Remember, there is also the potential to save money on such packages by being a member of loyalty programs. Even if you don't feel like spending money using your smartphone at sea, when docked at a port of call, you might be able to get Internet access at restaurants, cafes, and even beaches for a limited time for free.
Cruiseable's travel guides list free Wi-Fi hotspots at hundreds of ports. Many beach resorts and hotels that offer day passes now include access to Wi-Fi as part of the package price. So, you could score some time to check your email, post some vacation photos on social media, get caught up on the news or browse your favorite cruise website while on a shore excursion. Since many of these networks are public, you should be cautious about which sites you visit while connected.
Many phones now enable you to use Wi-Fi calling e. You need a fairly strong Internet signal for a high-quality call, so depending on your location and Internet speed, your experience may be a bit choppy!
But, if you already have an Internet plan on your cruise ship or are connected to free Wi-Fi in port, it's worth giving this calling feature a try. The worst that could happen is that you get disconnected and have to go back to texting or email. Voice calling uses your phone's Internet connection rather than your cellular plan's voice minutes. CoWorker has a good roundup. Also make sure your smartphone is protected during your cruise.
When going to the beach or relaxing near the pool, consider getting a waterproof case to help prevent serious damage from happening to your precious cargo.
See Janet's article on handy gear to pack. Now, that's a good start. But you'll also want to take advantage of some of the mistakes we've made and others have made over the years. So here are some additional tips about how not to use your smartphone on a cruise. It might not dawn on you until you are sitting on the shorelines of the Bahamas, and all of a sudden your phone starts vibrating. It is only then that you realize a stream of texting messages, emails and social media updates are coming through as you somehow maneuvered into a service area.
A lot of folks don't realize: You can still use Wi-Fi in this mode. Some beaches in your destinations may also provide free internet services. Cruise ships usually dock in their ports of call for at least a few hours. You could also take advantage of these time windows by checking your email, getting the latest news, posting photos and chatting on social media, or updating your family about your trip.
You can download and install several apps on your device that will enable you to send or receive text messages. However, be careful when accessing these public WiFi spots.
Cruise liners want their guests to enjoy the cruise fully. For this reason, they offer a lot of treats that will make their guests happy while onboard. They are encouraging their guests to use mobile apps to stay connected with different social groups. Here are some of the texting apps that cruise liners offer their guests:.
The Royal iQ app can be used exclusively for texting and calling when you are onboard several Royal Caribbean Cruise ships. Royal iQ can be used to text or call someone on board the same ship. You can download this app for free and use it with the Royal iQ Communications Package, which charges a small fee per device. If you are traveling on a Carnival Cruise ship, you can use Carnival Hub. This app is available for a small one-time activation fee. You can use this app to chat and stay connected with your family and friends aboard the same Carnival cruiser.
The recipients of your messages should also have this app to be able to communicate with you. Passengers of Norwegian Cruise ships also have the option to use an app to stay connected with their social group on board the same ship.
This app is iConcierge, where texting and calling others onboard the same ship is possible. You need to download the app on your device and then pay a small fee to activate it. The app also has other features that are useful to travelers, such as shore excursions, shows, and restaurant reservations. Holland America Line Navigator can also be used for passengers to communicate with others on board the same ship.
Aside from texting and calling, you can use it for checking daily schedules, monitoring onboard accounts, viewing and purchasing photos, booking dining, shore excursions, and spa treatments. This communication service is available on all ships of Holland America Line.
Check with your cruise line to find out which app s it offers, which ships support app functionality and if there are any costs associated with using them. Yes, you can use the Wi-Fi feature on your cell phone to connect to your cruise ship's Wi-Fi, but you will have to purchase an internet package.
Many ports offer free Wi-Fi to cruisers, but be aware these are open networks with limited security in place. Only a handful of cruise lines -- including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line and Princess -- have invested in high-bandwidth, high-speed internet capable of supporting Skype, FaceTime and other video chat platforms.
You'll also have to pay more for the internet package that enables this type of use. Yes, you can use the ship's phone to call home. Prices are high but can be a little less than what your cellphone company will charge you. If you really need to make a phone call during your cruise, your best bet, budget-wise, is to wait until you're in port and use Wi-Fi calling or buy a phone card.
You can also check with your phone carrier to see if there is an international calling plan you can purchase for the duration of your trip for use in port. An international calling plan will often significantly lower the per-minute cost of any phone calls you make while traveling. The What to Expect on a Cruise series, written by Cruise Critic's editorial staff, is a resource guide, where we answer the most common questions about cruise ship life -- including cruise food, cabins, drinks and onboard fun -- as well as money matters before and during your cruise and visiting ports of call on your cruise.
Find a Cruise. Cruise Tips. You may also like Dismiss. What to Expect on a Cruise: Internet Onboard. What is OceanMedallion on a Cruise? Cunard Internet Packages and Prices.
You can text on a cruise ship for free but with some caveats. The average smartphone today can function anywhere in the world. Most carriers have this information showcased on their websites. Confirm that the areas covered have access to calls, texts, and the internet. Phone calls cost a lot more than texts. This is because international plans could put you back a couple of hundred dollars.
Installing a sim card might also be an issue, especially on an iPhone where you run the risk of tampering with your warranty. If you prefer not to spend at all on texts while at sea, consider taking advantage of free Wi-Fi hotspots whenever the cruise ship docks.
Several restaurants, hotels, and cafes offer free internet access to their visitors. Some beaches may provide free Wi-Fi as well. Realizing that you forgot to carry your smartphone accessories while on an excursion is one for the most frustrating things.
Before leaving, make sure to pack your power cords, earphones, charging stations, an extra battery, and all other essentials you might need.
Carry a waterproof casing for your phone as you might be spending a lot of time near the water. This will help prevent any serious phone damages.
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