Do Cell Phones Work on Cruises: What You Need to Know

Staying connected while on a cruise is a big deal for many people. Whether it’s sharing photos of your amazing trip, keeping in touch with family, or even handling a bit of work, knowing your options is crucial. So, the simple answer to the question: do cell phones work on cruise ships is YES. This article tells you everything you need to know.

Pictures by Nick Fewings on Unsplash and Matthew Barra on Pexels

 

Can You Use Your Cell Phone on a Cruise?

Yes, you absolutely can use your cell phone on a cruise, but it’s not quite the same as using it at home. Cruise ships use a special system called “Cellular at Sea.” Think of it as a mini cell tower floating along with the ship. Do cell phones work on cruise ships, even when you are far from land? Yes, they do, thanks to this technology.

Cellular at Sea allows your phone to connect to a network, even when you’re far out in the ocean. It’s provided through partnerships between cruise lines and mobile network providers. However, it’s important to understand that this isn’t the same as your regular cell service.

It is usually available when the ship is sailing. When you’re in port, your phone will likely connect to local networks in that country. The quality of your Cellular at Sea connection can change a lot. It depends on things like the ship’s location, the weather, and even how many people are trying to use the service at the same time. Don’t expect the same speed and reliability you get at home. You might experience slower data speeds or dropped calls.

 

Avoid Roaming Charges in a Cruise

This is where things can get very expensive if you’re not careful. Understanding roaming charges is essential to avoid a massive phone bill after your vacation.

What are Roaming Charges?

When you use your phone outside of your regular service area (like on a cruise ship), you’re “roaming.” Your phone connects to a different network, and your provider charges you extra for that privilege. When you are out at sea, your cell phone uses the ship´s cellular service, which means you are roaming internationally.

Roaming charges at sea can be incredibly high. You could potentially be talking about several dollars per minute for calls, significant charges per text message, and even more for data usage. Streaming a short video could cost you a small fortune!

Pro Tips to Avoid Roaming Charges

• Turn Off Cellular Data: This is the most important step. Go into your phone’s settings and turn off cellular data before you leave port. This prevents your phone from automatically connecting to Cellular at Sea and racking up charges.

• Embrace Airplane Mode: Airplane mode is your best friend. It turns off all wireless connections, including cellular data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. You can still use your phone’s camera, play downloaded games, and access other offline features. Then, you can manually turn on Wi-Fi when you want to connect to the ship’s internet.

• Manage Background Apps: Even with cellular data off, some apps can use data in the background. Go into your phone’s settings and restrict background data usage for apps you don’t need while cruising.

Also, you can go deeper here is this practical guide on how to avoid roaming charges on a cruise.

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What Are Your Internet Options Onboard?

Staying connected doesn’t have to mean relying solely on expensive cellular service. Cruise ships offer several internet options, each with its own pros and cons.

Wi-Fi Packages

Most cruise ships offer various Wi-Fi packages, allowing you to connect to the internet using the ship’s satellite connection. Prices and speeds vary widely depending on the cruise line and the specific package.

• Basic Browsing Package: This is usually the cheapest option, suitable for checking email, browsing the web, and using social media. Expect to pay around 10−15 per day.

• Premium Package: If you need faster speeds for streaming video or making video calls, you’ll want a premium package. These can range from 20 to 40 per day.

• Unlimited Package: For heavy internet users, an unlimited package might be the best choice. However, even “unlimited” packages may have some restrictions on bandwidth, especially for streaming. Prices typically range from 30 to 50 per day.

• Wi-Fi Coverage: Wi-Fi is usually available in common areas like lounges, cafes, and often in your stateroom. However, coverage can be spotty in certain parts of the ship.

Internet Café

Some ships still have internet cafes, which are dedicated spaces with computers you can use. This can be a good option if you don’t want to bring your own device or only need to check email occasionally. However, they often charge by the minute or in blocks of time, making them less flexible than Wi-Fi packages. Speeds can also be slower than the ship’s Wi-Fi.

eSIMs

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that allows you to connect to a mobile network without needing a physical SIM card. This can be a fantastic alternative to both Cellular at Sea and the ship’s Wi-Fi, especially when you’re in port.

