my3boysmom Posted March 10, 2012 #1 Share Posted March 10, 2012 What is the best way? I am concerned for a number of reasons, not the least is my 83 yo mother is not in good help. I am thinking of just "paying" to access email daily. Also, we are taking my sons friend and want to be able keep in touch with his mother. Ideas? What have others done? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nebr.cruiser Posted March 10, 2012 #2 Share Posted March 10, 2012 We use the internet and just pay the charge, if we have to. (We've sailed enough on Princess to get free internet). We have the same issues due to elderly parents that you do. We have also at times used internet cafes in various ports that are much cheaper but not as convenient. Onboard internet charges are high and it's often slow, but it is worth the peace of mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom2B&Z Posted March 11, 2012 #3 Share Posted March 11, 2012 What are your ports? There are many itineraries where you could get free/low cost Internet options that could keep you fairly well connected. If I recall correctly, there is also an emergency number for the ship that could be used to reach you in the event of an emergency. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted March 11, 2012 #4 Share Posted March 11, 2012 E-mail is the cheapest option...it's not THAT expensive! Phoning via cell phone will depend on your plan, and the charge the ship will levy to access a signal. There is an emergency number for each cruiseline, so if something should happen at home, someone can get in touch with YOU....that's probably the best option. Give them the number, and hope you don't get a call! Otherwise, just use the e-mail...it' will probably cost about $25-50 extra for a week, depending on how much you use it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
my3boysmom Posted March 11, 2012 Author #5 Share Posted March 11, 2012 E-mail is the cheapest option...it's not THAT expensive! Phoning via cell phone will depend on your plan, and the charge the ship will levy to access a signal. There is an emergency number for each cruiseline, so if something should happen at home, someone can get in touch with YOU....that's probably the best option. Give them the number, and hope you don't get a call! Otherwise, just use the e-mail...it' will probably cost about $25-50 extra for a week, depending on how much you use it. thank you! I am not that concerned about TRUE emergencies. Just being able to know my mom is well and "friend" traveling with us - his family know all is good and we are having FUN! Email is our best option! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newbiecruiser09 Posted March 11, 2012 #6 Share Posted March 11, 2012 You might also look into the cost of texting from the various ports. We did this when we left the kids for our first cruise. We were able to check in but not pay a fortune ( we have Verizon and I think it was something like 05 cents to receive and 50 cents to send or something like that). Text were also more real time than email and we could do it while we were out and about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Gail & Marty sailing away Posted March 11, 2012 #7 Share Posted March 11, 2012 What is the best way? I am concerned for a number of reasons, not the least is my 83 yo mother is not in good help. I am thinking of just "paying" to access email daily. Also, we are taking my sons friend and want to be able keep in touch with his mother. Ideas? What have others done? Some ports have free WiFi ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SadieN Posted March 12, 2012 #8 Share Posted March 12, 2012 Which line are you sailing? Carnival allows free access to it's website and we have used the Currently Onboard forum many times to keep in touch. http://www.carnival.com/Funville/forums/20274.aspx We set it up ahead of time. Like CC it is a public forum and all need to be registered and signed in to post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
my3boysmom Posted March 12, 2012 Author #9 Share Posted March 12, 2012 Which line are you sailing? Carnival allows free access to it's website and we have used the Currently Onboard forum many times to keep in touch. http://www.carnival.com/Funville/forums/20274.aspx We set it up ahead of time. Like CC it is a public forum and all need to be registered and signed in to post. That is a great idea! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCalicoCat Posted March 13, 2012 #10 Share Posted March 13, 2012 What is the best way? I am concerned for a number of reasons, not the least is my 83 yo mother is not in good help. I am thinking of just "paying" to access email daily. Also, we are taking my sons friend and want to be able keep in touch with his mother. Ideas? What have others done? Where are you cruising to? Alaska - you can use your cell phone in port! Which Line? Carnival? You can use their funville online forum to e-mail back & forth for free - not private. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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