Cell phone coverage on an ocean liner
Jun 11, 2007 | 11:04 am
#31
Original Poster
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The QM2 will regain cell service outside of the overpriced ship's plan when it gets close to the US mainland. You can start calling about 2 hours prior to the arrival in NY. That will work if your friend has the phone turned on. Cunard turns off its very expensive cell service at a fixed point when arriving at every port.
Jun 11, 2007 | 11:19 am
#32
Join Date: Sep 2003
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Immigration is actually done on board the days prior to arrival. Only Customs is required on arrival in NYC.
Bags are offloaded and passengers disembark based on fare paid, Highest first and so on.
Jun 12, 2007 | 8:05 am
#33
Join Date: Jul 2000
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Since I have have not read a definitive answer to the original question, which is strange considering amount of posts, my guess is that it will cost $8 to $10 per minute on cell phone. Bought Iridium last January, sitting in cabin, talking on SAT for $1.25/minute. With cost of cell service from some countries, it has been a good purchase..
Jun 12, 2007 | 8:48 am
#34
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Princeton, MO/Tonopah, AZ
Posts: 687
Since I have have not read a definitive answer to the original question, which is strange considering amount of posts, my guess is that it will cost $8 to $10 per minute on cell phone. Bought Iridium last January, sitting in cabin, talking on SAT for $1.25/minute. With cost of cell service from some countries, it has been a good purchase..
AVERAGE cost for cell ON THE SHIP bouncing off the ship towers-about $6.00 per minute.
AVERAGE cost for ship phone (cabin phone)-about $9.00 per minute
I agree-my sat phone goes with me whenever I leave the USA. Since the per minute price has gone down considerably since I first purchased the phones, it really is almost "economical".
Even though I think Mobal is a great bargain for the casual traveler, you cannot use it on a ship without the ship surcharges IF the ship has cell at sea service. However, Mobal works VERY well on ships with no cell towers and you are within line of sight of a cell tower. Used my Mobal phone down the entire West coast of South America from my balcony in December.
Jun 13, 2007 | 9:05 am
#35
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: DTW
Programs: Dirt Status w/ All
Posts: 5,049
Very useful thread as I'm heading to ANC and the Kenai National Park area in a few weeks.
How will the cruise ship towers appear on my phone? Will it display "Carnival at Sea" or something instead of my normal AT&T identifier? I know that there is no AT&T/Cingular network in AK, but they do have partner agreements, so I'll be careful to make sure I am on a land based partner and not a cruise ship. I'll also make sure it stays off on my Kenai Fjords day cruise to not end up with an expensive incoming call (not to mention bothering other passengers).
How will the cruise ship towers appear on my phone? Will it display "Carnival at Sea" or something instead of my normal AT&T identifier? I know that there is no AT&T/Cingular network in AK, but they do have partner agreements, so I'll be careful to make sure I am on a land based partner and not a cruise ship. I'll also make sure it stays off on my Kenai Fjords day cruise to not end up with an expensive incoming call (not to mention bothering other passengers).
Jun 15, 2007 | 10:47 am
#36
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On Carnival, at least, when you're on the cruise ship's cell service it reads "Cellular at Sea" in the network area on your phone.
On the Inspiration, from which I just returned yesterday, they claim the service only operates while in international waters. I can testify that the service was not operating, and we were on local cell service, while we were in or near any port.
On the bright side, the expense kept people from using their cell phones aboard. I never once saw anyone using their phones while the Cellular at Sea network was showing on my phone.
On the Inspiration, from which I just returned yesterday, they claim the service only operates while in international waters. I can testify that the service was not operating, and we were on local cell service, while we were in or near any port.
On the bright side, the expense kept people from using their cell phones aboard. I never once saw anyone using their phones while the Cellular at Sea network was showing on my phone.
Jun 15, 2007 | 10:51 pm
#37
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 143
Just a suggestion to those trying to reach people ON ships from shore. I have always had great experiences faxing passengers. The fax is printed out and slipped under stateroom doors. There is no guessing as to whether they checked their email (aka, paid to SEE if anyone wrote to their shipboard/personal account). Receiving the fax costs the passenger nothing (great for writing to grandparents who know nothing about technology).
For the cost of a 1 minute sat call, you can probably get a 2 page letter faxed. Passengers can always fax/call back if it is emergency. It's also a great way to save money if something is not a true emergency. The passenger will get the letter within a few hours (returning to their room or waking up) instead of waiting on hold for the passenger to be paged or leaving voicemail.
For the cost of a 1 minute sat call, you can probably get a 2 page letter faxed. Passengers can always fax/call back if it is emergency. It's also a great way to save money if something is not a true emergency. The passenger will get the letter within a few hours (returning to their room or waking up) instead of waiting on hold for the passenger to be paged or leaving voicemail.
Jun 16, 2007 | 12:16 am
#38
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From my recent experience two cruise ships dock in Seward Friday morning between midnight and 3:00 a.m. Not sure how long they are in port. Hope my Verizon "Extended Service" doesn't let me down dollar wise, after the fact.
