[paulat585]

Hi, Going on a cruise to Panama Canal. I have a prepaid cell phone plan that doesn't offer roaming. Don't want to pay the $50 a day the cruise line is charging for wi-fi. Are there other ways of staying in touch using my phone that won't cost an arm and a leg?

[retiredguy123]

If all you need is roaming, why not just sign up for another cell phone service, and cancel it when you return? Almost all cell services are sold on a month-to-month basis. The only contracts now are for the installment purchase of a phone.

I think charging $50 per day for wifi is beyond outrageous. That is why I would never go on a cruise.

[Papa_lecki]

Verizon charges $5 a day when in the Caribbean.

[MrFlorida]

Best bet is Verizon.

[paulat585]

Thanks!

[tophcfa]

While in the Caribbean, if someone can’t hear me through my snorkel than it can wait.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Originally Posted by paulat585

Hi, Going on a cruise to Panama Canal. I have a prepaid cell phone plan that doesn't offer roaming. Don't want to pay the $50 a day the cruise line is charging for wi-fi. Are there other ways of staying in touch using my phone that won't cost an arm and a leg?

here is an idea , just keep it off , like in the olden days when people actually could go a whole week without the phone and life went on without them

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by charlieo1126@gmail.com

here is an idea , just keep it off , like in the olden days when people actually could go a whole week without the phone and life went on without them

You are suggesting that there might be more interesting things to do while on a cruise, than texting or talking on the phone.

That's crazy talk right there.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

You are suggesting that there might be more interesting things to do while on a cruise, than texting or talking on the phone.

That's crazy talk right there.

[keepsake]

We use Google Fi. Works within 5 miles of every port and in port and ashore too. Nothing at sea.

[billethkid]

It used to be nice to go on a cruise and see no cell phones.
Now some cruise lines, like Princess, require everything on or about your cruise is done via their app, hence everybody has their face in their phone 24/7....

Convenience certainly could not be the goal as the app is slow and not the most user friendly and totally ridiculous that ALL transactions go through their app.

We will choose cruise lines that still do without the phone......if there are any left.

______________________________________________

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by MrFlorida

Best bet is Verizon.

Ok on short but at sea will go thru cellular thru sea for an arm and a leg.

T mobile allows us to get email and texts at ports at no extra charge.

Highest cruise line for internet was only $30 a day which is way too high.

[keepsake]

Did Celebrity two weeks ago. Tampa to Eastern Carib. Beautiful. Didn't do a thing in advance on phone. Simply showed passport at terminal and they swipped the c/c. Done. Paper menus at dinner, printed schedules. Some were fine with app, but not mandatory. Just be bold and push the limits. If you sail with young uns, you are forced into apps. Our sailing was 50+. Only 8 people on ship under 50, except the staff !

[Arctic Fox]

Originally Posted by paulat585

Hi, Going on a cruise to Panama Canal. I have a prepaid cell phone plan that doesn't offer roaming. Don't want to pay the $50 a day the cruise line is charging for wi-fi. Are there other ways of staying in touch using my phone that won't cost an arm and a leg?

When you arrive at your first port of call you may find a local provider, such as Digicel, that covers all of the places you will be visiting so can buy a SIM from them.

I use Google Fi and that has proved cheap and reliable.

[paulat585]

Guys, guys. I love all your jokes, but I only need a phone in case of an emergency. I guess if the emergency is bad enough someone else will notify my family. LOL