With over 2,, downloads, Ship Mate is the undisputed leader in mobile cruise apps. Ship Mate gives users access to reviews, tips, roll calls, and cruise countdowns, but the best part is that many of its features can be used offline. Once you punch in your sailing, you can find your way around the ship with deck plans, learn about all the onboard entertainment and dining, and even get info about the ports you'll be visiting, all without using a single byte of data or racking up roaming charges.
If you do purchase a Wi-Fi package step 3 , you'll have access to the app's full list of features, including direct messaging which you can use instead of texting and thousands of user photos and tips. Ship Mate is available for iOS and Android devices. Major wireless providers have a cruise ship plan with lower rates than regular roaming rates.
Contact your provider to sign up for the plan before you depart. Wireless carriers offer data, messaging, and calling plans for cruise ships that are similar to on-land packages, so you can pick the one that best suits your needs. Since cruise ship internet is getting faster every day, it may be a better choice than a wireless plan for cruisers who want access to social media and email on the ship.
See how much your cruise line charges for an internet package. You can Tweet by sending texts to your Twitter account, which — depending on your Twitter habits — may be cheaper than a data plan. Once finished, you can text your Tweet to the shortcode, and it will post to your Twitter account, no Internet needed. Facebook has a similar feature, allowing you to text your updates to a shortcode. These rates are a general overview, and prices may change for certain ships, ports, or devices.
Customers on other plans must activate these rates by adding the World Class service to each line. That was just on my husbands phone and it allowed us unlimited incoming texts and outgoing. We also had min talk time and 10 gb data.
We didn't use most of that but it was peace of mind for us. We left 2 dogs and 1 cat at home and we also have cattle that were calving so we were able to receive daily updates from our farm hand and from the people taking care of our animals. We just told our carrier what ship we would be sailing on and on what dates and they set it up.
This information is very useful. If you're a Canadian traveller Rogers has a plan that will reduce your roaming costs while travelling. T-Mobile has unlimited Data and Texting in most ports for free if you have the simple choice plan. We have 6 ports on our next cruise and Belize is the only port that I won't have service. Verify international restrictions before you set your heart on an evening filled with Netflix and room service. Learn more about the quirks of Internet at sea.
Cruise lines are becoming more responsive to passengers' demand to keep in touch with travel companions and loved ones at home. Many cruise lines are offering messaging apps and services to allow for easy communication with fellow passengers on a cruise.
Or check out third-party apps for communicating with friends and family. Video calling services like Skype, VoIP apps like Viber and text messengers like WhatsApp can connect via Wi-Fi without incurring roaming charges provided you remain in airplane mode. However they will eat up your onboard data plan, and some lines restrict access to data-heavy video conferencing services, just as they do with streaming services.
Make sure you understand the details of your roaming plan roaming data, voice and text messaging to avoid any unpleasant surprises in port. If you did your homework, you'll know in which of the countries on your cruise itinerary you can switch off airplane mode.
Once out of airplane mode, make sure to stay within the limitations of your roaming plan, whether you call home, send a group text or update your Facebook status.
Wireless connections will be more reliable in port. Hunt down a bar or cafe with free Wi-Fi, and log in over lunch to post a pic of that fruity cocktail or sea view. Establishments with a password-protected network will likely be more secure and less congested than open networks.
Use caution when looking for a network. It's common for hackers to set up bogus hotspots at popular attractions so they can access the personal information of people who connect.
Verify which free network is being offered by your restaurant, attraction or airport before connecting. Find a Cruise. Cruise Tips. You may also like Dismiss. What to Expect on a Cruise: Internet Onboard. What to Expect on a Cruise: Internet Onboard. What is OceanMedallion on a Cruise? Cunard Internet Packages and Prices. Facebook Pinterest Twitter. Can I make calls from my cell phone on a cruise? Can I send or receive text messages? Is texting less expensive than making a phone call?
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Purchase a Wi-Fi package , which typically costs from 65 to 95 cents per minute. You can Tweet by sending texts to your Twitter account, which — depending on your Twitter habits — may be cheaper than a data plan. Once finished, you can text your Tweet to the short code, and it will post to your Twitter account, no Internet needed.
Facebook has a similar feature, allowing you to text your updates to a short code. But the app allows for ship-to-shore, shore-to-ship, and onboard calling and texting. If you want to be accessible at all times, download this app to your Apple or Android device.
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