Texting on the ship...

[courtesyflush]

My wife and I are taking our 1st cruise in July!

 

Do the internet packages allow you to text each other? If so do we need to get the internet package for both our phones? We were planning on only connecting one device.

 

Thanks in advance for your help with this.

 

FYI... we are sailing on Royal Caribbeans Oasis of the Seas on July 23rd.

[MsPoppadom]

Internet package is just that, a WiFi data connection to use while onboard - NOT a cellular/phone network.

 

No, you cannot send SMS or other cellular messages (unless you use expensive satellite connection or you happen to sail close enough to land and get mainland mast access to network).

 

What you can do, however, is use data messaging using Apps like WhatsApp, messenger and depending on the cruise line they may have their own (Carnival Hub, Princess at Sea etc). Or if you both have iPhones you should be able to send iMessages. But you both need Internet package to do any of the above (or one package that comes with two access codes)

 

 

We normally switch to Airplane mode once onboard (to avoid roaming charges from our network) and buy an Internet package for messaging and social media use. (Last time in May I bought mine pre-cruise as on offer 20% off).

Edited June 30, 2016 by MsPoppadom
Original sentence was unclear, reworded

[cb at sea]

Why not just TALK to each other...find out where each of you will be...and texting becomes a non-issue! You will find each other!

[kitty9]

First of all, you do not want to use your phone for Internet browsing as it would cost you a fortune. The per minute charges can add up very quickly and you could come home to a phone bill in the 4 figures. When people cruise they either turn off data roaming or put the phone in airplane mode. If you text, which really isn't necessary on the ship if you coordinate your schedules, it's $.50 to send and $.05 to receive. There are phones on the ship and voice mail on the phone in your cabin. People also leave post its in the cabin.

 

Wifi is an individual thing if using two separate devices. Wifi on most ships is very slow---think old time dial up modems.

[Hlitner]

So, here is a test for young folks (and some older ones too). When you get on a ship, turn off your phones, tablets, computers, etc. and put them away! Then sit back, relax, learn how to socialize with people face-to-face, give them your full attention without constantly stopping to text or take a call, etc. Then, perhaps once a day log onto the internet (you pay for ever minute on most ships) just long enough to d/l your e-mails which you can later read (off line) for anything of major importance.

 

And just imagine the idea of sitting through a relaxing 1 1/2 hour dining experience without even having a phone! Imagine chatting with new friends (yes, we are talking about real talking) without being distracted by a phone or text messages. Yes this is an amazing concept...real socialization with a real person! What a 21st Century novelty. We do understand that many folks no longer have the skills to carry on a face to face conversation, or to join in a long discussion without rudely stopping to answer or send a text, etc. So consider a cruise an opportunity to expand your social skills :).

 

Hank

Edited June 30, 2016 by Hlitner

[MsPoppadom]

Why dismissive comments, folks? OP asked a valid question and as much as some of you may not want to have your phone/wifi on, others use them even on a holiday. Generational thing, perhaps ;)

 

I find Wifi messaging helpful if my partner and I are doing different things.. I may be taking a Zumba class, spa treatment etc or be by the pool (he doesn't sunbathe) and need to contact DH to arrange meeting time and/or point. It's a holiday so there is no schedule :) Allows us to stay in touch, rather than leave post-its in the cabin and keep missing eachother. Technology is there so why not enjoy it.

[courtesyflush]

Thanks for the responses (I think)

 

Since a few of you seem concerned with my use of mobile devices I'll let you know that I'm looking forward to being unconnected for awhile. But if I'm getting in a workout and my wife is somewhere else I may want to catch up with her and texting is the easiest way to do so.

 

Thanks to the few of you that gave me helpful advice and thanks to those concerned about my ability socialize. [emoji15]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[luddite]

Bring money.

[kerryincork]

I think an ordinary txt would be cheaper than buying an expensive Internet package. I think I saw the price of phone calls and texts when I was last on board. If you are just texting your wife i don't think it will be that expensive. Also I think you will find that it's a lot easier to find each other than you imagine.

Have a great cruise 😊

[navybankerteacher]

So, here is a test for young folks (and some older ones too). When you get on a ship, turn off your phones, tablets, computers, etc. and put them away! Then sit back, relax, learn how to socialize with people face-to-face, give them your full attention without constantly stopping to text or take a call, etc. Then, perhaps once a day log onto the internet (you pay for ever minute on most ships) just long enough to d/l your e-mails which you can later read (off line) for anything of major importance.

 

And just imagine the idea of sitting through a relaxing 1 1/2 hour dining experience without even having a phone! Imagine chatting with new friends (yes, we are talking about real talking) without being distracted by a phone or text messages. Yes this is an amazing concept...real socialization with a real person! What a 21st Century novelty. We do understand that many folks no longer have the skills to carry on a face to face conversation, or to join in a long discussion without rudely stopping to answer or send a text, etc. So consider a cruise an opportunity to expand your social skills :).

 

Hank

 

Thank you, sir: you have saved me the trouble of attempting to suggest what you so clearly put.

