roaming charges. These charges can be significant, with horror stories of returning passengers receiving unexpected bills in the thousands of dollars. To avoid these charges, it is recommended to switch your phone to airplane mode and use the ship's Wi-Fi instead.

It is also important to check with your cellular provider to see if they offer international roaming plans. These plans can help reduce the cost of data usage while on board. Some providers may also offer special packages for cruise ship passengers, so it is worth exploring these options before setting sail.

When using Wi-Fi on a cruise ship, it is important to be aware of the potential limitations. The ship's Wi-Fi may not be as fast or reliable as what you are used to on land, and it may also come with additional fees. To avoid unexpected charges, it is recommended to check the ship's Wi-Fi packages and pricing before using the service.

Overall, it is possible to stay connected while on a cruise ship, but it is important to be aware of the potential costs and limitations. By taking the time to research your options and plan ahead, you can stay connected without breaking the bank.

Carrier Specific Information

Each carrier offers specific plans for using cell phones on a cruise ship. Here is some carrier-specific information to help you decide which plan is right for you.

AT&T offers an International Day Pass for $10 per day per device. This pass includes unlimited talk and text and the data plan that you have at home. If you do not have an unlimited data plan, you will be charged $10 per GB of data used. AT&T also offers a cruise package that includes 50 minutes of talk, 100 text messages, and 200MB of data for $50.

Carrier offers a cruise package that includes 100 minutes of talk, 100 text messages, and 200MB of data for $50. Additional data can be purchased for $25 per 100MB.

T-Mobile offers an International Plan that includes unlimited talk, text, and data in over 210 countries and destinations, including cruise ships. The plan costs $50 per month for individuals and $25 per line for families. T-Mobile also offers a Pay As You Go plan that costs $0.50 per minute, $0.25 per text message, and $5 per MB of data.

Verizon offers a TravelPass for $10 per day per device. This pass includes unlimited talk and text and the data plan that you have at home. If you do not have an unlimited data plan, you will be charged $10 per GB of data used. Verizon also offers a cruise package that includes 250 minutes of talk, 1000 text messages, and 100MB of data for $30.

It is important to note that these plans and prices are subject to change. It is recommended that you contact your carrier directly to confirm the most up-to-date information and to ensure that you have the best plan for your needs.

Costs and Value Considerations

Cruise ship cell service can be expensive, and travelers need to consider the costs and value of using their phones while at sea. While some people may find the convenience of staying connected to be worth the cost, others may prefer to disconnect and enjoy their vacation without worrying about roaming charges.

Most cruise lines offer cell phone service, but it can be pricey. Passengers should check with their carrier to see if they offer an international cell phone plan that includes coverage on the cruise ship. This can be a more affordable option for those who need to stay connected.

For those who choose to use the ship's cell service, it's important to be aware of the costs. Charges for voice calls and data usage can add up quickly, especially if passengers are not careful. Some cruise lines offer packages that include a set amount of data or minutes at a premium price, but these may not be the best value for everyone.

It's also important to consider loyalty programs and discounts. Some cruise lines offer discounts or perks to frequent cruisers or members of loyalty programs. These may include discounts on cell service or free minutes or data usage.

Ultimately, the decision to use cell service on a cruise ship comes down to personal preference and budget. Passengers should weigh the costs and value of staying connected and make an informed decision based on their individual needs and priorities.

Specific Cruise Line Services

Most of the major cruise lines offer cellular services on their ships. These services allow passengers to use their cell phones while at sea, but the cost can be quite high.

Carnival Cruise Line has an advanced roaming network on board its ships, which enables passengers to make and receive calls using their own mobile phone and telephone number. International roaming charges are billed by the passenger's home mobile carrier.

Royal Caribbean offers cellular service through its provider, Cellular at Sea. Passengers can use their cell phones to make calls, send texts, and access data while at sea. The cost of using this service is typically quite high, and passengers should check with their carrier to see if international roaming is included in their plan.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers cellular service through its provider, Wireless Maritime Services. Passengers can use their cell phones to make calls, send texts, and access data while at sea. The cost of using this service is typically quite high, and passengers should check with their carrier to see if international roaming is included in their plan.

