Using mobiles overseas

shykins

Madeira is part of tesco roaming so no problem there and with most other EU countries.

As soon as I leave port i turn my phone onto airport, no risk then of connecting to maritime or the ships internet with the associated high fees for receiving texts/calls etc

most cruise ports have free internet, if not just watch the crew they know where the free internet is lol

martindow

The man is seat 61 is journeying from London to Vancouver overland (for a cup of tea in a hotel there).

On the QM2 across the Atlantic from where he sent regular Twitter posts these were the charges:

$15 for 30 minutes, $45 for 120 minutes. But you can login, send/receive emails, log off, and so use just minutes per day spread over 6 days

It's an interesting journey - https://twitter.com/seatsixtyone

Your boat might have a similar set up to keep in contact but not 24h per day.

strawb_shortcake

The costs of using the ship's satellite was pretty expensive, I'm sure my Dad got charged around £30 a phone call on last year's cruise. My daughter at least has WhatsApp so I can call on that when we are in port. When we are at sea they can enjoy a few days peace from me...

badger09

On a 32 night:eek: Carribean cruise in 2016 I spent around £12 on Giffgaff PAYG keeping in touch. However, £6 went on an mms to my son in HK, which didn't even get sent:mad:

Many of the port terminals have free wifi, but there are always bars where for the cost of a couple of drinks, you can use theirs.

Can't remember the Barbados terminal but Cave Shepherd (department store) and bars around the Wharf have free wifi.

Grenada terminal charged $4 for 24 hours, but we had 2 beers, fruit punch & soft drink and 60 mins wifi in a bar at the Careenage, including FT, for $13 in the sunshine, which felt like better value.

Off topic, but if you're going to St Kitts, I can recommend the Scenic Railway trip, especially if you like a drink;) Free flow, mainly rum based drinks, and local school groups boarded train to serenade us.

Have fun

strawb_shortcake

badger09 wrote: »

On a 32 night:eek: Carribean cruise in 2016 I spent around £12 on Giffgaff PAYG keeping in touch. However, £6 went on an mms to my son in HK, which didn't even get sent:mad:

Many of the port terminals have free wifi, but there are always bars where for the cost of a couple of drinks, you can use theirs.

Can't remember the Barbados terminal but Cave Shepherd (department store) and bars around the Wharf have free wifi.

Grenada terminal charged $4 for 24 hours, but we had 2 beers, fruit punch & soft drink and 60 mins wifi in a bar at the Careenage, including FT, for $13 in the sunshine, which felt like better value.

Off topic, but if you're going to St Kitts, I can recommend the Scenic Railway trip, especially if you like a drink;) Free flow, mainly rum based drinks, and local school groups boarded train to serenade us.

Have fun

My parents are already booked on the St Kitts railway trip, as my friend and I are late additions to the trip we haven't booked any trips yet but that one is looking likely.
My husband "who doesn't like holidays" has now been looking at family Caribbean holidays for next year!!

badger09

annabanana82 wrote: »

My parents are already booked on the St Kitts railway trip, as my friend and I are late additions to the trip we haven't booked any trips yet but that one is looking likely.
My husband "who doesn't like holidays" has now been looking at family Caribbean holidays for next year!!

I have always hated having my photo taken, but that trip has produced my favourite of me, ever! It makes me look at least 15 (edit make that 20) years younger than I am:T

Having a pina colada in one hand and another rum based drink in the other, might have something to do with it:rotfl:

Neil49

annabanana82 wrote: »

My parents are already booked on the St Kitts railway trip, as my friend and I are late additions to the trip we haven't booked any trips yet but that one is looking likely.
My husband "who doesn't like holidays" has now been looking at family Caribbean holidays for next year!!

There are limited places on the rail trip and it can be booked up very quickly if a couple of big ships are in port.

It's well worth doing but don't delay booking it up.

Cisco001

You may consider to get a PAYG sim for the trip to avoid any unexpected charge.

BarryBlue

It is quite correct that your phone may connect to the ship's internet when at sea, so ensure your data is off as soon as you leave port. Calls and data are expensive, and texts cost around 50p each.

We are with 3 so there are many places beyond the EU that give calls, texts and data from your allowance. Even in the Far East only Thailand incurred a charge. The Caribbean is less accommodating, although some are still free if technically in the EU, such as Martinique.

Top tip: When in port look for where the crew congregate, they know where to find free WiFi and you will see them all on Facetime to their families back home.

AlexMac

A few years ago we were charged about a tenner for a short mobile call on international Rates from a Brittany Ferry between Northern Spain and the UK. The irony was, we were on the last mile of our trip, nearing Portsmouth, and could actually see where to the kids live in Ryde on the Isle a mile the other way! I created, BT (our provider) promised a refund, but I don't think it ever happened!

Not that this anecdote helps you in any way...