WiFi on California Coastal cruise

[sboh]

I’m going on a California Coastal cruise on the new Discovery Princess in April and I’m wondering if my cell phone will work on the ship w/o a WiFi plan? It’s a Samsung Galaxy S9 if that makes a difference.

[CruiserBruce]

Highly unlikely. Regulations require the ships to be many miles off the coast. So if you get any signal, it will be so weak and inconsistent as to be not effective. Cell towers are not usually on high mountains, they are on buildings and other low sites. The signals don't travel all that far.

 

Exception, as you approach a port.

[princeton123211]

4 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

Exception, as you approach a port.

And even then not strong enough for data-- maybe an analog phone call. You really don't get much of a signal until you are nearly alongside in most ports. 

[jkrislc]

You'll only have a cell signal for about 30-60 minutes after leaving the pier. And you'll need to be careful as it could switch to Cellular at Sea and you'll be charged an enormous amount for cell service unless you have data roaming turned off.

[sboh]

Thanks! WiFi package it is.