It's worth noting that the cost of using cellular service on a cruise ship can be significantly higher than using the same service on land. Passengers should be aware of this and consider other options, such as using the ship's Wi-Fi or purchasing an international calling plan from their carrier before embarking on their cruise.

Overall, while most major cruise lines offer cellular service on their ships, passengers should be prepared for high costs and should consider other options before relying solely on this service.

Hybrid Systems and International Plans

Cruise ships have come a long way in providing cellular service to their passengers. One of the latest developments in this area is the use of hybrid systems. These systems allow the ship to use both satellite and land-based cellular networks, depending on the location of the ship. This means that passengers can enjoy better coverage and faster speeds while at sea.

Some cruise lines also offer international phone plans for their passengers. These plans are designed to help travelers stay connected while traveling abroad, including while on a cruise ship. For example, Verizon offers a $20 per month international plan for use on select cruise ships and airlines. If service is available on your cruise, you will receive an automated pop-up explaining the details of the plan.

International phone plans can be a great option for passengers who need to stay connected while on a cruise. However, it is important to note that these plans can be expensive. In addition, they may not provide the same level of coverage and speed as the ship's cellular service.

Overall, hybrid systems and international plans are two options for passengers who want to use their cell phones while on a cruise. While these options can be convenient, it is important to consider the cost and quality of service before making a decision.

Streaming and Entertainment Options

Cruise ships offer a wide range of entertainment options, including streaming services and social media access. However, the availability and quality of these services may vary depending on the ship and the location.

Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu are becoming increasingly popular, and many passengers want to know if they can access these services while on a cruise. The good news is that most cruise ships now offer Wi-Fi, which means you can stream your favorite shows and movies from the comfort of your cabin. However, it is important to note that the internet speeds on cruise ships are often slower than what you are used to on land. This means that streaming may be slower and may not be available in all areas of the ship.

In addition to streaming services, many passengers want to stay connected with their friends and family on social media. Most cruise ships offer Wi-Fi access, which means you can stay connected with your loved ones on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms. However, it is important to note that the cost of Wi-Fi can be quite high on some ships, so it is important to check the pricing before you log on.

Overall, while streaming and social media access are available on most cruise ships, the quality and availability may vary. It is important to check with your specific cruise line to see what options are available and at what cost.

I believe that with so many cell service options available for cruise ships, travelers will be able to pick the best plans to suit their cruising needs.

Judith Eve, loves to write riveting articles on crusingtonpost.com. She hails from the sun-kissed regions of South Florida, residing within a stone’s throw of the bustling Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise ports. As a native Floridian, Judith’s love for the ocean and cruising extends as far back as her memory can recall.

Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related.

Balancing her writing career and family life with effortless grace, Judith is happily married, mother to two wonderful children, and a doting grandmother to three grandkids. Much like Judith, her family shares her enthusiasm for the sea, often accompanying her on cruise adventures and enriching her articles with their unique perspectives.

Her work for crusingtonpost.com provides readers with insightful, engaging narratives of her travels, from vivid descriptions of the picturesque locales she visits to in-depth reviews of the cruise lines she travels with. Her writing is not only an exploration of travel and cruising; it is a testament to her zest for life, her commitment to family, and her love for the ocean.

Endearing herself to readers with her warm, personable writing style, Judith has become a trusted voice in the cruising community. She is the go-to source for tips, advice, and comprehensive information on cruising. As a tireless explorer and devoted family woman, Judith Eve embodies the essence of the adventurous spirit, inspiring readers to set sail and create their own sea stories.

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Can I use my cell phone while out at sea?

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Planning your cruise terminal transportation for an upcoming vacation? Travelers have a variety of options from cruise shuttle services, public transportation, hotel buses, to ride-sharing apps and more. Read on to find the one that best suits your pre-cruise needs.

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Cruise port shuttle (airport to cruise ship), hotel shuttles, taxis vs ride sharing, group transportation & private car service.

• Drive Yourself- Cars, Bikes & Motorcycles

Public Transportation

Safety tips and travel advisories.

Among your choices for transportation, cruise shuttle services stand out for their convenience and reliability. Many lines offer a dedicated airport shuttle to cruise port service that you can book on their website or cruise app.

Often, you can simply add cruise shuttles to your package and the cruise line takes care of the rest. Some lines may also have partnerships with local transportation providers, allowing you to book cruise ship shuttles directly.

