As you have not cruised in 12 years a lot has changed. A smartphone is used onboard even if you don't purchase internet to the outside world. That is only an option. That is not required. The daily activity schedule, reservations, menus, folio and more are on the Celebrity app. Plus these days a smartphone is everyones camera. Most people new and old to cruising leave it running. The cruise line expects passengers to be using their smartphones.