Many people, while eager to take a vacation, are reluctant to cut all ties with home while traveling.
Whether you need to check on a loved one, or just want to brag to your buddies about all the fun you’re having, there are several ways to stay in touch while out at sea.
All staterooms are equipped with satellite telephones and you can make calls to land. They will cost you a pretty penny to use: the rates range from $7.00 to $13.00 per minute.
Personal cell phones will work on most modern ships. The cost will depend on your service provider. You will need to check your individual plan, but most do not include international calls.
Call your service provider and let them know you will be traveling outside the US and ask about the options. Most have several different international plans you can add to your existing plan. In most cases you just have to keep the additional plan for 1 month and it can significantly cut down on the price you pay for those calls. The cost is usually around $2.49 per minute which is still a much cheaper than calling from your stateroom.
Make sure you tell your cell phone provider each place your cruise stops, because the prices can vary from port to port and may be different than while at sea. Texting may be the cheaper way to go.
Most ships now also have an internet café, so you can email, update your Facebook status and read your favorite blog, The Escape Plan, while on your cruise. Each cruise line has their own internet packages to choose from and the prices vary depending on how long you intend to be logged on.
So if you just can’t quite break the ties to the main land rest assured, you have options to stay connected @ sea!
originally published 2/17/11
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