What kind of phone service is there on a cruise ship? I know I can't us my cell, Right?

Question

What kind of phone service is there on a cruise ship? I know I can't us my cell, Right?

Answer 1

I was just on an Eastern Caribbean cruise this past March and I was able to use my cell at some of the ports. I know I used it while In San Juan and also St. Thomas and it worked fine. I think though m y cell phone bill was slightly higher that month but nothing outrageous if you just talk for a few minutes. I know that the online usuage on the ship is a lot to check email from their computers but I am not sure about the phones.

My cell phone carrier is Verizon and like I said, I was able to use mine.

Answer 2

Even some of the old ones have cel signal.

Also, ask the philipino waiters to buy onboard calling cards, they go for 10/20 dollars and you get a LOT of minutes for the US.

I mean, something like 400 minutes.

I worked onboard for 10 years and always when going to a new ship i would find out who sold the onboard cards...

Usualy a waiter or assistant.

With that you can call from any phone onboard.

Answer 3

Actually many of the new cruise ships do offer cell phone signals.  However, the rate will make roaming charges look good.  The link below will provide additional information ...

http://www.mobiledia.com/news/47962.html

Note the above article was written last year.

http://www.truecruise.com/article_cellph...

From Carnival's website ...

http://www.carnival.com/CMS/FAQs/cell_ph...

Can I use my cell phone on the ship?

Yes, Carnival Cruise Lines has completed the fleetwide implementation of cell phone service aboard all 22 of it's "Fun Ships".

Even more expensive is the phone in your cabin.  You can direct dial home from the phone in your cabin.  But the cost is outrageous.  

http://www.the-cruise-authority.com/arti...

Note the last paragraph

From Carnival's web site ...

http://www.carnival.com/CMS/FAQs/Shore_t...

Friends and family may call guests onboard via Maritime Telecommunications Network (MTN) Shore-to-Ship telephone service. The rate is $9.50 per minute from the United States; additional long distance charges may apply from outside the United States.

From Royal Caribbean's website ...

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersu...

Q:   Can I contact people back home from the ship?

A:   Your friends and family can contact the ship by calling (888) 724-SHIP. Or from outside the U.S. they can call [phone]. The cost is $7.95 USD a minute and can be charged to their American Express®, MasterCard®, Visa®, Discover® or Diners Club®. From outside the U.S. additional long distance charges will also apply.

You can make ship-to-shore calls from your stateroom, 24 hours a day. The cost is $7.95 USD per minute and will be automatically charged to your SeaPassSM account.

You can also use our onboard Internet Cafés, stateroom Internet connection, or Hot Spots to send an e-mail to your friends or family for a minimal fee.

Answer 4

Why don't you call me

and talk with me, so that you have company + you have someone to talk

Ok.... not joking friend

Answer 5

If you need a phone on vacation, you're not really on vacation.  Amazingly, you'll get by just fine without one.

Answer 6

You can use your cel, but you pay a higher rate as you go through a different network.  You can make calls for about $8 a minute.  You can also buy internet time for about 50 cents a minute, and use Skype to make calls that way.  I never worry about this.  I am on vacation away from my phone and e-mail.  They will be there when I get back.

Answer 7

If you use the ships phone its usually $7.95 per minute. You are able to use your cell phone on most ships, but that can be pricey too. I went on a cruise in May with RCCL, have cingular/ATT and they charged $3.00 per minute for the phone service. I would advise you to wait until docked at the ports to use your cellphone and check with your carrier to see what their rates are.

Answer 8

Yes your cell phone will work.  I used mine on Royal Caribbean when we went to Bermuda - and I also used mine when we went to Alaska on NCL.

Sometimes when you are out at sea - you have trouble finding a signal, but it will work 98% of the time!

Answer 9

Newer and upgraded cruise ships are outfitted with cellular electronics and distributed antenna. The electronics are either GSM (ATT/TMobile) or CDMA (Verizon/Sprint).  While you're in the middle of the ocean, the on board cellular systems are linked to the world via satellite communications.  

You'll pay a preminum so it's best to check with  your cruise line on the rates you'll be charged.

For the most part, if you're within 10-15 miles of shore or docked in a harbor, you should be able to make a connection using regular land based cellular networks.

Answer 10

actually a lot of the ships have towers on them now so you can use your cell phone, you'll just be roaming....it was wierd but i was making calls in the middle of the atlantic lol....so that is an option....the phones on board are 10$ a minute so i wouldnt use them...also the phone cards are no use until you get to the island.