Cell Phones And Internet Usage On Board

Let's face it, we are in a technological world.   We cannot be separated from our devices.

But, you are on vacation, so have some fun, but you can keep in touch while on the seas and in selected ports.

CELL PHONES

Your cellphone is best to be shut off when you are not in a port where you can get service.   Most U.S. carriers will work in U.S. islands, or their protectorates such as Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands etc.  My best recommendation is to check with your carrier to find out what their international and roaming policies are.   There are too many carriers out there to have a clear and concise answer on this.  In past cruises, I merely just shut off the phone till I arrived at a port where service was available for my carrier.

But for those that cannot be without their phone, there is typically satellite-based cell service on most ships out there, but with a steep cost. Typically it can cost up to $2.00 per minute, so keep those calls short.  Also, if you just absolutely need to be contacted,  most all cruise ships can be reached at just about any time in an emergency either via their circuits or even two-way radios they have in their bridge.   But, I recommend that whatever emergency message that needs to be passed be of absolute life-or-death seriousness.   Anything else can wait in their eyes.


INTERNET

Most cruise ships will have some form of an "internet cafe" of which you can check on emails, browse or post to social networking sites and so forth.   Also many cruise ships also offer WIFI internet in most if not all parts of the ship.   IT IS NOT FREE!!!  Please read that again!!  

However, rates typically aren't too bad.  Depending on the length of your cruise, I typically bought a package of internet usage equating to about 10-15 minutes per day cruising to at least keep in touch with everyone on Facebook.  


Again, you are on a cruise, and hopefully you have told people that you won't be very reachable till you arrive back in port.   But you can find ways to keep in touch.   Also, there may be locations in some of the ports you travel to that might offer WIFI either free or at a cheaper rate.


Happy Traveling!

Ryan

Documentation

In this post, we're going to discuss documentation.  As in the legal kind.

I cannot recommend any higher for all individuals going on any cruise line to pursue the full passport from the country of your origin.   With a passport and your state identification (drivers license or State ID for U.S. residents),  you should be all set.  A copy of your birth certificate also might help.  Better to be prepared and have more documentation than you need than to be sitting at the pier watching the cruise ship sail away without you.

For children/minors, generally a certified copy of their birth certificate will usually do, but check with your individual cruise line for particular identification needs.  

Most cruise lines, and several other travel sources do sell a "pouch" that has a neck lanyard to wear around your neck of which you can place your travel documents.   It can also serve as a wallet as well.

That is merely an example, but I am sure there are other styles out there.  


Happy Traveling!

Ryan