Does T-Mobile Work On A Cruise Ship? The Ultimate Guide

Table Of Content

• Where Does Wifi Calling Fit In This?
• Tips for Staying Connected on a Cruise Ship
• Using Your Phone on Other Cruise Lines (Disney, Celebrity, Princess, and Others)
• Your Cell, Texts & Wifi On A Cruise: This Is What You Need To Know
• AT&T has you covered on over 175 cruise ships
• Complete Guide to Using Your Phone on a Cruise (Carnival, Royal Caribbean & More)
• Other Options for Staying Connected on a Cruise Ship

When you think of T-Mobile, the first thing that probably comes to mind is, of course, its mobile phone service. But a new member’s perk has recently launched where they want to encourage you to book a cruise with T-mobile. As you can see, the easiest way to use your phone on a cruise is to use it to connect to the ship’s wi-fi. While we’ve spelled out more details for Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line, this method will work on any ship you sail.

Where Does Wifi Calling Fit In This?

However, it’s usually considered international roaming and means you’ll be charged high rates to access. The difference becomes more important, however, when you are cruising around the ocean on an actual cruise ship. Depending on your cell phone carrier, you may not be able to access cellular data at all. And, for those carriers that permit it, the costs can be substantial. Whether you’re planning a relaxing cruise to the Caribbean or an exciting adventure to Alaska, you may be wondering if your T-Mobile phone will work onboard. For the vast majority of plans, these services are considered international roaming plans by your cell phone company, and you will be charged accordingly for use.

Tips for Staying Connected on a Cruise Ship

Don't forget to pack your charger and invest in a travel adapter and electrical converter. Most countries outside the U.S. and Canada have different types of outlet plug designs. I have been cruising since 2004 and have sailed on dozens of cruises all over the world. As the creator of this website, I want to help families plan fun cruises free of stress and filled with adventure! Celebrity allows you to chat free of charge with other guests on ships that feature the Celebrity App.

Using Your Phone on Other Cruise Lines (Disney, Celebrity, Princess, and Others)

Data is also at the over-inflated price of $15 per mb. The moment you step on the ship until the moment you step off your phone should have “data roaming” turned off. Rather than making regular voice calls, use a VoIP app such as Google Voice, Skype, FaceTime, Viber, etc. These work in voice mode over the default (free) roaming data connection. Coordinate with your friends and family as to which VoIP app you will use and test it before your trip.

Your Cell, Texts & Wifi On A Cruise: This Is What You Need To Know

I have not been forced to put my theory to the test. An unlocked phone is also handy for local prepaid service. AFAIK, in port roaming in the Caribbean (except Cuba) is all reasonable. Here are my hints for safe, cost-effective international roaming.

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Usage of these plans still also requires a compatible device with domestic postpaid wireless service. In addition to T-Mobile, most cruise ships also offer Wi-Fi. The costs of Wi-Fi on a cruise ship vary depending on the cruise line and the ship itself. In general, you can expect to pay around $10 per day for unlimited Wi-Fi. T-Mobile’s coverage on cruise ships varies depending on the cruise line and the ship itself.

Cell Phones On Cruise Ships

For this reason I suggest if you want to make a cellular call, then turn off your phone's WiFi first. If you want to make a WiFi Call, then turn off the cellular radio. This is done by putting the phone in airplane mode then turning the WiFi back on. It may take a minute or two for the phone to reconnect to T-Mobile via WiFi and be ready to call after you do this. WiFi Calls made from ships, airplanes or through VPNs will be charged as if you are in the USA. First, this new plan does NOT apply when using the cruise ship’s cell phone towers.

Complete Guide to Using Your Phone on a Cruise (Carnival, Royal Caribbean & More)

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Over the past 33 years, I have lost count of the number of cruises I have booked. I’ve booked with travel agents, personal vacation planners, direct with the cruise company, and through online ticket consolidators. Sometimes there is service sold that will cover the port area. Other times spots like restaurants or shops will offer free wi-fi service to customers as a perk for shopping there. Wi-Fi Service to Use Your Phone in PortWant to save some money? Then you may be able to skip dealing with international plans altogether and just connect to wi-fi hotspots in port.

When purchased pre-cruise, the VOOM Surf packages start at around $13/day for 1 device and the VOOM Surf + Stream package start around $18/day for 1 device. Note that the number of devices refers to how many devices can be connected at one time. You can switch between multiple devices on a 1-device plan.

Therefore, the amount of onboard credit most customers will earn will likely be a lot less. Like most cruise travel websites, the platform also offers personalized discounts based on categories like age, military service, and past cruise reservations. As part of its “T-Mobile Tuesdays” initiative, the company has partnered with Cruisebound to offer its customers a new platform for booking their next cruise. But never in those 33 years have I booked a cruise with my mobile phone company. But now, the telecom giant T-Mobile is making waves by suggesting that we should.

You will also need to make sure your device is compatible with cruise ship roaming on the network. Depending on how mission-critical communications are, you may want to consider backup plans. It can be anything from bringing a satellite phone to, “I’m on vacation. I don’t need no stinkin’ phone.” but you should at least consider your options. These days I bring along a spare unlocked phone and a unactivated T-Mobile SIM. In theory, if my phone is lost or stolen I can do a SIM swap and activate the spare phone.

Check out this post for more information about the cruise line’s current plans in this area. One of the best alternatives to using your regular cell carrier for texting is to use a third party app over wifi. However, if you don’t already have an account, you will need to download the app and set up the app prior to leaving home (or at least while you are on land). Turn off data roaming and international data roaming. Only turn back on when on shore and if you have a suitable plan.

Otherwise, the default would be very high rates akin to international roaming charges. But note that your cellular calls at sea aren’t typically included in a standard international plan. Both have a one-time charge, automatically expire after 30 days, and provide coverage on over 175 qualifying cruise ships when at sea (PDF, 390KB).

However, it still doesn’t allow streaming or Skype/FaceTime calling. Either way, it’s a cheaper and easier way of using your phone in port if you are fine with having access on a more limited basis. Wi-fi allows you to connect just like you were at home. This includes doing things like making calls from within communication apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, texting, and surfing the web. Below, we’ve outlined what you need to know about using your phone to call, text, and browse the web. In addition, we’ve added some specifics for certain cruise lines.

And on the cruise ship they do all that, plus they are useful for the cruise line’s app, which features schedules, maps, and more, all right on your phone. At this point, it’s beyond the debate of taking a cruise without bringing a phone. Phones are so much more than a simple device to call or text. Now they are our social lives, our entertainment devices, our cameras, and more.