I had to talk to Cingular the other day. While waiting I heard a recording "$3.99 per minute to use your cell phone on a cruise ship". When I finally got to a living person, she said that the $3.99 per minute is in addition to what the cruise ships may charge.

My friends in Alaska can see the water from where they live. They have learned not to use a cell phone when the cruise ships are in port even though this over-charging for non-passengers is against Alaskan law.

Most cruise ship passengers are not aware of this.

My thanks, Greatam, for providing your information.