Booking these cruise shuttles often requires a simple addition to your cruise package, and it's wise to check the options available through your cruise line's website or customer service. Many lines provide useful tools like cruise apps and websites, and some lines have partnerships with local transportation providers and will let you book cruise ship shuttles directly.

If you’re staying at a hotel near cruise port locations, you may have access to “cruise bus” services that will take you directly to your ship. Using the hotel’s shuttle to cruise ship service not only makes embarkation day easier but also lets you see more of the city you're leaving from. When booking your hotel, ask about their shuttle service to cruise terminal locations, including any associated fees or scheduling requirements. Opting for a hotel shuttle can streamline your port transportation needs, letting you focus on the excitement of your upcoming sailing.

Deciding between taking a taxi and booking a car service to cruise terminal locations can be tough. Consider important factors such as cost, availability, and personal preference to make the right choice. In a large port city, taxi rides may be your best bet because of their set prices and easy access. However, ride-sharing apps can be more convenient for cruise transportation, allowing you to select your car, arrival time, and pick-up spot.

The size of your group is also an important consideration for your cruise port transportation. For solo travelers or couples, taking a Lyft or Uber from the airport to cruise port is suitable, especially in cities where ride-sharing is prevalent. But travel groups with over 6 people will find taxis more convenient, as they remove the wait for the right-sized ride.

Group travel can make cruise transfers more difficult, but it can also open doors for fun shared experiences. Charter buses, large passenger vans, and even group rates for shuttle services can offer efficient and cost-effective transportation for your party. When planning a group cruise, booking early is crucial to secure the best options and rates, ensuring that your group arrives together and is ready to begin your cruise adventure.

Booking a private limousine or car service can add a touch of luxury to your trip, well make it more convenient for group travelers. Private services offer unique advantages as well, such as access to exclusive entrances at certain air and sea ports.

Drive Yourself: Cars, Bikes & Motorcycles

If you're driving to the cruise terminal, it's important to know about hotel and cruise parking options and how much they cost. Most cruise ports offer dedicated parking areas, with prices varying by proximity to the terminal and length of stay. For secure and worry-free vehicle parking, choose official cruise port parking that has clear prices and security. Tips for saving on these fees include researching off-site parking options with shuttle service to the terminal, which can offer significant discounts.

Many Cruise terminals also support eco-friendly travel by offering special parking for bikes and motorcycles. If you're driving an electric vehicle, check out our list of ports with EV charging stations.

If you’re an adventurous traveler, taking public transportation to cruise ship ports is an efficient way to soak in the city’s people and rhythm. A train, tram or bus to cruise terminal locations also provides a direct, wallet-friendly route in many big cities. In your port city, airport transit may also be available, allowing seamless travel from the airport to your cruise ship.

However, you may prefer other choices from our list for cruise port transfers if you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a large group.

In European cities, where public transport is known for its efficiency, using buses, trains, or trams can make getting from the airport or your hotel to the cruise terminal smooth and easy.

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• Viking Ocean

Viking Ocean - cell phone use

By CruisingCattie , May 13, 2018 in Viking Ocean

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CruisingCattie

I see from the information Viking provides that they mention cell service. Can anyone tell me if Viking charges for cell phone access or are any charges between you and your cell phone provider? Thanks

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If your phone is new enough (I have an iPhone 6), you won’t need cell service on the ship. Your phone can make and receive calls via their WiFi service, which is free. (It was also pretty crappy on the Sky, but that seems to be par for the course.)

I believe the terms for cell service are handled by your provider. FWIW, AT&T’s international day plan does NOT cover calls made at sea; those cost much more. If your phone can’t handle calls made over a WiFi connection, I would get your carrier’s best international plan and only use it when you’re on shore. Or get a newer phone. ;)

Most cell carriers charge pretty outrageous fees for cruise ship cell service. We have Verizon and use the Wi-Fi for communications while at sea. When we got back from one trip we discovered a $95 charge for a brief call from the cruise ship. As it turned out, the call was made in port from the dock, but the ship tower was stronger than the local cell tower and so the call was routed through the cruise ship tower, hence the exorbitant bill (at least that is what Verizon told us). I was able to prove that we were not on the ship when the call was made and had no way of knowing the call was handled by the cruise ship cell service so Verizon reversed the charge. In other ports, we made calls from the balcony of the ship and had no problems with those calls being picked up by the local towers. I have no idea how the technology works, but just a word of caution if you are using your cell phone on or near the ship while in port.

