The best way to Avoid Roaming Charges on a Cruise is to put your phone in airplane mode and turn off data roaming in your settings. This stops your phone from using data unless it’s connected to WiFi.
Keep your WiFi on and pick a WiFi package that fits your needs. Also, turn off any apps running in the background on your phone because they can use data without you knowing. Doing these things will help you enjoy your cruise without worrying about a big phone bill later.
This article will discuss ways to avoid roaming charges on a cruise, offering practical tips to help you save money while staying connected without incurring high fees during your trip.
What are Roaming charges?
Roaming charges are extra fees that your phone provider might charge when you use your phone outside your usual network area. When you roam, your phone uses a different network to make calls, send SMS, and use the internet, like when you check emails or post pictures of your meals.
These charges can be expensive because the network you connect to may have higher rates. Roaming regulations help keep these costs lower. Always check with your provider before you travel to find out how much you might have to pay and to find cheaper ways to stay connected.
Using Your Phone on a Cruise
If you’re from the UK and take a cruise in Europe after Brexit in January 2021, you may have to pay more for phone use.
Data roaming costs more now because the old EU rules don’t apply. Before you go on your cruise, check with your phone company to see how much it will cost to use your phone abroad. They might have special plans for cruises that can save you money.
Phone Costs at Sea
Using your phone on a cruise can be very expensive. For instance, a woman from Yorkshire had to pay over £340 to call and text her son while she was at sea. In another case, a family from Norway got a bill for €12,000.
Cruise ships use special networks that connect through satellites, and these connections can cost a lot. To avoid big bills, think about buying a WiFi package or a roaming plan that works well on ships.
Why is Cruise Roaming Much More Expensive than Roaming on Land?
Cruise roaming costs are much higher than those on land because of how your phone signal is provided at sea. When you are on a cruise, there are no mobile phone masts like on land. Instead, your phone must connect through satellite communication.
Since satellites are far up in space, the signal has to travel a great distance, which increases the cost. Also, the maritime network used by ships can handle only a limited amount of data, and the high demand from many passengers trying to connect at once can make using WiFi at sea very expensive.
Ways to Avoid Roaming Charges on a Cruise
Following are the top Ways to Avoid Roaming Charges on a Cruise:
Turn Off Your Phone
The simplest solution is to switch off your phone, but it is by no means the prettiest. Place it in the safe until you reach a port where you can use the national network of the country you are visiting, or even better, hold off until you get home!
Use Aeroplanes Mode
Many of us can only spend a few hours without our phones, so you’re more likely to choose other solutions like using aeroplanes mode. Aeroplanes mode (also known as flight mode) restricts your phone’s data access but allows you to use it to set alarms or shoot photos.
Connect to the Ship’s WiFi
Connect to the ship’s WiFi to make calls, send texts, browse the internet, or utilise social media. Most cruise lines include WiFi packages that can be purchased for an hour, a day, or unlimited use.
Alternatives to Calling and Texting While on a Cruise
If you have a WiFi package on your cruise, you can still keep in touch without making regular calls or sending texts. Here are some fun alternatives:
WhatsApp lets you send messages, photos, and videos and even make video and audio calls over WiFi.
Skype is great for video calls.
Facetime is perfect for iPhone users to make video calls.
Walkie-talkies are a hit with teenagers and older kids on the ship because they’re fun to use.
There are many other options to consider; make sure to notify those at home which one to use to stay in touch.
Vodafone Cruise Ship Roaming
Vodafone cruise ship roaming lets you use your regular phone plan on cruise ships, with charges added directly to your bill. Vodafone’s $5 Roaming is a great option for travellers. If you’re a postpaid Vodafone customer, you can use your regular phone plan abroad without worrying about complex roaming fees.
There is no need to activate anything, swap SIM cards, or use a different number. Use your phone as usual in eligible countries, and any extra charges will show up on your next Vodafone bill.
T-Mobile Cruise Ship Roaming
T-Mobile cruise ship roaming allows T-Mobile customers to use their mobile devices on cruise ships. This service often includes higher roaming rates for calls, texts, and data usage compared to standard rates.
Before setting sail, it is wise to check T-Mobile’s specific cruise ship roaming packages or opt for the ship’s WiFi to manage costs more effectively and avoid unexpected charges on your bill.
Verizon Roaming Charges on Cruise Ship
Verizon provides roaming on cruise ships, but it can be expensive for calls, texts, and data. Before you travel, look at Verizon’s cruise ship plans to keep costs down.
Consider buying a travel pass or using aeroplanes mode and connecting to the ship’s WiFi to avoid unexpected fees. Always check the details so you know what to expect.
Conclusion
To keep your phone bill low on a cruise, follow these easy steps: Buy a WiFi package from the cruise ship, which is usually cheaper than using the network of ship. Turn on aeroplane mode to prevent your phone from connecting to expensive networks at sea.
Only use your phone when you are at a port or on land, where you can connect to local network providers like O2 or Vodafone. Set limits on your data use and be careful with roaming. This way, you can enjoy your trip without worrying about a big bill when you get home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Avoid Roaming Charges on a Cruise International?
To avoid roaming charges on an international cruise, turn on aeroplane mode, use the ship’s WiFi for internet access, and only connect to local networks when docked at ports.
How to Avoid Roaming Charges on a Cruise Royal Caribbean?
To avoid high roaming charges on a Royal Caribbean cruise, sign up for a cruise ship plan from your phone provider, download apps that work offline, or use a prepaid international SIM card.