Originally Posted by
hillrider
It's a rip-off sanctioned by the Cruise Line: "WMS provides an opportunity for you [Cruise Line] to increase your revenue by competing directly against the on-shore roaming by your passengers".
They could choose less expensive service, but they don't because they want a cut -- and they know that at times you just have to be on the phone (family emergency, work issues, etc.) so you'll end up using it even if you're planning not to.
Just stay away from cruising.
Source:
http://www.cellularatsea.com/cruiselines.htm
Actually the cell phone company sets the rates, not WMS. This is why some carriers charge $2/min and some charge $5/min. WMS just install equipment on the ship that enables the phones to work while at sea.
"Charges, Billing, and Customer Service
Rates for roaming on cruise ships are determined by your home carrier. Please note that calls to 800, 888, 866, and 877 numbers are not toll free. You will be billed by your home carrier for your international roaming usage on your regular mobile phone bill. Typically charges will appear on the next monthly bill, but depending on your carrier it may occasionally take up to 60 days for charges to appear on your phone bill. For more information, please contact your home carrier customer service.*"
Source:
http://www.cellularatsea.com/endusers.htm
For a listing of the ships that currently have cell phone service try this page:
http://www.cellularatsea.com/shipsinservice.htm
It's a great optional service that allows people to stay connected. And from what I've seen, the cost is usually much less than calling from your cabin!
-CruiseWiz