If not on flight mode your flight will connect to Maritime which is hideously expensive and your mobile phone company are the ones sending you the bill for it.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/travelpass-faqs/

Check this out. TravelPass is very good. It worked for us on the cruise (you would need to list countries you will visit on the cruise) and our son during his travel in Europe. He used his phone all the time and the charge was $10.00 per 24 hours. This international plan works against of your current plan. We have unlimited data, text and minutes but if you have a limit, you would need to monitor your usage.

https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/travelpass-faqs/   Check this out. TravelPass is very good. It worked for us on the cruise (you would need to list countries you will visit on the cruise) and our son during his travel in Europe. He used his phone all the time and the charge was $10.00 per 24 hours. This international plan works against of your current plan. We have unlimited data, text and minutes but if you have a limit, you would need to monitor your usage.

We do use the Travel Pass in countries where it applies. My point was to caution people that even with Travel Pass (or some other version of it from other carriers) if you are not careful, you may inadvertently access the ship’s cell tower even when you are off the ship, depending on the strength of the nearest local cell tower and where you are using the phone. In our case, we were using the phone on the dock right next to the ship, thinking we were accessing the local cell service (and therefore covered by the Travel Pass rates). It only happened to us once (I think in Zadar or Kotor) but the result was a nearly $100 phone call.

Phone usage on the ship is covered. I called from the ship and was billed $10.00 only. Please note that I made several calls that day.

I'm not sure what happened in your case but I specified the line and ship names as well as countries we will be visiting.

Phone usage on the ship is covered. I called from the ship and was billed $10.00 only. Please note that I made several calls that day. I'm not sure what happened in your case but I specified the line and ship names as well as countries we will be visiting.

Cruise ship rates on Verizon are a separate category of international rates and are not covered by the $10/day Travel Pass Plan. I just re-verified that on Verizon’s website (which incidentally did not list Viking as among the cruise lines that they cover with their cruise line rates). See https://www.verizonwireless.com/solutions-and-services/international-travel/. If you sign up for the cruise ship plan it is a “pay as you go” plan at $2.99 a minute and 50 cents for each incoming and outgoing text message. As I mentioned in my original post, if you are in port you can often use your Travel Pass coverage while on the ship as long as your phone pings the local tower and not the ship’s cell antenna. At sea, however, when you are out of range of local, land-based carriers, I believe you will be paying very high rates even if you have the cruise ship plan.

Good to know. We are getting an international plan through AT&T ($10.00 per day if you use the phone). We were more concerned about getting separated in port so hopefully using a phone onboard ship will not be an issue unless there is an emergency at home.

We had the AT&T international plan and only paid $40 for the entire two weeks. We left our phones on airplane mode nearly the entire time, which still allowed us to connect to the ship’s WiFi to make calls. We also used our hotels’ WiFi while on land. There were 2 ports where we needed connectivity while out walking around, so we turned off airplane mode while on shore those 2 days and paid the AT&T fee. The minute we got back to the ship, we turned on airplane mode again. Worked great.

you can also text each other while on the ship through the WiFi which make communicating super easy...just be aware onoccassion WiFi was slow or message did not go through...or spouse just chooses to ignore you and blames WiFi!!!

Post #8 and Post #10 are all good comments/suggestions. We also got hit with a large bill from AT&T, so please allow me to summarize:

1) Your $10/day International Plan only covers land-based cellular network , it does not cover maritime network.

2) Even though Viking provides free WIFI 24/7, over the course of a cruise there were times when WIFI was momentarily down. If you happened to be in the middle of using WIFI to send out pictures, and if you forgot to turn your smartphone's 3rd party roaming off, then unbeknownst to you, the ship's maritime cellular network automatically kicked in, racking up a large bill for you.

3) To prevent aforementioned (2) from happening, it is prudent to leave your smart phone at Airplane Mode all the time while on the ship. Then turn WI-FI on to connect to the ship's WIFI network. This way you won't use anything if the ship's WIFI network were temporary unavailable.

4) To make phone calls while on the ship, install one of the internet free-call APPs. I use SKYPE which is not free but at a few cents per minute I stick with it.

