Prepaid phone? On a cruise? Other suggestions?

Question

Going on a cruise at Christmas time. Cunard cruise line. I have T mobile service, but they have no international or cruise ship plans so phone service is $5 a minute. Anyways have any suggestions? Would a prepaid phone work internationally/roaming?

Answer 1

I realize all phone plans are different - but I found was that mine which is Cingular - was local calling (nationwide calling plan) from the US Virgin Islands & Pureto Rico back to the USA.

You don't say where you're going or where you're from - but I'd call the provider & ask them what would be local / roaming / international.  And ask them the cost of calls from X country to home.

If your concern is being able to be reached or checking on children left at home, etc. - do know that the ships have satellite phones - they are very expensive - but you CAN be reached if need be.

Also, cell phones won't work on the ship because there are no towers.

Enjoy your trip!

Answer 2

Most prepaid phones won't work internationally, or if they do it will still be expensive. Depends on where you are going it might be cheaper to buy prepaid SIM cards for your phone in the country where you are, or a cheap phone. But that's not good if you are going around many countries. You also have to check the frequencies of the phone you will be using and weather it's locked. A quad band will work almost anywhere.

Answer 3

I tried that and I still got charged my pre-paid minutes plus the 7.95 a minute it cost from the ship.

Answer 4

On every cruise I've been on, the prepaid phone cards don't work in the ports. Your cheapest way would be to contact your long distance carrier and get a phone card that ties into your home phone bill. Otherwise, you can use your credit card in the ports but it's very expensive. -about as expensive as using your cell without roaming.