Does WhatsApp work on cruise ships?

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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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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  • iConcierge, Norwegian Cruise Line. iConcierge app on Norwegian Cruise Line (Photo: Norwegian) ...
  • Carnival Hub, Carnival Cruise Line. ...
  • Navigator, Disney Cruise Line. ...
  • MSC Traveller Web, MSC Cruises. ...
  • Navigator, Holland America Line. ...
  • Princess@Sea Messenger, Princess Cruises. ...
  • Royal iQ, Royal Caribbean International.


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When you are traveling out of the country, you can still use WhatsApp account via mobile data or Wi-Fi. If you use a local SIM card while you are traveling, you can still use WhatsApp with your home number.

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WhatsApp is typically safe to use when traveling. WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption ensures that only the intended receiver can decipher their messages and calls. However, it's crucial to be cautious when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network.

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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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Your phone will automatically connect to the at-sea provider if you don't put your phone in airplane mode. So, if you send a text or make a call, you can be charged for it. These providers are very expensive, and you will receive an additional data charge plus a per-text charge. This applies to any incoming texts, too.

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Prepare Your Loved Ones if Texting Is Limited 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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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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The reason iMessage works (sometimes) is because it uses the same network ports as the RC app that allows messaging. Blocking the ports to disable iMessage would also nuke the messaging functionality in the app, so most of the ships don't bother.

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MSC Cruises The Standard plan (from $93 per cruise for 3GB) provides access to email, websites, all social networks and chat apps for up to two devices. If you just need to connect on one device and don't want to worry about data usage, there's the Unlimited Internet Cruise package (from $159.90 per cruise).

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Use onboard credit to pay for a Wi-Fi package You can use your credit to pay for onboard internet access, thereby getting Wi-Fi on your cruise for free! On most cruise lines, you'll need a minimum of $100 in onboard credit per device for a week's worth of free basic Wi-Fi.

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How to prevent roaming charges while at sea
  1. Turn off your phone. The easiest, but by no means the nicest, is to turn off your phone. ...
  2. Use airplane mode. Many of us can't go more than a few hours without our phones, so it's more likely you will opt for these other options such as using airplane mode. ...
  3. Use the ship's wifi.


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The chat feature in the Royal Caribbean app allows you to chat with other passengers onboard your sailing for FREE.

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