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I think a big sign at the port as you first head to the gangway that reads, "Is your phone in Airplane Mode? Check with your mobile provider about coverage. Ask us about our WIFI package!" , or something like that, with a big Airplane Mode symbol in the centre would do the trick. Posters and plastic mountings are cheap, it would show that the cruise line cares, and is a fallback for if people blame them for their cell phone bills.
Exactly. While I'm not in favor of upselling in general, this might even be a money-maker for cruise lines! It seems a no-brainer that they could do something like this.
With all of the "apps" they tell you about and using the phone to access the planner you have to put your phone into airplane mode. It's listed all over the place, even before the apps they would advise "Turn off your cell phone, don't use it on a ship" It's even listed in your booking information. If people still don't see it in their papers and through the final booking/check in process a sign certainly isn't going to work. Folks don't see the signs exiting about staying on "ship time" or "no camo" even after it's listed in the Fun Times.
Princess Cruises with the medallion app you will never get wiFi unless airplane mode is turned on. Crew members on embarkation day shows or tells you as soon as you come to sign into your muster station with your medallion. So no need to worry.
My phone stays locked in the cabin safe. I cruise to get away from technology not to be chained to it constantly. Know that doesn’t work for most people’s situation but it is very liberating for me. I can totally relax.
I have a lot of difficulty learning English, but I'm studying to work on a cruise in two years. Everything to support my family and make my dreams come true.
It's definitely not the cruise lines fault or responsibility, but mentioning this during a mandatory muster would be a great benefit for people who aren't aware. ....
I don't think to a certain extent that the cruise line is responsible. But they should definitely put up signs and or make an announcement during the muster meeting.
No joke! $2300 for one week cruise! My iPhone was on airplane mode but I totally forgot about my iPad and laptop! 💻 🤦🏽♀️ Learn from my mistake. ….And there should be signs 🪧 everywhere stating “turn phone on airplane mode”.
@@MrHardhatharry Yes, I know that - I should, I've worked in the mobile computing arena for forty years. My point was, the OP never mentioned that stage. What's more, as soon as you re-enable WIFI, you've disabled airplane mode to all intents and purposes. In fact, it's strange that Android doesn't make that clearer.
I agree it's not ultimately down to the cruise company, but it would be a nice gesture for their customers - especially given the typical age demographic.
Considering all the other things people have on their minds when preparing for a vacation, and the excitement. It just wouldn’t be something most people would think about, or remember. 🤷🏻♀️ Especially, maybe someone who has never cruised 😢.
I have never worried about this . Never used my phone at all on a cruise. Since they are making you basically use your phone for reservations etc , they need to remind people
After watching videos like this and reading multiple Facebook posts, I am continually amazed that many of these people can actually figure out how to even find the ship. Telling them to put phone in airplane mode will just confuse them. After all, they're not on a plane
Good point. The term "airplane mode" can be confusing to people. It isn't really about airplanes; it's about stopping the apps on your phone from continually using a data connection to continually update themselves.
@@HeatherTravels You're right. A different name makes a lot of difference. A friend of mine wouldn't take a stress test the doctor ordered because, "I have enough stress in my life!"
Thank you the tips. We will be going on our first cruise in Sept. We think it would be nice if they told you about putting the phone in airplane mode at your muster station. Airplanes always make an announcement at the start of the flight.
"Should there be ..." Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes!! The cruise lines should inform their customers of the need to put the phone in airplane mode. The airlines do it on every flight!
As soon as the sail away party is over, I'm in airplane mode! We are with Verizon, so at some ports, like Grand Turks, we can use our phone, but as soon as we are headed back to the ship, back in airplane mode!
Not cruise-related, but my nephew had an unforeseen issue with his phone company when he called his landlady a couple of times, who lives in Australia. In the back of his mind, he knew where she lived, but over the years he had gotten used to just picking up the phone and having unlimited calling. My sister (whose phone plan he was on) called the company and asked if there was anything that could be done, and the operator switched their plan to an international one. It was a smaller amount to pay than the cost of the two calls, it covered those calls that month, and she switched it back to the original the following month. All that to say this: call your phone company instead of your cruise line!
I just made a note in bold on my iPad and phone calendar to remind myself and my family to turn on airplane mode the day we leave on our cruise this September! Thank you!
I do think there should be more signage and/or announcements about turning your phone to airplane mode, but it never ceases to amaze me that some people just don’t do their research or just read what’s on the cruise line’s site.
It would be a nice gesture to have several spots, on the cruise ship, that putting your cell phone in airplane mode, is spotted. Perhaps a sign as you board the ship, one in your stateroom, and also other common areas.
Yes, they should do more to remind people about airplane mode. It's in their best interest since the passengers that end up with large cellphone bills will associate it with the cruise.