• 1 year later...

On 5/16/2018 at 7:26 PM, Reading54 said: Post #8 and Post #10 are all good comments/suggestions. We also got hit with a large bill from AT&T, so please allow me to summarize:   1) Your $10/day International Plan only covers land-based cellular network , it does not cover maritime network.   2) Even though Viking provides free WIFI 24/7, over the course of a cruise there were times when WIFI was momentarily down. If you happened to be in the middle of using WIFI to send out pictures, and if you forgot to turn your smartphone's 3rd party roaming off, then unbeknownst to you, the ship's maritime cellular network automatically kicked in, racking up a large bill for you.   3) To prevent aforementioned (2) from happening, it is prudent to leave your smart phone at Airplane Mode all the time while on the ship. Then turn WI-FI on to connect to the ship's WIFI network. This way you won't use anything if the ship's WIFI network were temporary unavailable.   4) To make phone calls while on the ship, install one of the internet free-call APPs. I use SKYPE which is not free but at a few cents per minute I stick with it.

I don't believe #1 is correct.  Mobile data when using "Travel Pass (Verizon)" or any other international calling plan, uses land-based data network.  No maritime network exists on a ship, (unless you might be referring to a ocean cruise).  We're going on a Viking "river cruise" and this is my 3rd one, and I seemed to recall if you make a wifi call/text using the ship's wifi, there "could" be a charge?  I called Viking they assured me "wifi is free", but I don't think they understand making a mobile phone call using wifi is different?  I recall. . not using wifi calling until we got ashore, say in a coffee shop, rather than connected to ship's wifi.  Or if in port, turn off the ship's wifi and use any available (free) shore wifi.  Not sure if this is correct, but will ask when I board tomorrow. We do have Verizon Travel Pass, but that's using mobile data (roaming turned on), and $10 for 24 hrs.  That's our back up plan.

This thread is within "Viking Ocean", so my post was referring to Ocean cruises.

Enjoy your cruise.

Peregrina651

3 hours ago, toohip4u said: I don't believe #1 is correct.  Mobile data when using "Travel Pass (Verizon)" or any other international calling plan, uses land-based data network.  No maritime network exists on a ship, (unless you might be referring to a ocean cruise).   We're going on a Viking "river cruise" and this is my 3rd one, and I seemed to recall if you make a wifi call/text using the ship's wifi, there "could" be a charge?  I called Viking they assured me "wifi is free", but I don't think they understand making a mobile phone call using wifi is different?  I recall. . not using wifi calling until we got ashore, say in a coffee shop, rather than connected to ship's wifi.  Or if in port, turn off the ship's wifi and use any available (free) shore wifi.  Not sure if this is correct, but will ask when I board tomorrow. We do have Verizon Travel Pass, but that's using mobile data (roaming turned on), and $10 for 24 hrs.  That's our back up plan.

This forum is Viking Ocean, so we are talking about maritime and cell phone service on ocean-going ships and not river ships. Reading54's item #1 is correct; Travel Pass only covers calls on land-based cellular networks and not maritime or satellite networks.

If you have questions about mobile phone usage on river ships, ask in the River Cruising forum.

On 5/16/2018 at 9:26 PM, Reading54 said: Post #8 and Post #10 are all good comments/suggestions. We also got hit with a large bill from AT&T, so please allow me to summarize:

THANK YOU! Great summary. Very clear.

We use What's App for texting and emergency calls home while on board. It is free.

FWiW ... I have used the AT&T $10/day plan for a few years (on ocean and river) and have had no issues.  It is nice to be able to use your phone just as you do at home.  When I had the I Phone 6 the phone would indicate which cellular service it was accessing in the upper left hand corner of the home screen.  Watching that I could monitor whether or not it was "safe" to call home to DH.  It clearly indicated when it moved to the Maritime service which meant it was time to move to airplane mode.  My new phone (movin' on up!) doesn't have this indicator so I will probably use one of the WIFI programs for our next trip .... NEXT WEEK !!! In case you were wondering, YES, we are excited!!!

I have AT&Ts $10 plan enabled but never used it as I was always able to find free WiFi even when on excursions. As previously mentioned, ALWAYS keep your phone in airplane mode. If your on a tour or just walking through a town on your own, chances are good there’s free WiFi near the restrooms of tour sites - and in towns, I just stand in front of a McDonald’s or other restaurant/store and look for free WiFi.

