How to Text on a Cruise Ship for Free Apps, Tips and Hacks

Table Of Content

• Royal Caribbean's onboard messaging system is now free: Here's how it works
• More Royal Caribbean
• Final Thoughts about Free Texting while on a Cruise
• How to text on a cruise ship for free with cruise line apps
• How to Save Money on a Cruise: 22+ Tips and Tricks
• What a Solis Hotspot Allows us to Do with Ease on Cruises

And on the cruise ship they do all that, plus they are useful for the cruise line’s app, which features schedules, maps, and more, all right on your phone. It is possible to text on a cruise ship for free, and you can do it. Scroll back to the top of the article to see the best way to do so without incurring any additional mobile or roaming charges. For example, T-Mobile offers plans that can be accessed from multiple countries. The Simple Choice plan charges $0.25 per minute for calls, with calls from Canada and Mexico being free.

Royal Caribbean's onboard messaging system is now free: Here's how it works

Now they are our social lives, our entertainment devices, our cameras, and more. In some cases, it may not be entirely possible to avoid charges altogether. You can lessen the charges by taking advantage of free Wi-Fi networks at docking points. Otherwise, you might incur insurmountable roaming fees without knowing.

More Royal Caribbean

So, turn off your data and cellular roaming to avoid nasty surprises. Knowledge is power, and by getting a handle on these two crucial elements, you’re well on your way to maintaining your freedom to communicate without breaking the bank. Each option has its pros and cons, and it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Using the ship’s Wi-Fi for messaging apps can be a convenient option, allowing you to text for free as long as you are connected to the ship’s network. The ship’s messaging service is another alternative that offers free communication among passengers on the same ship. Utilizing port Wi-Fi can provide access to free or low-cost internet at various port stops, enhancing your ability to stay connected while exploring new destinations.

Final Thoughts about Free Texting while on a Cruise

These fees can quickly add up, especially for longer cruises or if you frequently communicate via text. Once you depart from the port on a cruise ship, your phone switches to roaming mode so that you stay connected. Unfortunately, this comes with hefty charges from your service provider. If you want to avoid cell phone charges while on a cruise, your best bet is to switch your phone to airplane mode. Utilizing messaging apps and onboard messaging services provided by the cruise line can enhance your texting experience and allow you to communicate with fellow passengers conveniently. However, be mindful of any limitations, charges, or specific network requirements imposed by the cruise line.

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If you use text messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, WeChat, or WhatsApp, you can use them on a cruise ship whenever you have an internet connection. Many cruisers who use the free ShipMate app for cruise roll calls also use that app to message other passengers on the ship. After you leave port and your cruise ship is about nine to twelve miles out at sea, the ship will connect to the at-sea provider. If you don’t put your phone in airplane mode before this point, once your phone loses the closest cell tower signal it will automatically connect to this service. That’s why cruise ships utilize at-sea providers like Wireless Maritime Services or Cellular at Sea. Once you have typed in the cruise ship’s sailing details, you will get access to deck plans, details about the ports of call, dining information, and onboard entertainment options.

Each cruise line may have its own pricing structure, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific details for your chosen cruise. The satellite connectivity they rely on can be spotty and speeds fluctuate. So, while you might be able to send a text, don’t expect to stream movies. It’s best to plan for limited connectivity and enjoy the freedom of being unplugged during your voyage. There are several messaging app options available such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage that allow you to send texts and make calls for free as long as you have a wifi connection.

Using Ship’s Messaging Service

Overall, there are plenty of maritime network alternatives available for sending messages on a cruise ship, so there’s no need to break the bank. While there is no chat function in the Viking Voyager app, Wi-Fi is part of the cruise fare across all of Viking’s ocean and river ships. This means that guests are able to text and call each other for free over Wi-Fi as well as anyone they wish who is off the ship.

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The average roaming fee charged by most carriers is about $2.00 per MB. Some offer special travel plans that allow you to continue using domestic plans while at the port. These might cost you about $5 to $10 a day for calls, texts, and data. Modern ships are continuously working to improve and provide better cell phone and internet services as time goes by. By following these tips, you can enhance your texting experience and maximize your connectivity while onboard a cruise ship.

What a Solis Hotspot Allows us to Do with Ease on Cruises

Let’s face it - the main reason why people always have to carry their phones on vacation is because of its camera feature. So if that’s really the only reason why you want to keep your phone within reach, you might be better off with a camera. If your cruise line isn’t listed here, then there is no app at this time. Prices are not set in stone, but vary between around $15-25 a day.