Jul 9, 2007 | 5:14 pm
#39
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 5,900
UPDATE besides the towers pointing at ship lanes a lot of cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean have added the following equipment
www.cellularatsea.com/technology
The link shows you what is going on and your roaming rate can obviously vary a lot. Using a satelite for with 128kbt as a relay connection is just amazing
www.cellularatsea.com/technology
The link shows you what is going on and your roaming rate can obviously vary a lot. Using a satelite for with 128kbt as a relay connection is just amazing
Jul 9, 2007 | 5:17 pm
#40
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 5,900
Now you can stay connected on the high seas using your own compatible mobile phone!
Wireless Maritime Services (WMS) proudly offers an advanced roaming network onboard select Cruise Line ships, allowing you to make and receive calls while at sea using your own mobile phone and telephone number.
Service is available for use when the ship is in international waters and international roaming charges will be conveniently billed to you by your home carrier.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How WMS Service Works
On the Open Seas
When the cruise ship is sailing out of port, our system will turn itself on. When the cruise ship is approaching port, the in-ship system will turn itself off. Once in port, you can connect to local roaming networks as permitted by your home carrier.
Service Requirements
The WMS mobile network is accessible by most mobile phones, supporting both GSM and CDMA technologies. You must have service with one of the more than 340 carriers worldwide that have a roaming agreement with WMS. Some prepaid phone plans by some carriers are not currently supported. Check with your mobile telephone service provider for details.
Calls to USA, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean
Dial 1 + area code and number, just as you would at home
Calls to Other countries
Dial 011, the country code, city code and local number
Data Service
If your home carrier supports GPRS data service, you can use WMS with compatible GPRS data capable devices to check email, surf the web, and share photos while traveling just as you would at home. Charges will be conveniently billed to you by your home carrier.
Text Messaging (SMS)
Text messaging service is available on most compatible devices, depending on your wireless service provider. Address your text message to your North American number with the 1 + area code and number.
Checking Voicemail
Most users will be able to check their messages by pressing and holding the 1 key. Please note that some home carriers charge for messages deposited to and retrieved from voicemail while a customer is roaming. Please contact your home carrier customer service with any questions about using your voicemail.
Charges, Billing, and Customer Service
Rates for usage on WMS 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 of the WMS Service on your regular mobile phone bill. It can take up to 60 days for charges for WMS service to appear on your phone bill. For more information, please contact your come carrier customer service.*
Questions?
Please note that Cruise Line personnel do not have access to your service information or billing records. Actual service availability depends on home carrier participation and service permissions. For questions about your service or about billing, please contact your home carrier customer service.*
Customer Service Telephone Numbers* and Information for North American Home Carriers
Popular services available listed below please check with your home carrier for availability. If a link is provided, click on the name of your carrier below and you will be taken to the carrier's web site for further information. You may also call the phone number provided (toll charges may occur).
USA
AT&T (Cingular) 1.916.843.4685
T-Mobile 1.505.998.3793
Verizon Wireless 1.908.559.4899
Cincinnati Bell Wireless 1.513.566.2116
Edge Wireless 1.866.350.3343
Suncom 1.800.786.7378
Sprint 1.866.226.7212
Alltel 1.800.255.8351
Canada
Rogers Wireless 1.877.764.3772
Fido 1.514.925.4590
*You may be charged by your home carrier for calls made to customer service using WMS.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Explanation of Rates and Charges
Service is provided by Wireless Maritime Services. Use of the WMS services requires compatible wireless phone and qualified wireless service with a home carrier provider that has a roaming agreement with WMS. Your home network will determine the international roaming rates you pay for usage.
WMS provides CDMA, GSM voice and GPRS data service. Other service features may not be available. Voice usage is measured during the time you are connected to your system, which is approximately from the time you press the button that initiates or answers the call until approximately the time the first party terminates the call. Voice usage for each call is billed in full minute increments with partial minutes rounded up to the next full minute. Data usage for each billing record will be rounded up to the next kilobyte and a cost will be associated with each billing record and rounded to the nearest cent.
Availability, timeliness and reliability of service are subject to radio transmission limitation caused by system capacity, system repairs and modifications, your equipment, signal strength, weather and other conditions. You will only be able to call and text message to certain countries. Other restrictions and limitations apply for service.
Both GSM logo and GSM letter mark are trademarks of the GSM Association. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
Wireless Maritime Services (WMS) proudly offers an advanced roaming network onboard select Cruise Line ships, allowing you to make and receive calls while at sea using your own mobile phone and telephone number.
Service is available for use when the ship is in international waters and international roaming charges will be conveniently billed to you by your home carrier.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How WMS Service Works
On the Open Seas
When the cruise ship is sailing out of port, our system will turn itself on. When the cruise ship is approaching port, the in-ship system will turn itself off. Once in port, you can connect to local roaming networks as permitted by your home carrier.