• 3 years later...

I know this is an old thread, but as of November 2022, exorbitant cell charges on Viking ships are still a problem.  I have a bill showing charges of $2.99 US per minute, when I thought I was connected to the local cell carrier when in or near port. 

It seems that on the ocean cruises where the ship may leave the range of the local cell towers, the Viking ships are equipped with some sort of maritime link.  Perhaps this link performs a useful service when the ship is far from land, but it seems to "take over" your call when you are near land and you believe the call is being handled by the local cell towers.  I am not aware of any way to determine whether your call has been hijacked by this onboard "service" or not.  Being in sight of land is not enough to ensure that the call is being handled by the local carrier, and therefore covered by packages such as Verizon's "Travel Pass". 

Verizon has a clause in the Travel Pass contract stating that the cruise ship charges are not covered.  I also noticed that other folks on this thread were charged in Croatia, which is where my most egregious charges were incurred as well.   Reading54 describes it well in a 18May-2018 post. 

Here is where I think I got tricked:  Cell coverage and internet are non-existent when the ship is far out at sea.  You fall into the habit of trying to make calls to "test" if you have connectivity or not.  Everything works great when you are walking around town in the ports.  The grey area occurs when you are skimming the coastline, like the Adriatic cruises tend to do.  You can make calls, so you assume that you must be connected to the cell towers on the mainland, which you can see just a few miles away.  This was sometimes true, as I can see calls on my bill where this worked as expected.  But there are other calls where the dreaded "Cruisesh/, ZZ" appears on the bill as the Origination of the call.  Apparently, the maritime link took these calls rather than the local cell towers.  So the call is no longer free, instead it is billed at about $3 per minute.   Just beware.  Personally, I wish Viking would just disable this extra link for cruises of this type.  It doesn't seem to extend the coverage range beyond the local cell towers and it only upsets passengers like me.  Otherwise, it was a fantastic cruise! 

26 minutes ago, Todd Mc said: I know this is an old thread, but as of November 2022, exorbitant cell charges on Viking ships are still a problem.  I have a bill showing charges of $2.99 US per minute, when I thought I was connected to the local cell carrier when in or near port.  It seems that on the ocean cruises where the ship may leave the range of the local cell towers, the Viking ships are equipped with some sort of maritime link.  Perhaps this link performs a useful service when the ship is far from land, but it seems to "take over" your call when you are near land and you believe the call is being handled by the local cell towers.  I am not aware of any way to determine whether your call has been hijacked by this onboard "service" or not.  Being in sight of land is not enough to ensure that the call is being handled by the local carrier, and therefore covered by packages such as Verizon's "Travel Pass".  Verizon has a clause in the Travel Pass contract stating that the cruise ship charges are not covered.  I also noticed that other folks on this thread were charged in Croatia, which is where my most egregious charges were incurred as well.   Reading54 describes it well in a 18May-2018 post.  Here is where I think I got tricked:  Cell coverage and internet are non-existent when the ship is far out at sea.  You fall into the habit of trying to make calls to "test" if you have connectivity or not.  Everything works great when you are walking around town in the ports.  The grey area occurs when you are skimming the coastline, like the Adriatic cruises tend to do.  You can make calls, so you assume that you must be connected to the cell towers on the mainland, which you can see just a few miles away.  This was sometimes true, as I can see calls on my bill where this worked as expected.  But there are other calls where the dreaded "Cruisesh/, ZZ" appears on the bill as the Origination of the call.  Apparently, the maritime link took these calls rather than the local cell towers.  So the call is no longer free, instead it is billed at about $3 per minute.   Just beware.  Personally, I wish Viking would just disable this extra link for cruises of this type.  It doesn't seem to extend the coverage range beyond the local cell towers and it only upsets passengers like me.  Otherwise, it was a fantastic cruise!     

We worried about this on our last cruise, but T-Mobile alerted us when our phone tried to connect to the ship's service.  

Oh, that would have saved me a few hundred $!    Score one for T-Mobile.