[NB73]

I found this article on the subject from C-Net quite useful - http://www.cnet.com/news/sail-the-world-while-avoiding-roaming-fees/. Seems like getting a pre-paid SIM card is a good way to save.

[Hlitner]

I found this article on the subject from C-Net quite useful - http://www.cnet.com/news/sail-the-world-while-avoiding-roaming-fees/. Seems like getting a pre-paid SIM card is a good way to save.

 

You have raised a different issue then simply texting aboard a ship. The new popular phone plans for the crew are to simply have T-Mobile who includes international roaming (in most countries) and extends both data, text and phone (for 25 cents a min) around the world. So with T-Mobile, we can run all over Europe and still keep our regular phone number...not to mention having text (free everywhere) and data.

 

However, none of this does you much good on ships since one must still pay for onboard WiFi...and using cell phone options on a ship can cost about $8 a minute. The idea of getting a Sim within a country is fine, but your phone number changes with the SIM...and you need to get another SIM everytime you change countries. In Europe, we can sometimes drive between several countries a day :).

 

Hank

Edited July 1, 2016 by Hlitner

[LaHas2016]

I'm planning on bringing long range walkie talkies for my husband and myself. I'm not positive if they'll work due to there being so many walls on the interior of the ship, but I figure it can't hurt to try. I'm hesitant to try texting because I'm concerned it would cause excessive charges that I might be able to avoid and I'm a cheapskate and don't want to buy the internet package. lol Good luck with choosing the best option to stay connected onboard, and congratulations on your upcoming marriage!

[Pudgesmom]

Internet package is just that, a WiFi data connection to use while onboard - NOT a cellular/phone network.

 

No, you cannot send SMS or other cellular messages (unless you use expensive satellite connection or you happen to sail close enough to land and get mainland mast access to network).

 

What you can do, however, is use data messaging using Apps like WhatsApp, messenger and depending on the cruise line they may have their own (Carnival Hub, Princess at Sea etc). Or if you both have iPhones you should be able to send iMessages. But you both need Internet package to do any of the above (or one package that comes with two access codes)

 

 

We normally switch to Airplane mode once onboard (to avoid roaming charges from our network) and buy an Internet package for messaging and social media use. (Last time in May I bought mine pre-cruise as on offer 20% off).

 

This is the best advice for the OP. Walkie talkies don't work and are very annoying to fellow passengers.

 

I find it amusing that the posters advocating talking to people face to face all have in the tens of thousands of posts on an anonymous website.

[First and Ten]

My wife and I are taking our 1st cruise in July!

 

Do the internet packages allow you to text each other? If so do we need to get the internet package for both our phones? We were planning on only connecting one device.

 

Thanks in advance for your help with this.

 

FYI... we are sailing on Royal Caribbeans Oasis of the Seas on July 23rd.

 

I know many of the newer ships have the ships App...for like $5 a day, allows you to text each other thru the App....yes, you would both need the App on your phones with texting active

Edited July 1, 2016 by First and Ten

[MCC retired]

I'm planning on bringing long range walkie talkies for my husband and myself. I'm not positive if they'll work due to there being so many walls on the interior of the ship, but I figure it can't hurt to try. I'm hesitant to try texting because I'm concerned it would cause excessive charges that I might be able to avoid and I'm a cheapskate and don't want to buy the internet package. lol Good luck with choosing the best option to stay connected onboard, and congratulations on your upcoming marriage!

 

You may wish to search CC for Walkie Talkie .

You will then be aware not only with how well they work or don't work onboard steel ships , but how annoying they can be to your fellow passengers.

[MsPoppadom]

I'll second (3rd) the comments on walkie talkies. Not cool, not really approved by other passengers and often..not working.

 

Depending on the cruise/cruiseline you may get onboard internet access for very little. On my last Carnival cruise it was 5USD per day. For social media access (and data messaging, as I already explained in my first post).

 

On my last RC cruise, as I bought the Voom package pre-cruise with discount, I think I paid about 12USD per day. Included e-mail, which the 5usd Carnival package didn't.

 

Convenient for getting in touch with friends onboard, with hubby, sharing a few IG photos, FB updates etc. And did not stop us socialising at dinner or at the bar.

 

The pennypincher way is to leave notes in the cabin but who wants to do that when for less than 1/2 of a cocktail you can have technology in your pocket doing what you want. Besides, how much would those walkie talkies cost you to buy anyway?

[Cruisin' Chick]

So, here is a test for young folks (and some older ones too). When you get on a ship, turn off your phones, tablets, computers, etc. and put them away! Then sit back, relax, learn how to socialize with people face-to-face, give them your full attention without constantly stopping to text or take a call, etc. Then, perhaps once a day log onto the internet (you pay for ever minute on most ships) just long enough to d/l your e-mails which you can later read (off line) for anything of major importance.

 

And just imagine the idea of sitting through a relaxing 1 1/2 hour dining experience without even having a phone! Imagine chatting with new friends (yes, we are talking about real talking) without being distracted by a phone or text messages. Yes this is an amazing concept...real socialization with a real person! What a 21st Century novelty. We do understand that many folks no longer have the skills to carry on a face to face conversation, or to join in a long discussion without rudely stopping to answer or send a text, etc. So consider a cruise an opportunity to expand your social skills :).