• Global Coverage: eSIM providers like Yoho Mobile offer data plans that cover many countries and regions. This means you can have affordable internet access when your ship docks, allowing you to use maps and translation apps and stay connected without relying on finding free Wi-Fi hotspots. Many eSIM providers even offer international data plans that provide service in some areas while at sea.

• Cost and Flexibility: eSIM plans are often much more affordable than onboard Wi-Fi packages, especially if you only need internet access for a few hours each day. You can choose a plan that fits your specific needs and avoid paying for a full day of Wi-Fi when you only need it for a short time.

• Performance: While the performance of an eSIM at sea is reliant on the ship´s proximity to land, it can often be better than the ship´s wifi. While in port, using a data plan will often provide you with a strong, consistent 4G or 5G connection.

 
 

Texting and Calling on a Cruise

Staying in touch with people back home is often a priority. Here’s how texting and calling work on a cruise:

Photo by Jeffrey Zhang on Unsplash

 

Can you send and receive texts while at sea? Yes, but it depends on your connection. If you’re using Cellular at Sea, you’ll likely be charged roaming fees for each text sent and received.

The best way to text on a cruise ship for free is to use Wi-Fi-based messaging apps like WhatsApp, iMessage (for iPhones), or Facebook Messenger. These apps use the internet to send messages, so you only pay for the Wi-Fi package, not individual texts. Be very careful about sending and receiving texts via cellular roaming. The charges can add up quickly.

You can also make calls using Cellular at Sea, but it’s generally the most expensive option. Expect to pay several dollars per minute for calls made through the ship’s cellular service.

Best alternatives for calls: Use internet-based services like Wi-Fi calling (if your phone and carrier support it), or video calling apps like Skype, FaceTime, or WhatsApp. These use the ship’s Wi-Fi, so you only pay for the Wi-Fi package.

 

Best Practices to Stay Connected Without Hidden Fees

Here’s a quick recap of the best ways to stay connected without breaking the bank:

Airplane Mode: The Saver

Airplane mode may be your best friend onboard. It prevents your phone from automatically connecting to Cellular at Sea and incurring roaming charges. Keep the camera, apps, and other features functional without incurring data charges. You can still use your phone’s camera, access downloaded music and videos, and use apps that don’t require an internet connection. You can take a look at this this article to learn more about how airplane mode works.

Use the Ship’s Wi-Fi Effectively

Tips for getting the most out of your Wi-Fi package:

• Download large files (like movies or podcasts) before you leave home.
• Turn off automatic app updates and cloud backups.
• Use Wi-Fi for essential tasks and limit streaming.

Manage apps and notifications to reduce data usage:

• Turn off notifications for apps you don’t need while cruising.
• Close apps completely when you’re not using them.
• Another tip for those wondering, do cell phones work on cruise ships without Wi-Fi? It is to minimize app usage.

Image by ansiia on Freepik

 

FAQs about cell phones on cruise ships

Will my phone work on the ship?

Most modern smartphones (GSM) will work with Cellular at Sea. If you have an older CDMA phone, check with your carrier. The most common phones in the United States use GSM networks, here you can take a quick look at the main differences.

Do I need to notify my carrier?

It’s a good idea to contact your carrier before your cruise. Ask about international roaming rates and whether they offer any cruise-specific plans.

Can I use my phone in ports?

Yes, you can usually connect to local networks in the port. Be aware of roaming charges or consider using an eSIM for affordable data access. You can also often find free Wi-Fi in cafes and tourist areas.

What if I have issues with billing?

If you receive an unexpected bill, contact your carrier’s customer service immediately. Keep detailed records of your phone usage and any communication with your carrier.

Is the AT&T cruise plan worth it?

Many people ask if cell phones work on cruise ships with AT&T, and while they do, the cost is a major factor to consider. AT&T offers cruise plans, but they can still be relatively expensive compared to using Wi-Fi and an eSIM for port days. Carefully compare the cost and data allowance of the AT&T plan to the alternatives before making a decision. If you are a very light data user, a cruise plan might make sense, but for most people, a combination of Wi-Fi and an eSIM will be more cost-effective.