How to contact people while on a cruise?

Question

I am going on a norwegian cruise in september and I was just wondering how I can call my friends back home. Do they have phones on the boat I can use a calling card on? Or do I need to buy a track phone, or will that not work?

Answer 1

Nearly all the cruise ships today have "Cellular at Sea", basically a cell tower on the ship, which enables you to use your cell phone pretty much anywhere.  There is a charge for this, and you are better off waiting til you are in or near a port, although if you are going coast wise, you can often get a signal for nearly all of the trip.  

Then check your phone and don't let it "auto-search" for a signal, or it will find the cellular at sea signal. If you manually select the next strongest signal, which will be a land based tower,and usual roaming charges will apply.

Oh, and, before you go, you need to check with your cell provider about international service packages...usually turning that on for a month is cheaper than the international roaming for 15 minutes or so.

Answer 2

They do have phones on the ship, but are extremely expensive to use. You can also e-mail them as cruise ships have Internet cafes. This does cost, but is a lot cheaper then using the phone. Also while in port if you set it up with your wireless company, you can use your cell at that time. Just one comment though about this. I find it very relaxing to not call anyone while on a cruise. I do use e-mail though, just to make sure everything is OK.

Answer 3

We have been on  a few cruises and yes they have on board phones but they are spendy to use. the Internet option is less expensive and cell phones will only work within  a certain distance from land. Including Alaska and the Caribbean.

Answer 4

Email.  

Answer 5

I'm fairly sure you can use on board phones, for a charge of course. It may also change depending on where your going. I had a tracfone when I went to The Bahamas and I was able to text just fine but I didn't try calling anyone. I'm also going on an NCL cruise at the end of this month to Alaska and I'm hoping since its still in the country that all cell phones would work fine.