If set up correctly on your phone, your calls, texts will be routed through Voom. If you want to get in contact with someone on land, there are two options. Value ($20 per day) — Offers everything in the Social package, with the addition of popular news, weather, banking, finance, and entertainment sites. However, it still doesn’t allow streaming or Skype/FaceTime calling. Your calling rates will be exceptionally high compared to what you normally incur while at home.

The Royal iQ app can be used exclusively for texting and calling when you are onboard several Royal Caribbean Cruise ships. These liners include the Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and Quantum of the Seas. Read on to learn more about how to text on a cruise ship for free, including the free texting apps for each major cruise line. Take all the snaps you want with your point-and-shoot, and save them to edit and upload when you get home. This should prevent you from fiddling with your phone, letting you safely tuck away your mobile device and avoid network charges.

It might be expensive, and there are several details you need to know about how your phone uses cell service at sea — or the shipboard wi-fi — before you get started. However, keep in mind that purchasing and using multiple SIM cards can be time-consuming, especially if you need to go through the activation process each time. Additionally, some countries may have their own coverage limitations or compatibility issues for certain phone models. Do your research and assess the feasibility of purchasing and using local SIM cards based on your specific cruise itinerary and phone compatibility. The use of a complimentary messaging system while onboard has already proved to be very helpful to guests. As a traveler who likes to save when they can, I appreciate Royal Caribbean deciding to include this feature as a complimentary service in their app.

Even if there is Internet aboard your ship, it may not be as fast as what you’re used to back home. Be sure to join my email list for my best cruise tips and handpicked deals each week.

Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Disney Cruise Line, for example, is one of our favorites because they let you text on their cruise ships for free within their “Disney Cruise Line Navigator” app.

Cruise ships have their own Wi-Fi systems that allow passengers to access the internet and communicate with the outside world. However, the availability, speed, and cost of internet access can vary significantly from ship to ship. If you don’t have access to free wifi, some cruise lines offer their own messaging apps that you can download for a fee. These apps allow you to communicate with others on the ship who also have the app installed. The chat feature also has a group setting so family members or a group of friends can communicate within the same conversation. The app works on all ships in the fleet, and cruisers do not need a separate internet package.

If your wireless network isn’t working well in one spot, find somewhere else that does offer good services, such as a lounge area, room, or dining hall, and log onto the network there. However, many ships still have no internet or Wi-Fi access at all. This blog helps over a million people to plan their cruises each month. To find free wifi hotspots in ports, you could get a free wifi finder app, or just ask a crew member as you disembark. When you’re on land, texting is often the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to keep in touch with people. There is no cost to use Royal Caribbean's app (this changed in 2023, as there used to be a charge).

Royal Caribbean's onboard messaging system is now free: Here's how it works

Table Of Content

• How Can I Send an SMS Text Message?
• Utilizing Ship’s Wi-Fi for Messaging Apps
• Check with Your Carrier
• MSC Cruises
• Understanding the limitations of texting on a cruise ship

Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices. We can’t do an article about texting without mentioning what can go wrong if you have your phone settings incorrectly set, so please read this carefully. As soon as you try to send a regular SMS text (you know the “green” ones), it won’t work.

How Can I Send an SMS Text Message?

Surprisingly, there is no in-app texting available, however you can access a Sailor Services chat function if you need customer support, day or night. What you can do with the app — this being Virgin — is shake your phone for Champagne or order snacks to your cabin using Ship Eats. It’s a good idea to check your coverage zone with your phone provider before your cruise departs, especially if you’re cruising outside of your home country.

Utilizing Ship’s Wi-Fi for Messaging Apps

For instance, cruise ship guests who want more than the social network plan can get access to news, sports, and email services by paying more. They offer daily rates at an average of $14.99 a day, or a discounted weekly rate depending on how long your cruise ship is going to last. Keep in mind though that these rates change depending on what websites and online services you want to access.

Check with Your Carrier

Furthermore, sometimes messages never come through – even after you get home. Before disembarking, ask a crew member whether you will be able to connect to a network. They are familiar with the best areas to pick up free good signals. Norwegian Cruise Line frequently has Free at Sea promotions where guests can receive unlimited open bar, free airfare, excursions, specialty dining, internet, and a free third or fourth guest. Small ships, like river cruises, include it for all (which is just another reason we say river cruises are more affordable than you think – they include a lot!).

