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Today, several of the larger cruise lines offer text messaging as part of their onboard apps. You can only send and receive texts with other passengers on your ship, and only while you’re on board. In this article, we will explore various strategies and tips to help you effectively text while onboard a cruise ship. From understanding the limitations of texting on a cruise ship to utilizing onboard messaging services, we will cover everything you need to know to stay connected during your cruise vacation. When I’m on board a cruise ship, I always try to avoid using expensive maritime networks for sending messages. Disney said that it is the only cruise ship that offers this kind of benefit to its crew members.
Let Your Phone Connect to a Maritime Network and Send Text Messages as Normal
It’s still a clever workaround that allows many iPhone users to stay connected with their loved ones while cruising the high seas. Some cruise lines offer pricing plans that allow passengers to receive texts at no charge whatsoever while abroad; just make sure you ask about the details before making any purchases. Most cruise ships today provide internet and WiFi services to their guests. You can use their services on FaceTime, where you can send iMessages.
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When sending messages, most of the time it appeared that once a guest hit ‘send’, the message would send twice in the app. However, only one message was actually received by the recipients, and when the messaging system was opened again later on, the double message seemed to go away. If you experience this, be assured that your message was only sent once, not twice.
Solis Pocket Hotspot Wifi Tips
Updates often include bug fixes and improvements to connectivity, which can enhance your texting experience while onboard. Alternatively, purchasing a local SIM card at each port can offer cost-effective access to local rates and services. This option is especially beneficial for those who want a local phone number and want to enjoy affordable communication while in port.
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. Using a maritime network is usually very expensive because your mobile carrier will treat this as roaming.
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If you’re using Android, simply go to “Settings,” tap on “Data Usage,” and from there choose to disable data roaming. If you want to avoid high roaming bills, make sure that you turn off your roaming before getting on the ship. But one thing you’ll miss out on is texting if you don’t turn them off before leaving. Learn How to Text on a Cruise Ship for Free hacks in this article.
However, sending and receiving texts and using your phone can be very expensive using these services. So, to avoid costly fees, learn how to text on a cruise ship for free. If you're in international waters (literally out at sea), any wifi will be weaker than on land. With these settings enabled, you won’t be on cellular data (see screenshot below).
Adding Travel Companions and Other Guests
All you have to do in this case is click the phone icon to call the contact, not the video camera. In this case, you simply call your contact by clicking the video camera icon next to their name, not the phone icon. Choose the contact you want to call (who also needs to have an iPhone or Apple device to ring). Then find the bar that says “FaceTime” with two icons next to it. Click the icon with the video camera in it and you'll be able to do a video call.
In an emergency situation while at sea, traditional text messaging may not be an option. Alternative options include using satellite phones or the ship’s emergency communication system. It’s important to be prepared for any situation while on a cruise. It's available fleetwide, and anyone with a Wi-Fi-enabled device can use it for free without paying for the ship's internet. Do you have any other tips and tricks for how to text on a cruise ship for free? What are your preferred methods for staying in contact while out to sea?
This will allow you to make calls (you may have to use an app like WhatsApp to do so), send messages, email, and browse the web. Texting on a cruise ship can present unique challenges due to connectivity limitations and the reliance on the ship’s Wi-Fi network. However, with proper preparation and the right strategies, you can enjoy efficient and reliable communication while onboard. By following these preparation steps, you can optimize your device’s performance and ensure a hassle-free experience while texting on a cruise ship.
This turns off all wireless connections until you manually reactivate them. Now, let’s dive into the details and learn how to make the most out of texting while cruising the open seas. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into each option, providing you with the necessary details and insights to make an informed choice for your next cruise adventure. A feature of the messaging system that would have been nice to have, is the ability to send pictures to others. My biggest complaint with the messaging system, was its lack of notifications.
That said, if you want to (or need to), you can simply make a phone call or send a text as you would back home — you’ll just be charged significantly more than usual. To use your cell phone on your cruise, you have two options — either connect to the ship’s cellular service or connect to the ship’s wi-fi. One thing to keep in mind is that internet and cell phone service are regularly being updated on modern cruise ships.
By utilizing port Wi-Fi, you can take advantage of free or affordable internet access to send texts and stay connected during your time at each port. This option allows you to minimize your reliance on the ship’s onboard texting services or expensive roaming charges, potentially saving you money while still keeping in touch. Most cruise ships offer onboard texting services that allow passengers to send messages to other passengers or even to those on land. These services often come with a per-message fee or offer package plans with a limited number of texts. Additionally, some cruise lines charge a flat fee for a texting package for the duration of the cruise.
It’s so small it barely takes up any room in our luggage (and we use carry-on only, so we understand how precious space is). Our hotspot gives us peace of mind we’ll be able to connect for meetings, to stay in touch with clients, and touch base with family and friends. With small ships, like river cruises and barge cruises for example, internet use is included. It's a good idea to download the app for the cruise line you’re sailing with before you go on vacation to avoid unnecessary steps and headaches after you board for your vacation. Proper phone settings are very important to know if you don’t want to be hit with accidental roaming fees or charges when you return home. Another way to save money is to purchase an International Roaming Plan.
This allows you to use messaging apps like WhatsApp or Viber without any extra cost. Royal Caribbean passengers on Quantum, Anthem, Harmony and Ovation of the Seas can use the Royal iQ app to call or text other passengers onboard the same ship. The app is free to download, but the Royal iQ Communications Package (which enables the texting and calling) incurs a per-device fee. Virgin’s “sailors” should download their Sailor app prior to boarding.
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