Global Cell Phones

[Rhamilton]

My wife and I will be on the Valor (Oct. 23rd) and will be leaving our 16 month old son home with family. I'm aware of the costs for using our in-room phone and know about calling cards. My question is if anyone has rented a global cell phone so that you could easily be reached even while out at sea. This is our first cruise and our first time leaving our son for that long and want our family to be able to reach us in case of emergency. Any thoughts on the cell phones or other ways we can be reached while not in port? Thanks!

[Lana537]

Keep in mind that the global phones you refer to are satellite phones. There are no cell towers at sea. The satellite phone needs a clear shot to the sky to operate; you need to be on a verandah or open deck with it. By all means get one if you'd like that option.

However, you may wish to simply take your regular cell phone along, and use it while you are in port on days 3 through 6 to check in with your family. On Day 2 and Day 7, while you are at sea, leave it to your family at home to have handy the ships telephone number so that they can call in the event of an emergency. This can be supplemented with onboard email once or twice a day.

Bon Voyage!

Lana

[sharpy]

Wow, that was a very informational post--thanks Lana537!!

[Rhamilton]

Thanks Lana...I think I'll take your advice. The rental fees of a satelite phone are fairly expensive and really all we need is for our family to reach us, so if they can do that at any time then we're in good shape. Thanks again.