I have Verizon and the Travel Pass plan they have is only $10 per line/per day for countries not included in your regular plan. Canada and Mexico are included in my plan, so in these countries I can use my phone like I do in the US and not incur any additional charges. The other countries, for example, Honduras, it would only cost me $10 for the whole day. I just keep Travel Pass activated on my plan and just check to see if the countries Im visiting are in their list. But, I immediately put my phone in airplane mode and activate the ships wifi once on the ship. Once in port, I turn off airplane mode, then turn it back on as soon as I reboard the ship.
Yeah, I really think the cruise line should send a precruise email and have a sign in each state room. Maybe even include it in the muster drill. New cruisers would not know unless told. It just seems like taking that extra step in caring well for their guests.
There should be a note left in each cabin, warning everybody of it so they do it right away and it should say immediately put your phone on airplane mode or your phone carrier will charge you
Nah what should happen is people should read their contracts that they sign and are liable for. It states quite clearly what charges you can incur for what things. The line is not responsible for peoples incompetence and lack of preparation.
In 2010 on my very first cruise, I learned my lesson when I received a bill for $500. I then quickly learned to purchase the Wi-Fi package or at least call your cell phone carrier to see if they have a travel package that will save you if you do not want to buy the Wi-Fi package on the ship. Also I found out that if you are traveling in the Caribbean and you are on a US territory island such as St. Thomas or Puerto Rico there is no roaming charges any phone call you make is like as if you were in the United States but it has to be a US owned territory
I'm happy the camera works in Airplane mode. 🤗 It's the only thing we use our phones for on the ship. 🥂 I think at the muster and at the end of the safety briefing would be nice. Everyone has to do these.
I put a reminder in my phone to put my phone in airplane mode on a ship. When I get home from one cruise, I go ahead and change the date for the next one. That’s been helpful to me.
Yes, you need to call your cellphone company and check for plans BEFORE taking the cruise. And remember that the plan for inside the ship could be different than the one for the port of call; so be sure to ask all the necessary questions.
Signage at your muster station checkin and your stateroom as a reminder may help. My wife told me the first time we started to cruise to put my phone on airplane mode. I asked why, we're not on a plane. She explained and now I'm a little wiser. Excellant posting today love your tips.
My first cruise will be in September. I have watched so many videos to prepare and this is the first I heard of putting my phone in airplane mode. Thank you for sharing!
Also don’t forget that those ‘Perks’ of a everything included … you WILL PAY GRATUITY ON THOSE ADDED ALCOHOL PACKAGES EVEN IF YOU DONT USE IT!!! This happened to me- NCL did the all inclusive thing and instead of saying no because I don’t drink I thought my guest may want a drink. Holy cow- I paid gratuity on both packages!!! We didn’t drink one drink! Also those extra dinner thing? Forget about getting a reservation / better off showing up hoping someone did not show up. IMO
On my recent trip to Europe I bought an Orange Sim Card that came with 12 gigs of data and unlimited text and phone calls within Europe and 30 mins and 200 texts to North America. It cost about $40 Canadian. It was good for 14 days.
Beware roaming charges. It will only be "free" if you disable roaming. Your carrier may not have service in some areas. Be sure you know how. Double check with a crew member. Look at your carriers map of service.
They don't all have regular muster drills. They have them on the TV and on your phones. People don't always listen to the safety videos so why would you expect them to listen about the phone instructions at that time.
Possibly put a sign in your staterooms to remind us to use airplane mode. Cruise prices have increased greatly. I think the cruise line would want to make our cruise as comfortable as possible. Astronomical phone bills can totally sour your view of cruising!
As a first time cruiser a couple years ago, I was paranoid about it, and was happy to see and hear reminders. Royal Caribbean Harmony. Not to mention all the research we did. We also learned a lot from cruiser comments. It's easy to miss things with all the excitement. Still on us though!
The cruise lines have ridiculous prices for internet but many now are giving minutes away for booking the cruise to begin with. Loyalty plans also add extra time. We got 5 hours free on the NCL cruise we just finished and unlimited included on the Celebrity Beyond in January. If you need extra, use the free service at almost every port you stop at.
I really do like your information you provide on cruises. This one on cell phone use on cruises was very informative. We had a hefty bill after our first cruise we took. After a helpful phone call with our cell phone provider we were educated on what we should do on future trips. Yes,! I agree the cruise lines should provide a helpful suggestion that passengers put their devices on airplane mode.
Hi Llana I love your RU-vid videos. I think definitely on embarkation day there should be an announcement about turning phones to airplane mode. Also advance warning about internet packages. Myself and my 14 year old twin daughters are cruising from Venice in July. Last year the internet access was a big issue for them (and v expensive for me). Big hug from Dublin. Clodagh
I avoid the fee by using a pre-paid cell plan. (Cheaper than most major providers.) If I don't have coverage, I don't have service. My plan covers Mexico to Canada. I also don't bother with on board wi-fi. I'm on vacation.
Princess has a printed instruction sheet in your cabin on boarding day explaining to go to Airplane and how to use Medallion Net. It was easy to follow and we've never experienced any additional charges.
