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For more explanation of the difference between cellular access and wifi access, check out this explanation from PC Mag. Typically, cellular data access covers a wider range (which can be measured in miles), but can be slow. While wifi access will have a range with much narrower scope (think of the router in your home or a coffee shop – a limited number of feet/yards), but can be significantly faster. For time in port, Verizon offers TravelPass and your normal plan will be extended for $10 per day per line and works in most Caribbean destinations.
Text Messaging Apps
Royal Caribbean's app has a text feature that offers one-to-one guest chat, along with group chats. Of course, for this option to work, everyone who you need to stay in contact with needs to purchase a Voom package and have their phone or tablet with them. Calls made from your Royal Caribbean ship to somewhere on land (ship to shore) can be made from your stateroom phone and also costs $7.95 per minute, billed to your SeaPass account.
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The AirDrop feature on iPhones and MacBooks is super helpful to share images, which can be difficult to text using a limited Wi-Fi signal. Using BlueTooth, your Apple phone or laptop can send images back and forth between devices. You can also use AirDrop from your iPhone to another nearby iPhone or device, which makes it easy to keep up with sharing all the selfies.
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Keep an eye out for free onboard credit offers, as they sometimes include complimentary internet packages. This will enable you to connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi and send messages using your preferred messaging app. Through the wi-fi offered on your cruise ship, you should be able to connect and use your phone just as you would on land. This includes web browsing, messaging, and calls through wi-fi. Just keep in mind that you might have to upgrade to the highest-tier service in order to get full benefits of the internet like streaming and video calls. In our experience, lower-tier wi-fi plans are slower, meaning choppier connections on things like video calls.
You can purchase different buckets of megabytes, or you can use a pay as you go plan. If you buy a package, you cannot get a refund for unused minutes. A package of 100 MB costs $19, 300 MB costs $39 and for $89, you can purchase 1000 MB. Guests sailing in Concierge class have access to some amount of free internet. You can also use wifi calling over the cruise ship’s wifi provided you sign up for the right internet package.
Utilizing onboard messaging services can be a convenient and efficient way to stay connected with other passengers during your cruise. It allows you to coordinate activities, communicate with travel companions, and meet new friends on the ship. Fortunately, modern-day cruise ships have already considered that. So they have a bunch of options on board to help you stay connected with your family, friends, and whoever else you might need to contact while you’re sailing away on vacation.
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What if I accidentally use roaming services while on board?
Then you may be able to skip dealing with international plans altogether and just connect to wi-fi hotspots in port. Luckily, there is a cheaper way to use your cell phone on the ship — wi-fi. It might be expensive, and there are several details you need to know about how your phone uses cell service at sea — or the shipboard wi-fi — before you get started. At this point, it’s beyond the debate of taking a cruise without bringing a phone. Now they are our social lives, our entertainment devices, our cameras, and more.
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You’ll need some patience if you expect to use the WiFi on a cruise ship. Even if you pay more for it, it’s likely not high speed like you experience on land. Cruise lines tend to incorporate loyalty programs in hopes of attracting returning guests. Once you reach a particular tier, guests can obtain free internet on their cruise. They will sometimes offer free onboard credit for loyal customers, which you can use for internet access. The downfall of these apps is that you can only connect to other passengers while on the ship.
Costs vary depending on how many devices you want to include in your package. Note that Royal Caribbean frequently runs specials for packages purchased prior to sailing, as well as additional discounts for bundles that include internet and drinks and other combinations. There are several messaging app options available such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage that allow you to send texts and make calls for free as long as you have a wifi connection. Understanding the limitations of texting on a cruise ship is crucial. Being aware of the potential delays, the cost of internet access, and the reach of the Wi-Fi network will help you set realistic expectations and adjust your communication habits accordingly. Before you set sail on your cruise ship adventure, it’s important to prepare your device for texting while onboard.
However, if you want to reduce costs, you can incorporate the methods mentioned below. You might not find a strong signal for free (you probably won’t be able to video chat), but it’s usually enough to send and receive texts. If you’re cruising with Royal Caribbean, there is a free WiFi hack that people have used to connect to the internet for free onboard Royal Caribbean ships. If you know that you’ll need to stay in touch with people back home during your cruise, then it may be a good idea to get a wifi package. Once your ship cruises around 20 to 30 miles from the shore, your mobile phone will no longer receive a signal from the telephone masts which are located on land.
Consider bringing a travel power strip (one without surge protection) if your cabin's electronic devices will all need to be charged overnight at the same time. Power brick chargers are essential for topping up power anywhere else on the ship or exploring a port. To make a phone call over WiFi, put your device into airplane mode and connect to Voom via WiFi. If you get an internet package, another option is WiFi calling through your carrier. The best option for most people is to purchase a Royal Caribbean Voom internet package. Almost everyone has a cell phone with them and your cell phone will function while on a cruise, although the cost of doing so will vary greatly.
Double-check that you have packed the right chargers and outlet plugs, especially for accessories like Bluetooth earphones. Note the difference between SMS (text only, up to 160 characters long) and MMS (a message that contains media including photos, videos and audio files). If there's a downfall of the app, it's the lack of notifications. Many cruisers report they do not get notified of a new message unless they open the Royal Caribbean app to check.
With this level of service, making calls, sending texts, and video chats are no issue. The messaging in Disney Cruise Line's app is just one example of free texting on cruises. Another is the MedallionClass app, which is Princess cruise line’s app.
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