Can You Use Cell Phone on Cruise Ship?

By Alice Nichols

Cruising on a ship is an exciting and fun experience. You get to see the world while having all of your needs taken care of. But, one of the biggest questions travelers have when they are preparing for a cruise is: Can you use your cell phone on a cruise ship?

The answer is both yes and no. It depends on the type of phone you have, the cruise line you are sailing with, and the type of service plan you have.

GSM Phones
If your cell phone uses GSM technology (Global System for Mobile Communications), it will likely work on most cruise ships. GSM phones use SIM cards, which allow them to be used in multiple countries around the world. However, roaming charges can be expensive if you don’t have an international plan with your carrier.

CDMA Phones
CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) phones do not use SIM cards and are not compatible with most international networks. As a result, these phones typically cannot be used while at sea or in port in foreign countries.

Wi-Fi/Internet Access
Most major cruise lines offer Wi-Fi access on their ships for an additional fee. You can use this to make calls or send texts via apps such as Skype or WhatsApp. However, keep in mind that the internet connection may be slow due to limited bandwidth onboard the ship.

Cell Phone Usage Fees
Even if your phone is compatible with the ship’s network, many cruise lines charge additional fees for using your cell phone while at sea or in port in foreign countries. These fees can range from a few dollars per minute to several dollars per day, depending on the cruise line and destination.

In conclusion, it is possible to use your cell phone on a cruise ship, but it depends on what type of phone you have and what type of service plan you have with your carrier. Additionally, some cruise lines may charge additional fees for using your cell phone while at sea or in port in foreign countries.

Conclusion: Yes, it is possible to use cell phones on a cruise ship depending on what type of phone you have and what type of service plan you have with your carrier; however, additional fees may apply when using them while at sea or in foreign ports.