Cruise and data roaming

matty2767

Hi all

I have read quite a lot about cruising and data roaming but cannot seem to find a direct answer to my question on the operator’s website and hoped someone can help me please

If I have data roaming included in my phone plan and if I connect to the ship’s phone and data network (ie not their Wi-Fi) does the roaming form part of my phone plan roaming? I can currently roam across most of Europe but wasn’t sure if the ship is classed as roaming in Europe or not, because of them connecting to the satellites and not being land based.

thank you
Matt

daveyjp

You will be advised of the network and costs when you attempt to connect. 

 If close to land (from my experience 20-30 miles) you may get a land based mobile network, if not you may be on a maritime network with eyewatering costs.

eDicky

matty2767 said:

wasn’t sure if the ship is classed as roaming in Europe or not,

It's not.   

TELLIT01

My understanding is that connecting via the ships system will not be covered by roaming, and it can be eye wateringly expensive.

JGB1955

Three charge £3 a minute for voice calls, 50p per text and £6 per MB for data.  Ouch!

strawb_shortcake

My Dad made the mistake of connecting to the maritime network and paid nearly £80 for two short phone calls. 

My last cruise I spoke to someone and on their first cruise they used their phone as normal and their phone bill was more than the holiday! They were too embarrassed to share the cost.

Best to put your phone on airplane mode.

Polarpenguin

Do not allow your phone to connect to the cellular at sea unless you can afford a Hugh phone bill.
Make sure your phone is in airplane mode whenever you're on the ship.
Either use your data roaming while on shore in ports, or shell out for the cruise lines wifi package.
If you go the wifi route put phone in airplane mode then turn wifi back on.