For those of you who have been on a cruise?

Question

In the Caribbean-

Are you able to use cell phones on the ship while at sea? How about at the ports?

Answer 1

Some cruiselines are now arranging for cell phone service.  Will not be cheap.  One thing to be aware of:  most people go on a cruise to get away from "phone zombies."  We don't want to be trying to relax in a deck chair, listening to the steel drum band, reading a good chick lit book, only to hear someone yapping away on a cell phone saying, "hey, Agnes, guess where I'm calling from?"  Sorry, but you'll find many passengers with these feelings.  If there's an emergency at home, your loved ones can still contact the ship.  And just about every ship now has a cybercafe.

Answer 2

On the ship you will not be able to except as leaving a port.  The reason is you are not near any towers to allow reception.  Once you are in or near a port of call you may be able to.

You might want to check the roam rates for calls from the ports though - you might do better with a calling card using a public phone.  

My phone plan is Cingular & I live in the US.  From the ports in Puerto Rico & the US Virgin Islands - those were local calls (US teritory).

Enjoy your cruise!

Answer 3

On the ship I don't think so but at port you should be able to.

Answer 4

Not while the ship is at sea - no cell towers around.  Your room has a phone but it is a satellite conection and will cost you about $15/min. so a very pricey option.

If your cell phone is set up to allow international calling, you can make it from most of the islands, but again, it will be pricey, but usually only $1-2/ min.

Ck with your provider and they can give you the best and most accurate details.

Answer 5

Unfortunately,  you won't be able to use your cell phone while at sea.  You may be able to get reception while at port.  It just depends on your phone carrier.

Answer 6

I went on a cruise in Sep.  I was only able to use my cell phone within about 50-75 miles of the port that we left from.  I didn't try to use it at the ports we went to during the trip.

Answer 7

Some cruise ships are now carrying cell reception dishes onboard and your phone might work; if so, check with your cell carrier first to see what the rates will be, because it usually is very, very expensive. If your ship does not have this equipment then your phone won't get  a signal once you're out to sea. At port is hit or miss depending on what country the port is in; again, check with your carrier to find out about coverage and cost as International calls made while roaming can be over $5 a minute.  It's usually  a better idea to get some prepaid calling cards and use the pay phones while in port.