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Understand How to Avoid Roaming Charges on a Cruise
Using your mobile phone while traveling has become second nature for most of us. But when it comes to cruising, leaving your phone on can lead to eye-watering charges for mobile data roaming at sea—even if you don’t actively use it. Background apps can quietly consume data without your knowledge, leading to an unwelcome surprise when you get your bill.
Want to learn more about roaming charges on a cruise and avoid these hidden charges? Read on to learn how to cruise without worrying about a massive phone bill at the end of your cruise.
Glossary of Terms Used in This Article
Airplane Mode
Turning on airplane mode disables your mobile device’s wireless and cellular signals. Once the phone is in airplane mode (also called flight mode on some devices), you can manually toggle select services back on, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Data Roaming
Data roaming is the use of cellular data services on a mobile device outside the coverage area of the home network. Your mobile service provider may charge you additional fees for roaming, which can vary depending on the destination and the type of data usage.
WiFi
Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that uses radio waves to allow cell phones, computers, tablets, and other electronic devices to connect to the Internet.
Related Post: Everything you need to know about cruise ship WiFi
eSIM
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital version of a SIM card built into devices like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. It allows users to activate a cellular plan from their carrier without needing a physical SIM card. eSIMs can be used for a variety of purposes, but they are most suited to travel. A great way to avoid heafty roaming charges on a cruise.
Understanding Roaming Charges
Roaming occurs when your phone connects to a network outside your home country. When this happens, your phone uses a foreign network, leading to what are konown as roaming charges. These charges apply to calls, texts, and—most notably—data usage, which can add up quickly, depending on your mobile provider’s rates.
Whether you’re using your phone to stay in touch with loved ones, share your latest vacation photos online or simply to keep up to date with social media, it’s essential to understand your network’s roaming rates before you set sail.
The key thing to understand is that Data is the thing that catches most people out. There are 2 ways to use data when travelling 1- Data via your cellular service and 2 – Data via a WiFi service.
Setting your device to Airplane Mode cuts off cellular connections but allows you to use data via Wi-Fi. This allows you to leverage the ship’s or port’s network for messaging apps, internet browsing, and even making calls via Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) – all without triggering those costly roaming fees.
The Cost of Using Your Phone on a Cruise
Roaming costs vary based on your mobile provider, and Brexit has added another layer of complexity for UK travellers. Since January 2021, UK mobile users no longer automatically enjoy free roaming in the EU. While some providers still include European roaming at no extra cost, it is not automatic and it’s wise to double-check if your cruise destination is covered to avoid unexpected charges. Foreign roaming charges for data can be very expensive but it is possible to by “add-ons” to provide data access in ceratin countires. Roaming “add ons” normally apply to a specific region ie Europe, North America etc.
Why Roaming Costs Skyrocket at Sea
The real trouble starts when you’re at sea. Cruise ships use a maritime cellular network rather than traditional land-based cell towers. At sea, the network relies on satellites to provide a signal, which is incredibly costly. Even if you’re cruising between ports, your phone can automatically connect to this maritime network, triggering hefty roaming fees for calls, texts, and data use. The issue is that most mobile or cell phone contracts do not include cellular at-sea maritime networks, and once your phone connects to a maritime service, you are at the mercy of your network provider, who will charge you at their current cruise ship roaming rates.
Unfortunately, many people have learned this lesson the hard way. One couple recently shared their mobile phone bill story after returning from their anniversary cruise. They didn’t consider putting their mobile phones in airplane mode during their ten days onboard the ship. That oversight led to a shocking $2,349 roaming charge they discovered only after disembarking from Carnival’s Venezia.
In another case, a family faced a €12,000 charge after their son watched videos on a cruise to Norway. These stories highlight how quickly charges can accumulate when you’re at sea.
If you want to avoid cellular data roaming charges altogether when you are travelling overseas or cruising, solutions like GigSky provide convenient eSIM data plans tailored for travellers. Click here to visit GigSky and use the discount code LUXURYCRUISING for a 10% discount on your plan.
How to Avoid Roaming Charges at Sea
Thankfully, there are several ways to protect yourself from unexpected roaming charges while on a cruise:
1. Turn Off Your Phone
The simplest solution is to turn off your phone entirely. Store it safely until you reach a port where you can connect to a local network. While this may not be the most convenient option, it’s the surest way to avoid charges.
2. Use Airplane Mode
For those who can’t bear to be without their phones, switching to Airplane mode is a better alternative. This disables all data usage while allowing you to use your phone for offline activities like taking photos or setting alarms.
Set your device to Airplane Mode to cut off cellular connections while enabling Wi-Fi. This allows you to leverage the ship’s or port’s network for messaging apps, internet browsing, and even making calls via Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) – all without triggering those costly roaming fees.
3. Use the Ship’s WiFi
If you want to stay connected, consider purchasing a WiFi package from the cruise line. Most cruise ships offer various plans, ranging from hourly to unlimited access. However, remember that these packages can be expensive, so weigh the costs before purchasing.
4. Use WiFi Hotspots
When in Port, try to use WiFi hotspots. The giveaway as to where these are located is when you see the ship’s crew members ashore, all taking advantage of these normally free services.
5. Buy a dedicated Data Roaming Upgrade
Before you travel abroad, understand what roaming charges you can expect to pay and buy an upgrade if available. Alternatively, purchase a dedicated eSim Data service.
Alternatives To Calls and Messaging on a Cruise
If you have purchased a WiFi package on your cruise, you may be unable to use it to make regular telephone calls and send text messages. But there are some alternatives you can use…
WhatsApp is a great option as it allows instant messaging, including photos and videos, alongside video and audio calls—it works just like a normal call but can be done via Wi-Fi.
If you have an iPhone, Facetime works in much the same way, though this is mainly used as a video call application.
There are other to choose from – Just make sure to let those at home know which one to use to keep in touch.
The Bottom Line
As you embark on your dream cruise, don’t let the thoughts of roaming charges spoil your excitement. With a methodical approach and a suite of savvy solutions, you can navigate the seas of connectivity without fear. Whether you’re mastering Airplane Mode, diving into offline content, or leveraging GigSky’s eSIM data-only plans, this guide hopefully equips you to sail confidently.
The key is to prevent your phone from connecting to the maritime network. Always switch to airplane mode as soon as the ship departs, and consider investing in a WiFi package if you need to stay connected.
It’s also wise to check your network provider’s roaming rates for when you’re on land. Some providers may offer free roaming in certain destinations, allowing you to use your phone only when docked.
With a little planning, you can enjoy your cruise without worrying about a surprise phone bill. Whether you choose to buy a WiFi package or take a digital detox, knowing your options ahead of time will help you relax and enjoy your vacation.
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