Do you need airplane mode on cruise?

Make sure to put your phone on airplane mode to avoid expensive roaming charges. Cellular rates at sea can sneak up on you, and you can easily rack up a $500 roaming bill. Even if you're not actively on your phone, most are still using data, so make sure to set yours on airplane mode to avoid roaming charges.



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But, please be aware that cellular data used on the ship or in certain ports of call will result in charges from your cell phone provider. As you sail into international waters, these expenses can add up, so we recommend that guests turn off their cellular data and connect to the ship's Wi-Fi instead.

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At sea, mainstream cruise lines usually do not include Wi-Fi in their cruise fares, but premium and luxury lines almost always do. Cruise lines that include free Wi-Fi for all passengers are luxury lines like Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, along with upscale cruise lines Oceania Cruises and Viking.

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Do cell phones work on cruise ships? It's a common question with varying answers. Guests are free to utilize their cellular data or connect to our onboard Wi-Fi on any ship. But, please be aware that cellular data used on the ship or in certain ports of call will result in charges from your cell phone provider.

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How to Use Your Cell Phone on a Cruise Ship
  1. Download the Ship Mate app. ...
  2. Check what your cell phone provider offers. ...
  3. Decide if you want a data, messaging, or calling plan. ...
  4. Consider buying a Wi-Fi package onboard. ...
  5. Know how to post to social media via text. ...
  6. Download the Connect@Sea app.


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If you're not able to wait for ports of call (or don't have international data on your phone), it might be worthwhile to pay for a Wi-Fi package. Although prices have decreased over the years, it can still be pretty costly to purchase Wi-Fi for your cruise.

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Can you use WhatsApp on a cruise? Yes, but bear in mind video calling services such as Skype or messaging services like WhatsApp will use your onboard data if you're connected to the cruise ship's Wi-Fi.

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Cruise ships don't have free WiFi because it would be incredibly expensive to provide a reliable connection for all of the passengers on board. Additionally, cruise ships are often in remote areas with limited access to internet infrastructure, making it difficult and costly to maintain a strong signal.

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The way this works is that your phone stops all forms of communication with the mobile network when you enter airplane mode. This includes incoming SMS messages, but the network will still queue all messages that are sent to you and deliver them once you turn the phone back on.

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To ensure you are not charged by your phone company on your cruise, you have two choices: Turn off your phone as soon as your cruise ship leaves port, or, if you want to use offline applications, put your phone into airplane mode.

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But, please be aware that cellular data used on the ship or in certain ports of call will result in charges from your cell phone provider. As you sail into international waters, these expenses can add up, so we recommend that guests turn off their cellular data and connect to the ship's Wi-Fi instead.

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Most cruisers tell their family that regular text will not work at sea and will use airplane mode. They can use a messaging app if they need to contact you. Cruise lines usually have a designated phone number to be used in emergencies.

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Is WhatsApp free on a cruise ship? By default, WhatsApp is not free on a cruise ship. You need to be online, and most cruise lines charge for internet access, unless you have a special fare that includes WiFi access.

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It's possible to send and receive text messages at sea on a cellular signal, as long as you have a signal through your ship's roaming network. (Just make sure you turn on data roaming in your settings.) Texting costs a lot less than a voice call -- usually in line with standard, international pay as you go rates.

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If you use WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or WeChat, you may be able to use them whenever you have a Wi-Fi connection. Other suggestions are dependent on the cruise line you are traveling. Guests can use the following apps for texting: Shipmate (available in Apple and Google Play Stores)

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Luckily, some cruise ships do provide users with the ability to use a VPN through a paid plan. Norwegian Cruise Lines have expressly stated that users on their Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi package can use VPNs, in addition to a variety of other features. This same option is not available for users on lower tiers, however.

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Download the cruise line's mobile app Most cruise lines have a mobile app that allows you to talk with people onboard. You may, however, have to pay extra for this service. Norwegian Cruise Line, for instance, charges $9.95 per person for their Phone and Messenger Package.

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If the ship provides free wifi and internet, then iMessage and FaceTime would be free. Those services are always free from Apple, and you only pay something if you are charged for the internet connection you are using.

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