This means that sending and receiving text messages may experience delays, and you may encounter difficulties when trying to establish a stable connection. Going on a cruise is an exciting experience, but staying connected with friends and family while at sea can be a challenge, particularly when it comes to texting. Many cruise lines charge exorbitant fees for onboard texting services or Wi-Fi packages, leaving passengers searching for alternative ways to stay in touch without breaking the bank. Luckily, there are several options available for those looking to text for free on a cruise. Using my phone’s data plan on land does not directly apply to using it on a cruise.

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Especially if they’re not cruisers, they might not realize you won’t even see their messages if you’re not connected to the pricy at-sea provider on the ship. None of these cruise lines require you to purchase an internet package to use their apps. However, some of them—including Norwegian and Carnival—charge a small fee to use the chat function during your cruise.

Understanding the limitations of texting on a cruise ship

We will also discuss other alternatives like offline messaging apps, satellite phones, international roaming plans, and purchasing local SIM cards. Understanding Wi-Fi access on a cruise ship can feel like navigating a labyrinth, but it’s an essential step towards sending free texts while onboard. Second, understand that Wi-Fi availability at sea can be unpredictable. Depending on the ship’s location, you may experience slow speeds or intermittent connectivity. To mitigate these issues, you could consider purchasing a Wi-Fi plan onboard, but remember, they’re often pricey.

Most cruise ships today have “Cellular at Sea” or “Wireless Maritime Services” that they use to give cell signals to their passengers and crew members. You can connect to the cellular service or WiFi of the ship and then send a text message or an SMS through the internet for free. Fortunately, modern-day cruise ships have already considered that. So they have a bunch of options on board to help you stay connected with your family, friends, and whoever else you might need to contact while you’re sailing away on vacation. Through the wi-fi offered on your cruise ship, you should be able to connect and use your phone just as you would on land.

With this cruise ship app, you don’t need the roaming service of a service provider to communicate with others. As soon as the cruise ship sails, you can switch your phone to roaming mode to stay connected. However, you will be charged by your carrier a huge amount for this service. You can avoid these hefty charges by turning your device to airplane mode. If you do this, all your wireless connections will be turned off until you turn them on again.

You’d be surprised how many services offer free offline messaging through your mobile phone. Apps like Firechat, Bridgefy, Hike, and Signal Offline Messenger let you send text messages for free without WiFi or cellular data required. Keep in mind though that some of these apps might lose their ability to send messages especially when you’re too far out at sea.

With cruise ships getting bigger and bigger, this is actually a very useful feature. Alternatively, you can purchase a Wi-Fi package at a discounted rate leading up to your cruise. Cruise lines often provide deals to passengers before embarkation, making it an excellent opportunity to grab a cost-effective Wi-Fi package. This way, you can have access to the internet onboard and text throughout your cruise without breaking the bank. If you’re an iPhone user, you are in luck when it comes to texting on a cruise ship for free.

Using BlueTooth, your Apple phone or laptop can send images back and forth between devices. You can also use AirDrop from your iPhone to another nearby iPhone or device, which makes it easy to keep up with sharing all the selfies. We break down what you need to do to ensure it won't cost you a fortune. Lots of new cruisers have returned home from a relaxing cruise only to discover they’ve run up a huge phone bill, even if they never made any calls or sent a single text message.

Other carriers offer discounts depending on the country visited and the plan bought. If your carrier doesn’t offer services overseas, consider moving to one that does to cater for your traveling needs so you can text for free from a cruise ship. In the next section, we’ll provide you with some tips for efficient texting on a cruise ship to make sure you have a smooth and enjoyable communication experience. Upton check-in day, guests can connect to the ships wifi and use the Royal Caribbean app and the messaging for free. For many frequent cruise travelers, the first step to planning any voyage is downloading the cruise line’s app. Royal Caribbean’s app has many helpful features for guests to use and enjoy complimentary while onboard, and prior to their trip.

It’s always wise to test out these apps before your cruise to ensure you’re comfortable using them. Start utilizing onboard messaging apps and services, and you’ll find it’s a clever way to stay connected without racking up costly fees. Maximizing onboard messaging apps is straightforward, and can be achieved with a few simple steps. However, you will need an internet package to use the service via Wi-Fi on your phone. Many cruise ports offer complimentary Wi-Fi in their waiting areas, cafes, or even in terminals. To use this, simply connect to the available network, and enable Wi-Fi on your device.