4 hours ago, Todd Mc said: It seems that on the ocean cruises where the ship may leave the range of the local cell towers, the Viking ships are equipped with some sort of maritime link.    Perhaps this link performs a useful service when the ship is far from land, but it seems to "take over" your call when you are near land and you believe the call is being handled by the local cell towers.  I am not aware of any way to determine whether your call has been hijacked by this onboard "service" or not.  Being in sight of land is not enough to ensure that the call is being handled by the local carrier, and therefore covered by packages such as Verizon's "Travel Pass".  Verizon has a clause in the Travel Pass contract stating that the cruise ship charges are not covered.  I also noticed that other folks on this thread were charged in Croatia, which is where my most egregious charges were incurred as well.   Reading54 describes it well in a 18May-2018 post.  Here is where I think I got tricked:  Cell coverage and internet are non-existent when the ship is far out at sea.  You fall into the habit of trying to make calls to "test" if you have connectivity or not.  Everything works great when you are walking around town in the ports.  The grey area occurs when you are skimming the coastline, like the Adriatic cruises tend to do.  You can make calls, so you assume that you must be connected to the cell towers on the mainland, which you can see just a few miles away.  This was sometimes true, as I can see calls on my bill where this worked as expected.  But there are other calls where the dreaded "Cruisesh/, ZZ" appears on the bill as the Origination of the call.  Apparently, the maritime link took these calls rather than the local cell towers.  So the call is no longer free, instead it is billed at about $3 per minute.   Just beware.  Personally, I wish Viking would just disable this extra link for cruises of this type.  It doesn't seem to extend the coverage range beyond the local cell towers and it only upsets passengers like me.  Otherwise, it was a fantastic cruise!     

You don't' say whether you have an Apple or Android phone, but in either case I would suggest you do a bit of research from your manufacturer's website.

Every cruise line I've sailed has an offshore cellular service - it's simply one more cell network that services cruise ships via satellite. A common one is called "Cellular at Sea". These services are prohibited within a certain distance from shore (although land may well be visible) and do not "hijack" you when in port or close to land-based networks. The simplest way to see what network you are connected to is to look at your phone - it will show the cellular network you are connected to (at least on Apple devices). If you see the 'martime" network, don't connect to it by making a call, texting or emailing.

This type of cruise line cell coverage is indeed available "far out to sea", contrary to your statement. It is used by pax for connectivity when out of range of land based networks,  Internet is also available, although you would need to access it either through the maritime cell coverage or the shipboard wireless internet connection.

Don't "make test calls" to determine coverage - that guarantees higher bills. Look to see which  network is displayed on your phone, and verify that it is covered by your provider roaming package. If you don't' know, don't call.

Take heart - you're not the first person to run afoul of coverage rules when travelling globally - but it's important to understand the do's and don'ts surrounding them. 🍺 🥌

2 hours ago, Todd Mc said: Oh, that would have saved me a few hundred $!    Score one for T-Mobile.

Except for when we forget  🤔 , we always put our phones into WiFi calling mode when we return to the ship to insure we don't accidentally get connected to the ship's cell service.  The warning we got was when we forgot to do that switch immediately.

NavyCruiser

We love T-Mobile's service since it has free unlimited international data & texts, 25 cents per minute for voice calls.  I have Samsung, wife has Apple phones.  

we always place phone in Airplane mode once onboard, then turn on wifi to use Viking's free wifi, to make voice calls via WhatsApp, Viber, or Tango apps.  So voice calls are free to other cell phones on same app, One cent per minute for voice calls on Viber to land based lines (office, business phones, etc), based on a package I bought 10 years ago for $10, which I still have about $4 left...

13 minutes ago, NavyCruiser said: We love T-Mobile's service since it has free unlimited international data & texts, 25 cents per minute for voice calls.  I have Samsung, wife has Apple phones.   we always place phone in Airplane mode once onboard, then turn on wifi to use Viking's free wifi, to make voice calls via WhatsApp, Viber, or Tango apps.  So voice calls are free to other cell phones on same app, One cent per minute for voice calls on Viber to land based lines (office, business phones, etc), based on a package I bought 10 years ago for $10, which I still have about $4 left...

Other than having a balance to use up on Viber, why don't you simply call as normal using T-Mobile's WiFi Calling.  T-Mobile doesn't charge anything for text or talk as it's using your normal data plan, as if you were in the US.  No third party app is needed.

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