[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by 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

You can call via the ships phone system.

[kaydee]

I just called Verizon this week inquiring about an international plan…quoted $10 per day per device

[Dilligas]

Originally Posted by kaydee

I just called Verizon this week inquiring about an international plan…quoted $10 per day per device

Verizon is $10 per day per each country.

[Ele201]

Originally Posted by 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 !

Sounds good! Haven’t cruised in awhile, but surprised there were so few people under 50. Was that just luck?

[LeCadeau]

There will be WiFi available at most ports, sometimes free and other times in nearby restaurants or bars (where you would need to make a nominal purchase).

[Rollie]

If you have wi fi on board, turn on your wifi calling. It's free, phone companies don't like you to know about this feature.


Rollie

[sdeikenberry]

When your in port at different locations, you can find free service at the stores folks shop at. Starbucks is a good example. That's what we've done and it works. If an emergency comes up, your family can call the cruise line and they can get a message to you.

[CSB1228]

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?

Just came back from 8 Day Eastern Caribbean RCCl. I paid $127. 92 for internet, 1 device, for 8 days. WIFI is not secure on a ship, so I just use it quickly and disconnect.
It's hard to believe a cruise line would charge $50 a day unless you want it for more than 1 device or streaming movies.

[mkjelenbaas]

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?

Turn off your phone and enjoy the trip!!

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

You can call via the ships phone system.

How many arms and legs does that cost?

[Donaz1]

The Wi-Fi charge for the cruise is $99 for the entire trip. It is for one device only such as computer or cell phone.

[kbogli]

we just returned from So Carib cruise. we purchased one device internet at $13 a day in advance. Put our phones in airplane mode, as soon as we left Ft. Lauderdale. when we wanted to call our grands or kids we used messesenger to video chat. We had no issues with the internet. We saw people all over the ship doing the same. Texting worked fine also.

[airstreamingypsy]

If the cruise offers wifi, how about wifi calling? They may have an "Internet" café" type thing.

[Lisanp@aol.com]

You can text over wifi and not turn on the cellular data (keep it in airplane mode). The ship's wifi will most likely cost but when in port you can probably find a hot spot to send a quick text with your status. And yes, in an emergency others will be calling on your behalf.

[damvillages]

Use What’s Up app. All you need is Wi-Fi then