ALWAYS call your provider about coverage. They even tell you to put your phone on airline mode for a cruise, at least mine does, Verizon. They even told me how to keep the phone on ship time, or change it manually if you want, how to deal with using your phone on the islands. I've always seen signage in booking information, check in information, getting on board etc. If you download the cruise line app, which they all recommend and announce on board before sail away, it is there also.
On our Alaska cruises many people get caught because they assume that since they are cruising up the Canada coast that they are ok with their Canada or US plan. But you do travel outside of the cell coverage, especially on the outside of Queen Charlotte Island/Haidi Gwai and it cost them!! 😕. Best not to assume what cell coverage you have based on the land you can see. 😊
I'm taking my first cruise in July. I would never have known to put my phone and iPad on airplane mode on the cruise ship if not for your videos Ilana....thank you! Definitely, the cruise ships should do as much as they can to let the passengers know this and what options are available to them. I have learned so much watching your videos and I feel that I am totally prepared for my first cruise. Thanks again for all your knowledge and cruise tips! ❤
Two things that I always do when vacation overseas whether on a cruise or land vacation. First, I always purchase an international plan with my phone carrier. At least one of my family members will have phone full service while traveling. Second, I always keep contact number of the nearest US embassy in each port, just in case we are in a distress situation. Last year my family and I went on our first Mediterranean cruise with Celebrity, and I noticed Celebrity lists the phone number of US embassy on the daily cruise schedule. I think that is very helpful.
Yes, cruise lines should remind passengers to put their phones in airplane mode. The airlines do this, so why not cruise lines. In fact, we have an upcoming cruise to Alaska, and this is the first time I've heard about how to set your phone. Thank you for the tip.
We used to pay for the AT&T international plan but, as I recall, we did not even need to notify AT$T before our last cruise. We were charged $10 per phone per day when we used our phones for text, calls or data unless we were using WiFi to communicate. There was a maximum monthly charge that was about the same as the prior International Plan. On a recent cruise we received a message on our phones from AT&T when our ship entered international waters at which point we switched them to airplane mode.
Hi Ilana. First, from my experience, in every cruise newsletter there are instructions on cell phone protocol. I guess the cruise lines could put these instructions in bold and highlighted? I can’t imagine not researching this policy before getting on the ship. Second, I always buy an internet package. Even though the packages aren’t a bargain, they’re useful. (I don’t make actual phone calls while on a cruise.)
I don’t know. I’ve only been on 2 cruises, Princess and NCL, and in the instructions for using the on board internet the first thing it says is to put your device in airplane mode.
I knew about the airplane mode but it would be nice if the ships had a sign when you are getting on, or at checkin, or in your room, or all of the above. Some people don’t have time to research their travels beforehand. Me on the other hand research every minute detail a year in advance!😂
I always put my phone on airplane mode the moment I notice the ship pulls away from the port. I never pay for an internet package because I use that time to disconnect and just enjoy the experience.
Thank you for another great video. FYI, I took your past advice about things to do before your cruise and I made a dental appointment the week before I went. They actually found a problem and I have made a follow up appointment for when I get back home and I have measures in place if my mouth gives me a problem during the trip. YOU ARE THE BEST!
Thank you for the reminder!!! Going on the Sun Princess next month (haven't cruised in years) and had TOTALLY forgotten about this. I need to do more studying, review our Plus plan, and call the phone company.
I thought it was pretty well communicated that my phone should be in Airplane Mode while on my cruise. It was stated on the Carnival App. I think it was on the info Carnival sent me, and I actually did read. But mostly it was on several videos on RU-vid that I watch in preparation for my Cruise.
We always put our phones on airplane mode. I just got off an MSC cruise last month, and we sailed with them the same time last year, and even though our cell phones were on airplane mode, I noticed I was getting text and then learned later on I could send text. I have an iPhone, so it was only from iPhone to iPhone. I have not gotten any extra charges on my bill. I just thought this was kind of interesting.
2 things. 1) just saying "welcome" would suffice. You don't need to say "welcome back" 2) why put your phone in airplane mode if you have bought the internet package? Airplane mode turns off internet.
All the cruise line could and should do concerning notifications about airplane mode is to make that part of the login not allowing the device to use the onboard internet until it is in airplane mode!
Went on our first cruise for our 25th Wedding Anniversary this past March. We were surprised with a $489 bill a few weeks after returning home from our cell phone company. We purchased the expensive wifi/communication package onboard for wifeys phone that cost $216. I chalked it up to fool me once.
On our last cruise we did put our phones in airplane mode and i was surprised that we still received calls but never answered them! What would have been the charges? We thought that airplane mod would have prevented calls from going through. We do always turn off airplane mode because we do get texting and data covered and pay for minutes used for that country. I do agree that calling your carrier to get the proper information. Princess wants everyone to put their phones in airplane mode and then connect to the medallion app which connects you to the ship. We use the premier package which allows us to see schedules, excursions and everything else that is happening on the ship. It also allows you to keep track of where everyone one is which helps to find out where people are, when it works.
