You’ve been saving and planning for a grand cruise adventure, and the day finally arrives. You’re going on a cruise! But wait, even as you get ready to venture out into the great wide ocean, you might wonder—can you still stay in touch with friends and family? There really aren’t any cell phone towers in the ocean. So, can you even get cell phone service on a cruise? Do cell phones even work on cruise ships?
Are you even on a cruise unless you can share it all across social media and have your friends (frenemies?) swoon with envy? Or maybe you’re one of those people who are compulsive and need to check in on their work emails and messages every few hours. You see how you might want cell phone service even while you’re getting away from it all? Phones have grown beyond basic calling or texting. These days, they’re everything to us—our social lives, schedules, entertainment, and so much more depend on them.
Which then brings us to the question:
Do Cell Phones Work on Cruise Ships?
Yes, cell phones do work on cruise ships. But there are a few things to keep in mind. I totally get that cell phone use on a ship can be a bit confusing, so I’ve done some research to find the details for you. Let me go over the details of a few cruise lines and some big cell service providers you might still count on for cell service while you’re on your cruise.
Cell Phone Service on a Cruise
If you’re planning to use your cellular data while on a cruise, you must consider the potentially high rates of international plans offered by major carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, etc.). You’ll receive an automated pop-up or text message when you turn your cellular data on during the cruise. This will have the details of the available plan and associated charges.
I suggest you contact your carrier before your trip. Check with them for details of how much you’ll have to pay if you use your phone while on a cruise.
If your cruise ship is going to visit other countries, plans will vary depending on what country you’ll be in. This means that charges will be vastly different if you’re going on an Alaskan Cruise vs. a Mediterranean cruise.
Cell phone costs on a cruise
Your cell service usually switches to the local carrier when you’re in port. Depending on your cell plan, you may have coverage in some places, like Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. Even if these places aren’t covered in your plan, the prices could be less than what you’ll pay on the ship. So it would be best to contact them with a list of all the countries you’ll be visiting during your cruise so there are no surprises.
Talk to your cell phone provider to find out if your plan includes texting, browsing the web, and making calls. Find out how much data you’ll get daily, weekly, or monthly. You should also check to see if there are different prices for connecting at sea versus on land in the places you’ll be visiting. There may be different prices for this.
Carrier-specific details
Different cell carriers handle cruise ships differently, so it’s a smart move to check in with your carrier before you go. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- AT&T: They offer several packages specifically designed for cruise passengers. These packages include texts, talk time, and data, but you still need to be cautious—once you switch to satellite-based connections, rates will differ.
- Verizon: They provide a TravelPass option that allows you to use your domestic plan in over 130 countries for a daily fee, but the charges go up if you’re using satellite networks at sea.
- T-Mobile: Like the others, T-Mobile has international plans, but you’ll want to check coverage at sea. They do have Wi-Fi calling, so once you’re on the ship’s Wi-Fi, you can use this feature to avoid those hefty roaming charges.
Each carrier has different policies for when you’re at sea versus when you’re docked in port, so definitely give them a call before you set sail to avoid any unpleasant surprises when your bill arrives.
However, most cruise ships provide Wi-Fi. So, if you’re worried about high fees, it’s best to disable your data and switch to Wi-Fi as soon as possible.
Note: Internet and cell phone service on modern cruise ships are constantly being updated. Over time, you should see cell phone access improve.
Why Wi-Fi Is Your Best Friend on a Cruise
Most cruise lines now offer Wi-Fi packages that let you stay connected without breaking the bank. It’s not always the fastest internet—remember, you’re in a glammed-up floating city in the middle of the ocean—but it’ll do the trick for checking emails, messaging apps, or posting those envy-inducing cruise photos. The packages vary depending on the cruise line and range from basic messaging to higher-tier plans that let you stream content and browse more freely.
Some cruise lines even offer apps for messaging or cruise-related info that work without needing to connect to Wi-Fi or cellular data.Â
How to Avoid Huge Cell Phone Bills While on a Cruise
If you’re looking to keep your costs low while still staying connected, here are some tips that will help you avoid returning to hefty bills after your cruise is done:Â
- Turn off data roaming: Once you’re out at sea, switch your phone to airplane mode to avoid accidentally connecting to the maritime networks.
- Use Wi-Fi calling: As long as you have a solid Wi-Fi package, Wi-Fi calling can save you from roaming fees. Check with your carrier to ensure this feature is enabled.
- Download what you need: Planning to binge-watch shows or listen to your favorite playlists? Download everything before you board so you can enjoy it offline.
- Explore messaging apps: Some cruise lines offer free messaging within their app when you’re on their Wi-Fi, which can be a lifesaver for staying in touch with others on board.
To Connect or Disconnect, That Is the Question.
Ultimately, whether or not to stay connected on your cruise is entirely up to you. Many people take cruises as a chance to fully disconnect and recharge—no pings, no emails, no stress. But for those who just can’t unplug or want to share every Insta-worthy sunset, staying connected is still very possible. Just plan ahead and keep an eye on those charges, whether it’s through a cruise line’s Wi-Fi or your carrier’s international plan.
So, can cell phones work on cruise ships? Absolutely. But like everything at sea, it’s all about navigating the details.
