Staying in touch with home

[jalit77]

We will be leaving this Friday on the Explorer of the Seas and was wondering what the best way to keep in touch with home. Does the ship have internet, phone service, etc. My mother-in-law has been sick since before Christmas and they are running test to figure out what is causing her illness, so we will need to some how keep in touch with her during our cruise. I even ask my husband if we should cancel the cruise and he said that his mother wouldn't want us to do that so the next best thing is to be able to stay in touch if possible.

[Dave]

They have an internet cafe and wi-fi hotspots. The cruise lines charge for internet use, with per-minute charges varying from flat rates of 75 cents per minute to a little under 50 cents a minute if you buy a time package.

Cell phones also work on cruise ships these days via a satellite service, but roaming charges will be applied depending on your cellular carrier. It is still cheaper than using the telephone in your cabin to call home.

[Sonny V]

55 cents a minute for internet when I was on the Mariner last week.

Sonny

[jalit77]

Thanks for the respond, another question is there anything like a track phone or a calling card for cruises that we can purchase for using on the ship? I have a feeling using our cell phone with the roaming charges will be very costly. Any suggestions?

[billybuzzy]

jalit77....Don't talk too long!!!

BillyBuzzy

[Sonny V]

If you have a cell phone, check with your carrier about rates while on board the ship. Verizon is $2.49 per minute. Text messaging rates are 50 cents per address sent. You can use a calling card (they are very reasonable at Sam's club) when you're in San Juan and St. Thomas.

Sonny

[Wheels87]

It also depends on what ports you are visiting.

I have sprint and was able to make unlimited calls while in port at San Juan and St. Thomas for normal plan usage.

I guess the bottom line is to check with your carrier.

Have fun,

Brad