How to Use Your Phone Onboard a Cruise Ship
In today's world, we rely heavily on our mobile phones for work and staying connected with friends and family. While on holiday, the urge to check social media can be strong. Accessing the internet on cruises can be challenging. Along with having the right travel insurance, here's what you need to know about using your phone on a cruise.
Cruise Travel Insurance for Your Holiday
Get the right cruise travel insurance for peace of mind. Our policies cover cruise-specific risks like schedule changes, cabin confinement, and missed port departures. Book an annual multi-trip policy for comprehensive cover at a competitive price. Insure gadgets like mobile phones or laptops for an additional premium. Declare any pre-existing medical conditions.
Book your cruise travel insurance with Holiday Extras today and enjoy a stress-free voyage!
Is There Wi-Fi on a Cruise?
Many cruise ships offer internet service, but it can be costly, averaging 75p a minute. Some luxury lines include Wi-Fi in their packages. Check with your cruise line about the charges. Messaging and email apps use minimal data, but streaming can consume your allowance quickly. Some ships block data-heavy services for this reason.
Several cruise lines offer social media plans for a fee, providing unlimited access to platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Can You Use WhatsApp on a Cruise?
Yes, but bear in mind video calling services such as Skype or messaging services like WhatsApp will use your onboard data if you're connected to the cruise ship's Wi-Fi.
Will I Get Phone Signal on a Cruise?
Phone signal on a cruise is intermittent. When available, it's provided by the cruise company's at-sea provider and incurs roaming charges. In port, your phone connects to the local carrier, with costs varying by country and provider. Check with your provider for specific charges before your trip. Most ships use Wireless Maritime Services or Cellular at Sea to offer mobile signal onboard.
Can I Make Calls from My Mobile Phone on a Cruise?
You can make calls if you have a signal, but roaming charges apply. Rates can be high. In port, your phone uses the local carrier. Currently, there are no charges within the EU, but Brexit may change this. Check with your provider for call rates.
Will My Mobile Provider Have Data Bundles for Cruising?
Contact your mobile provider to see if they offer cruise-specific data plans. Providers offer various packages, including set allowances and maritime plans. Research and consider changing providers for the best roaming deals. Ensure your cruise destinations are included in your plan.
Important Things to Remember When Using Your Phone on a Cruise
- Stick to Your Budget - Weigh your onboard and roaming needs to avoid heavy costs.
- Set Up Your Phone - Switch to airplane mode once aboard and log off when not using Wi-Fi.
- Work Out Priorities - Factor in costs for work-related emails, file exchanges, and calls.
- Can't Afford Extra Costs? - Use internet cafés or bars with Wi-Fi in port.
- Check Your Mobile - Adjust roaming settings and switch background data to Wi-Fi only.
- Read Up on Your Roaming Plan - Know your plan's details to avoid unpleasant costs.
- Prepare Before You Set Sail - Download apps and music before your trip.
- Hunt for Internet Cafés - Use password-protected Wi-Fi in port for security.
- Download the Best Apps - Find apps to explore destinations and aid your journey offline.
Travel Insurance Reviews
Holiday Extras offer our guests cruise-specific policies for peace of mind and confidence when booking their cruise.
With Holiday Extra's dedicated Cruise insurance policy, our customers have high-quality insurance cover for their cruise holiday.
Further Cruising Information
For more advice before your cruise, check out our guides on topics from the best cruises for adults to dealing with seasickness.
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Holiday Extras Cover Limited is an insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 828848. You can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register
Holiday Extras™ is a Trading Name of Holiday Extras Cover Limited. The insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 13436330 and whose registered office address is 10 Fenchurch Avenue, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 5BN.
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