How do you stay in touch with your group while on board?

[BrushedNickel]

We are travelling with our teenagers and are not going to be using our cellphones on the trip (for obvious reasons). How do you get in touch with anyone in your group when everyone is going in different directions on these huge vessels? Thank you for your suggestions.

[98Charlie]

Pretty much the old fashioned way for us. We let others in our party know where we will be and (for the younger ones) where we expect them to be. You will be able to call your cabin or any other cabin from the phones located all around the ship. There is also voice mail with the cabin phones.

 

With the advent of the cell phone and instant communication we (society) has come to rely on instant communications. Think of it as a retro event:p

 

I've also seen sticky notes on doors and some that have small dry erase boards for leaving notes.

 

Charlie

[paul929207]

The ship is not really that big. You will learn that there are places people will hangout and they will be there regularly.

 

As Charlie said above, just plan when and where to meet.

[BrushedNickel]

Thank you both for your responses.

I am happy to know that there are phones all over the ship.

 

You are correct, Charlie, we really have become accustomed to "instant" communication via cellphones. I guess my teens can not get very far on a ship in the middle of the ocean, can they?

[Cruiseinful]

We are travelling with our teenagers and are not going to be using our cellphones on the trip (for obvious reasons). How do you get in touch with anyone in your group when everyone is going in different directions on these huge vessels? Thank you for your suggestions.

We are on our second pair of walkie talkies. They work great on a ship!

[Vampire Parrot]

Post-it notes on cabin doors work brilliantly... and the trick is not to keep them 100% definitive. Instead, write something like "Crows nest, walking the prom, casino... probably!" and that'll work.

 

VP

[beachbum53]

You could, before parting company, let each other know where you're heading (pool, casino, arcade, etc.), and arrange to meet up at a specified time and location, such as, 2:00 p.m. at your cabin (or whatever). Allow 10 minutes before sending out a search party.

[GUT2407]

We pre plan.

 

And leave notes (not on the door, but in the cabin).

 

And pick up the phone and ring the cabin.

 

There really aren't that many places someone is likely to be.

[GUT2407]

Not a fan of notes on the door.

 

Post it notes can fall off be removed.

 

White boards can be changed.

[luddite]

We talk with each other.

It's an old system but it does actually work well.

[donaldsc]

We are on our second pair of walkie talkies. They work great on a ship!

 

They also work well for the people who have to overhear everything that you and also the squawks, squeaks, and feedback squeals.

 

DON

[spookwife]

We are travelling with our teenagers and are not going to be using our cellphones on the trip (for obvious reasons). How do you get in touch with anyone in your group when everyone is going in different directions on these huge vessels? Thank you for your suggestions.

 

'Dinner is at X hour. do not be late.'

 

set clear boundaries and expectations BEFORE you board. Post it notes are wonderful inventions.

[spookwife]

Not a fan of notes on the door.

 

Post it notes can fall off be removed.

 

White boards can be changed.

 

that's why we put ours inside the cabin

[spookwife]

We are on our second pair of walkie talkies. They work great on a ship!

 

no they don't. I have no desire to listen to you scream into your walkie talkie because the signal cannot penetrate the bulkheads.

[BrushedNickel]

Thank you all for your responses and suggestions. This is our first cruise and I am just so used to texting my family members when there is a change in plans. I agree witn Charlie, I need to get over the urge to want to communicate "instantly" and just plan ahead.

 

I have read a lot about people bringing walkie-talkies (and thought they are a great idea), but I can imagine that they may become disruptive to some, if not used with consideration of other travelers...similar to when someone is using the speaker feature on their cellphone in public. :eek:

Edited January 18, 2016 by BrushedNickel

[navybankerteacher]

We talk with each other.

It's an old system but it does actually work well.

 

You ARE a Luddite - how very retro!

[Lionesss]

My DH and DD and myself travel together.

 

Never had a problem with finding the DH, usually at my side.

 

Now the DD on the other hand..............well.

 

So over the years we have used different ways to keep in touch.

 

1.We use erasable markers to mark on the bathroom mirror any important notices or updates. attendant leaves the note alone. We clean up later.

2. We eat as a family for dinner.

3. Once every couple hours we set a meeting place, sorrentos, promenade just to make sure all is well.

4. Curfew night before port days.

5. Nothing adventurous like rock climbing or body surfing on the wave pool unless we know.

6. No one in our cabin, please do not go in anyone elses.

 

She know we will be at a show, or in casino......

We know she will be in a venue dancing the night away.

 

 

We do the best we can.

 

Safe travels

[luddite]

You ARE a Luddite - how very retro!

 

As I enjoy a PBR.......

[BrushedNickel]

My DH and DD and myself travel together.

 

Never had a problem with finding the DH, usually at my side.

 

Now the DD on the other hand..............well.

 

So over the years we have used different ways to keep in touch.

 

1.We use erasable markers to mark on the bathroom mirror any important notices or updates. attendant leaves the note alone. We clean up later.

2. We eat as a family for dinner.

3. Once every couple hours we set a meeting place, sorrentos, promenade just to make sure all is well.

4. Curfew night before port days.

5. Nothing adventurous like rock climbing or body surfing on the wave pool unless we know.

6. No one in our cabin, please do not go in anyone elses.

 

She know we will be at a show, or in casino......

We know she will be in a venue dancing the night away.

 

 

We do the best we can.

 

Safe travels

 

Thank you, Sue. Sounds like your teenager is similar to all three of mine...

[dsrdsrdsr]

I guess my teens can not get very far on a ship in the middle of the ocean, can they?

 

Well, if they do, their mobile phones wouldn't work anyway! :D

 

Make dinner, fixed time, non-negotiable. They must be there. And if they're typical teenagers, you'll find them in bed at 9 am or thereabouts - wake them up and let them know where you'll be if they need you.

[98Charlie]

Well, if they do, their mobile phones wouldn't work anyway! :D

 

I believe that Carnival still has Wireless Maritime Service which will allow you to use your mobile. It's billed at international rates so calls could get costly. Text and data are also available.

 

Here's a link to the Carnival FAQ.

 

I remember on one cruise listening to the teens on the balcony next to us chat away to friends back home. Wonder what was said when the bill came in:eek:

 

Best for Mom & Dad to make sure that the teens don't have access to their phones except in US ports. My phone has worked at regular rates in Puerto Rico and St. Thomas USVI.

 

Charlie