How to Use Your Cell Phone on a Cruise Ship

Yes, you can use your cell phone on board your vacation cruise – But for the live of me – why would anyone want to?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• a cell phone and
• long distance or international service

1. Cruise lines have contracts with land based phone services, but you typically pay international roaming rates. With a few exceptions, cruise ships have direct-dial telephones in the cabins. Instructions for use the phone and an onboard services directory are supplied in the cabin.
2. Cellular phone signals piggyback off systems that transmit internet data via satellites. A few major cruise lines now have cellular connect services.
3. When in port, the ships network will be switched off and you will pay the going country specific rate for mobile calls.
4. For those that have a cellular service with international calling, make sure your service is activated before you embark.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid the cellular cruiser pretending to be on vacation – try an Arctic, Antarctic or South Pacific cruise.