Service Requirements
The WMS mobile network is accessible by most mobile phones, supporting both GSM and CDMA technologies. You must have service with one of the more than 340 carriers worldwide that have a roaming agreement with WMS. Some prepaid phone plans by some carriers are not currently supported. Check with your mobile telephone service provider for details.
Calls to USA, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean
Dial 1 + area code and number, just as you would at home
Calls to Other countries
Dial 011, the country code, city code and local number
Data Service
If your home carrier supports GPRS data service, you can use WMS with compatible GPRS data capable devices to check email, surf the web, and share photos while traveling just as you would at home. Charges will be conveniently billed to you by your home carrier.
Text Messaging (SMS)
Text messaging service is available on most compatible devices, depending on your wireless service provider. Address your text message to your North American number with the 1 + area code and number.
Checking Voicemail
Most users will be able to check their messages by pressing and holding the 1 key. Please note that some home carriers charge for messages deposited to and retrieved from voicemail while a customer is roaming. Please contact your home carrier customer service with any questions about using your voicemail.
Charges, Billing, and Customer Service
Rates for usage on WMS 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 of the WMS Service on your regular mobile phone bill. It can take up to 60 days for charges for WMS service to appear on your phone bill. For more information, please contact your come carrier customer service.*
Questions?
Please note that Cruise Line personnel do not have access to your service information or billing records. Actual service availability depends on home carrier participation and service permissions. For questions about your service or about billing, please contact your home carrier customer service.*
Customer Service Telephone Numbers* and Information for North American Home Carriers
Popular services available listed below please check with your home carrier for availability. If a link is provided, click on the name of your carrier below and you will be taken to the carrier's web site for further information. You may also call the phone number provided (toll charges may occur).
USA
AT&T (Cingular) 1.916.843.4685
T-Mobile 1.505.998.3793
Verizon Wireless 1.908.559.4899
Cincinnati Bell Wireless 1.513.566.2116
Edge Wireless 1.866.350.3343
Suncom 1.800.786.7378
Sprint 1.866.226.7212
Alltel 1.800.255.8351
Canada
Rogers Wireless 1.877.764.3772
Fido 1.514.925.4590
*You may be charged by your home carrier for calls made to customer service using WMS.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Explanation of Rates and Charges
Service is provided by Wireless Maritime Services. Use of the WMS services requires compatible wireless phone and qualified wireless service with a home carrier provider that has a roaming agreement with WMS. Your home network will determine the international roaming rates you pay for usage.
WMS provides CDMA, GSM voice and GPRS data service. Other service features may not be available. Voice usage is measured during the time you are connected to your system, which is approximately from the time you press the button that initiates or answers the call until approximately the time the first party terminates the call. Voice usage for each call is billed in full minute increments with partial minutes rounded up to the next full minute. Data usage for each billing record will be rounded up to the next kilobyte and a cost will be associated with each billing record and rounded to the nearest cent.
Availability, timeliness and reliability of service are subject to radio transmission limitation caused by system capacity, system repairs and modifications, your equipment, signal strength, weather and other conditions. You will only be able to call and text message to certain countries. Other restrictions and limitations apply for service.
Both GSM logo and GSM letter mark are trademarks of the GSM Association. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
Jul 10, 2007 | 6:07 pm
#42
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: More than I care to have, but never the ones I need.
Posts: 291
Another thought is to sign up for the boats "all you can use" data plan and then use Skype or similar from a laptop. RCCL offers unlimited data for about $20/day.
On a fun side note, the RCCL cruise that goes from Los Angeles to Ensinada stays close enough to shore that I had cell phone (Cingular/AT&T) coverage almost the entire way.
On a fun side note, the RCCL cruise that goes from Los Angeles to Ensinada stays close enough to shore that I had cell phone (Cingular/AT&T) coverage almost the entire way.
Jul 16, 2007 | 11:30 am
#43
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: More than I care to have, but never the ones I need.
Posts: 291
Just got back from an RCCL Cruise. All RCCL ships now have "Cellular at Sea" coverage, which was great. There is more info at: http://www.cellularatsea.com/cruiselines_purserinfo.htm.
Keep in mind that it is billed at international roaming rates.
Keep in mind that it is billed at international roaming rates.
Jul 16, 2007 | 9:00 pm
#44
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: SNA
Programs: DL PM, UA, AA, Priority Club, Marriott Rewards
Posts: 378
Skype?
Anybody actually try using Skype via the onboard wireless? I will be cruising to Alaska next June with Holland America and I know that they have wireless on board (hr/day/week fee schedule applies) Would love to use Skype with my laptop and keep the mobile off....
Jul 16, 2007 | 10:02 pm
#45
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: YYZ
Posts: 632
When I used my Fido phone on RCCL, it displayed AT&T Wireless/Cingular, not Cellular at Sea. Only Cingular and AT&T phones showed Cellular at Sea, Rogers, Tmobile, Fido, and other GSM providers all showed Cingular/AT&T Wireless (cellular at sea was originally a AT&T Wireless venture, merged into Cingular, now the new at&t, not the same as the old AT&T)