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Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices. We can’t do an article about texting without mentioning what can go wrong if you have your phone settings incorrectly set, so please read this carefully. But, remember that this only works if the text message is concise enough to fit within the data limitations of a typical push notification. For example, you might get a notification for some Breaking News if you have a news application on your phone.

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This means that guests are able to text and call each other for free over Wi-Fi as well as anyone they wish who is off the ship. Features of the app include a personalized calendar, access to the daily program, reservation reminders, port and ship maps and more. This will allow you to make reservations, book appointments, see your daily onboard program, and more, depending on each app’s features. Many cruise line apps even have onboard messaging capabilities, but these only extend to the ship and not to home. The messaging feature can only be used when a guest is connected to the onboard ship wifi, through the Royal Caribbean app.
Cruise Ship Texting: How To Stay Connected For Free
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I usually opt for using the ship’s wifi or messaging apps to send messages while on a cruise. Most cruise lines offer wifi packages for purchase, but some may also offer free wifi as part of promotional offers or onboard credit. However, it’s important to note that wifi signal strength can vary depending on your location on the ship and the number of people using the network. Many phones now enable you to use Wi-Fi calling (e.g., Skype) so you can get in touch with family and friends back home without paying roaming charges. You need a fairly strong Internet signal for a high-quality call, so depending on your location and Internet speed, your experience may be a bit choppy! But, if you already have an Internet plan on your cruise ship or are connected to free Wi-Fi in port, it's worth giving this calling feature a try.
Princess Cruises
If you don’t have any data roaming or international calling plans, it’s wise to keep your phone on airplane mode. The best way to do video calls on wifi only (to avoid any fees from your cell service provider) is to keep your phone on Airplane Mode with WiFi enabled. Bringing a few sets of walkie talkies onboard your cruise ship is an ideal way for everyone to stay connected on those at-sea ship days or even while in port exploring. Invest in a quality set of walkie talkies and you will be able to communicate as far away as several miles. They come in a four pack, each in a different color (so no confusion as to whose is whose), and they have a range of up to 16 miles.
Can I use the ship's Wi-Fi on my cellphone?

If you want to avoid cell phone charges while on a cruise, your best bet is to switch your phone to airplane mode. Many cruise lines now offer a variety of internet packages based on the duration of your trip and online needs that will work with any smartphone. For instance, Carnival Cruise Lines offers a Social plan for $8 per day for unlimited access to social media networks and popular airline sites but not email or web browsing. Other cruise lines offer unlimited internet access for daily rates that can be purchased at any point during your cruise. Despite the limitations, there are still ways to send text messages for free while on a cruise. One option is to connect to the ship’s wifi and use messaging apps.
Do cellphones work on cruise ships?
These might cost you about $5 to $10 a day for calls, texts, and data. To get an opportunity to make calls, most service providers charge $40 and above with limited data plans. You may opt to buy a local sim card, but this will only benefit you if you’re well-prepared and know how to work your phone using foreign cell phone services. You can communicate with other guests onboard from your mobile device once connected to the ship’s wifi. All Disney Cruise ships offer internet access through Connect@Sea.
Make sure you have an international plan
Just as we've seen landside, cruise ships have begun to use QR codes to replace physical bar and restaurant menus. However, depending on the plan you choose, you will be able to text, voice call, video call, check email, and stream music and video. Make sure you have enabled your smartphone's Wi-Fi calling, texting and video call options, or have downloaded apps to do these things pre-cruise. Because the internet connection comes via satellite, passengers cannot rely on the same high-speed access as land-based, wired providers offer.
Downloading Royal Caribbean’s App
So you can set up a chat among your family and if your kids make friends during the cruise, they can become shipmates in the app and text one another for free on the cruise ship. The app also lists the daily activities and entertainment happening onboard, as well as the dining options for the day. The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App works without using your phones data.
To be sure, your wi-fi plan from the ship won’t work in port (unless you are at a private island; sometimes ships extend service to their islands.) But many ports of call offer wi-fi service. In addition, many companies — such as T-Mobile — include calling in Mexico and Canada (home to several popular cruise ports) automatically in their plans. You can use the phone exactly as you would at home for no extra charge. Cell phone companies offer short-term international plans that are surprisingly affordable and provide calls, texts, and data.
As you might already know, standard cell service might be unavailable on a cruise ship. But even then, there are ways for you to still send that text message and communicate with your loved ones, co-workers, and friends on land. That said, here’s what you need to know on how to text on a cruise ship for free. Carnival cruisers can use the Carnival Hub app before and during their cruise to streamline their onboard experience. A chat function is available to be in communication with your travel party without having to pay for the ship’s internet.
You might wondering about using your phone during this portion of your cruise. This includes doing things like making calls from within communication apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, texting, and surfing the web. On AT&T’s $60 plan, it includes only 100 minutes of phone calls, and a $1 per minute overage cost.
With cruise ships getting bigger and bigger, this is actually a very useful feature. Keep in mind that this loophole isn’t foolproof and may not work on all cruise ships or under all circumstances. It’s still a clever workaround that allows many iPhone users to stay connected with their loved ones while cruising the high seas.
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