 

Hank

 

I have to agree with this. We bought an Internet package for our last cruise that my daughter and I shared (and even by the end of the two weeks, we had time left to spend the last day). So I checked on my email and the girl sent messages to her friends.

 

But for communicating on the ship, we left notes for each other...on the door, we had a running commentary. My hubby might write that he finished at the gym and was taking his guitar to Skywalkers to play, I would answer that I was through with the hula class and going for lunch, my daughter (15 on that cruise) would occasionally tell us what she's been doing with her friends. She knew when we were eating as we had traditional and if she was eating with us, would return to the cabin to change in enough time.

 

My cell phone would be turned off until we got to port (I had pre-programmed in local taxi companies' phone numbers). I used my regular digital camera for any on board photos. My daughter had no interest in calling friends anyway -- she even uses Skype on her computer at home/school for communicating. Besides, she wouldn't like having to carry around her phone or a walkie talkie on board.

[LaHas2016]

Can I ask why they're not approved by other passengers? I understand if you're having ridiculously long conversations, but simply for a 'Hey, I'm at this location." I don't quite get the problem.

 

I'm also bringing my kids, though, and hear that a lot of other passengers don't approve of that, either. Guess I may just end up being "that guy".

[cruzeluver]

Sorry OP that some feel the need to tell you how you should spend your vacation. Busy-bodies with nothing better to do. One such poster on here routinely gives idiotic and incorrect advice on this site and has done so for years. Those who decry someone staring at their smartphone/tablet etc. do not seem to take issue with people staring at a book. Very strange.

 

Anyway, MsPoppadom gave you some great advice.

[Pudgesmom]

Can I ask why they're not approved by other passengers?

 

The main point, as already stated, on the walkie talkies is that they don't work on a steel ship. Search "walkie talkie" on this site and you'll find much more information.

[luddite]

Can I ask why they're not approved by other passengers? I understand if you're having ridiculously long conversations, but simply for a 'Hey, I'm at this location." I don't quite get the problem.

 

I'm also bringing my kids, though, and hear that a lot of other passengers don't approve of that, either. Guess I may just end up being "that guy".

 

"JOHNNY!!!!!!!!!!!! Where are you?"

skkkkkkrrrreeeeekkkkkkk

WHAT!?

skkkkrrrrrrkkkkkkssssss

WHAT?

Who are you?

Johnny!!!! Answer me!!!!!!!!!!

Shkrrrrrrrrkkkkkkkk!!!!!

No!! I said Johnny!!!!!!

Who? Get off this channel. It's ours!!!!

sssskkkkkrrrkkkkk!!!!!

No!!! You switch!!!!

Fred, have you seen Johhny???

shkkkrrrrkkkkk"

 

 

Repeat ad nauseum.

If they worked it wouldn't be a problem.

[CruzieSue]

Check with your cell carrier and see what options they have (*). We have also texted each other and our teen son on cruises and it works nicely for us, with the exception of just a couple of places on the ship that wouldn't get signal. Yes, we discussed where everyone "planned" to be before going our separate ways but sometimes those plans change and we did not care to walk an entire cruise ship looking for one person, or all the way back to the cabin to see if there was a sticky note on the door (for the whole world to see), or a note in the room, as is the custom with some. :rolleyes:

 

(*) with our AT&T plan, each text sent was 50 cents. We texted as much as we wanted, usually a few times a day, and the total charges were less than $15.00.

[succeed_2]

Check with your cell carrier and see what options they have (*). We have also texted each other and our teen son on cruises and it works nicely for us, with the exception of just a couple of places on the ship that wouldn't get signal.

 

(*) with our AT&T plan, each text sent was 50 cents. We texted as much as we wanted, usually a few times a day, and the total charges were less than $15.00.

 

 

So, am I understanding this correctly - texting will be charged by the phone plan, and has nothing to do with the ship's network? I understand that internet has to pass through the ship's network, and the cruise line charges us for internet, but I'm trying to figure out if I send and receive texts from home while on board, who will charge me for them?

 

Does texting depend only on my cell phone plan? I know on land that my cell phone provider lets me receive texts for free (anywhere), and I will get charged for any texts that I send (as part of my package), but I don't quite understand what happens with "on board" texts.

[navybankerteacher]

So, am I understanding this correctly - texting will be charged by the phone plan, and has nothing to do with the ship's network? I understand that internet has to pass through the ship's network, and the cruise line charges us for internet, but I'm trying to figure out if I send and receive texts from home while on board, who will charge me for them?

 

Does texting depend only on my cell phone plan? I know on land that my cell phone provider lets me receive texts for free (anywhere), and I will get charged for any texts that I send (as part of my package), but I don't quite understand what happens with "on board" texts.

 

 

Your cell phone provider gives you voice and text service as part of your package --- ordinarily going through the nearest cell tower. When you are on a ship, that nearest tower is the ship's,