Is there any cell phone reception on cruise ships?

Question

I'm going on an Alaskan cruise tomorrow. I was wondering if there is any cell phone reception for those who have been.

Thank You :)

Answer 1

You can get cell service with your regular carrier when you are in or very near a port city.  You may also be able to get a signal when you are near a city in the inside passage.

Aside form that it depends upon what cruise line and ship and where they have upgraded their satellite service to accept cell phones.  If they have and you make a call it will be very very expensive; rates that you will probably not want to pay.  Best thing is to check with your carrier to see aht cities in Alaska they offer service in and also what the rates are.  The good thing is you will be still in the US.

Answer 2

New cruise ships and recently renovated cruise ships are equpped with a quasi cell site and distributed antenna system that allows you to use your cell phone on the ship while at sea and out of range of the land based cellular system.    The ship cellular system is connected to the world via satellite links.

Rates are much higher so you should check with your cruise line on applicable charges.

I just came back from a trip in the middle of the Atlantic and I was surprised my Verizon Wireless service actually linked for both voice and data applications.

Answer 3

Ive just came of Royal Caribbeans Navigator Of The Seas and there was one so yes.

Answer 4

talk to your Cell phone carrier.  the rates from the cruise ship Will be very expensive.  Near the ports you might be able to get coverage from your cell carrier.  good luck. Did you think of buying a phone card.  That might be a cheaper alternative.

Answer 5

Yes, Im pretty sure all ships now have the ability to let people use their cell phones.

Answer 6

I used to work for a cruise line and TRUST ME... once youre about 2-3 miles off land cell phone reception gets realllllllllly crappy. After that its probably not likely to get any until you pull into port again. HOWEVER, I do know that AT&T/Cingular kind of did a contract deal with the entire Carnival fleet. I just dont know if it has been in effect yet.