Royal Caribbean Cruise - who's gone on it?

Question

Before the summer ends, I'll be going on the Royal Caribbean to Mexico. I've heard lots of things about the cruise. One of the things I heard was that they have horrible cell phone reception. Can someone confirm this? I wanna know if it'd be smart to buy walkie-talkies (friend suggested), that way we always can reach each other - or should I just rely on the phone? Then there's also the matter of texting/IMing. Are international texting rates more expensive? Along with that, if I go on to AIM through my phone, if I IM internationally, does it cost more?

Answer 1

You never know when your phone will work and when it won't, not to mention the costs.  

Definitely get some 2-way radios if you want to keep in touch on the ship, but most of the time, you'll know where everyone is at.  People don't move from their pool location very much, you always have a "favorite" bar, you know where some will going to be to eat, etc.

I've traveled with a group of people and we never had two-ways, but we knew where everyone was, or at least in what vicinity there were in.

Answer 2

Very limited if any cell service is going to be available.  The walkie talkies will work on board but not to call someone stateside.

Texting rates are very expensive overseas so be careful.

Royal Caribbean is an awesome cruise line, there is plenty to do so you will not really need to keep in touch with the folks back home until you return.

Have a great trip,

Answer 3

I went on that cruise 3 times.  You'll have a good time, but the phone is DAMNED expensive.  $2.49 per minute on Verizon, and texting is like 50 cents each.  ^..^

Answer 4

I've been on Royal Caribbean several times and I don't recall any of them having a cell service. I get cell service when I'm in the ports, but not at sea.

Check with your cell company. With T-Mobile I can temporarily change my plan for international, but it's still quite pricey.

Walkie talkies will work fine.

Answer 5

ive been on three RCI cruises. dont bring ur phone unlessur gooing to a U.S port of call. i reoconmned the walkie talkies. RCI is one of the best lines. enjoy ur cruise