Going on a cruise is an adventure. But staying connected with the world back home is often necessary.

Whether you’re keeping in touch with family, handling business, or just sharing your experience, making calls from a cruise ship is possible.

However, it’s important to understand how the system works, what options you have, and how much it might cost.

This post dives into everything you need to know about making international calls on a cruise.

We’ll discuss different methods, potential costs, and ways to save money while staying connected.

How Do International Calls Work on a Cruise?

When you’re at sea, your phone can’t connect to the usual land-based cell towers.

Instead, cruise ships use satellites to provide a connection.

This system allows phones to work in the middle of the ocean, but it comes with a few catches.

• Satellite Connection: Cruise ships rely on satellite networks to maintain phone and internet connections.
  
  Unlike the land-based networks you’re used to, satellite signals take longer to travel, which can lead to delays in calls.

• Roaming Charges: Most carriers charge extra fees for using international roaming services while you’re connected to a satellite.
  
  This means your regular cell phone plan likely won’t cover these charges, and calls can become very expensive.

Can I Make International Calls from a Cruise Ship?

Yes, you can make international calls while on a cruise.

Cruise ships offer multiple ways to make calls, including through your mobile provider, the ship’s phone system, or over Wi-Fi using communication apps.

However, it’s important to know that these options come with different costs.

Satellite-based phone service is not cheap, and international calls can cost a lot more than what you’re used to paying on land.

Understanding how to manage these costs will make a big difference.

---

Enhance Your Cruise Experience:

In-Cabin	In-Port	General
Magnetic Hooks: Maximize cabin space by hanging items	Portable Safe: Secure valuables during excursions	Portable Power Strip: Cruise-approved, non-surge-protected strip
Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer: Great for accessories and toiletries	Mini Binoculars: Perfect for nature sightseeing	Motion Sickness Bands: Prepare for rough seas
Travel-Sized Wrinkle Release Spray: Keep clothing fresh and wrinkle-free	Bug Repellent Wipes: Avoid insect bites	Beach Towel Clips: Secure your towel to loungers
Suction Cup Hooks: Easy to reposition for hanging lightweight items	Portable Water Filter: Ensure clean water availability	Portable Solar Charger: Recharge gadgets in the sun

---

Methods to Make International Calls on a Cruise

1. Using Your Mobile Provider

One of the easiest ways to make calls is by using your own mobile phone.

But if you’re planning to do this, you’ll want to check with your provider before the cruise.

Many mobile carriers offer international or cruise ship packages that include call and data options.

These packages are designed specifically for travelers at sea.

Here are the main things to consider when using your mobile provider:

• Roaming Plans: Some carriers, such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, offer cruise-specific plans that include international calling, texting, and data usage.
  
  Without one of these plans, you’ll be hit with high roaming fees.
  
  Roaming charges can cost upwards of $5 per minute for calls, and data fees can add up fast.

• Cruise Ship Packages: Some providers have special packages just for cruises.
  
  For example, AT&T has a cruise package with reduced rates for calls, texts, and data.
  
  These packages vary in cost, but they’re usually more affordable than standard roaming rates.

• Roaming Activation: To use your phone on a cruise, you’ll likely need to activate international roaming.
  
  Be sure to do this before you board. Roaming rates can change depending on where your cruise travels, so ask your carrier for details about your destination.

Pros:

• Convenient, as you can use your regular phone.
• Offers coverage even when far from land.

Cons:

• High roaming fees if you don’t have a package.
• Signal quality can vary, especially in remote areas.

2. Ship’s Phone Service

Every cruise ship has its own phone service, often accessible through the phones located in your cabin.

These phones use the ship’s satellite connection to make calls, and you can dial internationally with no problem.

However, the convenience comes at a cost.

• High Call Rates: The rates for using the ship’s phone system are typically very high.
  
  You can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $10 per minute for international calls.
  
  This can add up quickly if you’re making multiple or long calls.

• Accessible in Emergencies: The ship’s phone system is always reliable in emergencies.
  
  If you need to make an urgent international call, this might be your best option.
  
  However, for non-urgent communication, it’s wise to explore cheaper alternatives.

Pros:

• Available at any time.

• Reliable signal, even in the middle of the ocean.

Cons:

• Very expensive, usually $5-$10 per minute.

• Less convenient than using your mobile phone or apps.

3. Cruise Ship Wi-Fi

In recent years, cruise ships have made significant improvements to their onboard Wi-Fi services.

Many now offer internet packages that allow passengers to browse the web, stream videos, and even make calls.

With Wi-Fi, you can use apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice to make international calls.

This option is often much cheaper than using the ship’s phone system or roaming services.

• Wi-Fi Packages: Most cruise lines sell internet packages based on usage or time.
  
  Some packages offer unlimited access, while others limit the amount of data you can use.
  
  Prices vary by cruise line, but they typically range from $10 to $30 per day.

• Using Communication Apps: Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice allow you to make voice or video calls over Wi-Fi.
  
  As long as you have a decent internet connection, this can be an inexpensive way to stay in touch.
  
  Keep in mind, though, that cruise ship Wi-Fi can be slower than what you’re used to on land.
  
  Call quality might suffer if the connection is poor.

Pros:

• Often cheaper than using mobile roaming or ship phones.

• Allows you to use apps for free or low-cost international calls.

Cons:

• Wi-Fi speed may be slow, affecting call quality.

• Wi-Fi packages can still be expensive, especially for high-speed access.

Which Apps to Use for International Calls on a Cruise

When you have access to Wi-Fi, using apps to make international calls is often the best option.

These apps are either free or charge much lower rates than mobile providers or the ship’s phone system.

Here are some of the best apps for making international calls on a cruise:

• WhatsApp: This app is popular for messaging, but it also allows you to make free voice and video calls to other WhatsApp users.
  
  It’s one of the easiest and cheapest ways to stay in touch while on a cruise.
  
  Just make sure the person you’re calling also has WhatsApp installed.

• Skype: Skype has long been a go-to for international calling.
  
  You can make free calls to other Skype users or pay a low fee to call a landline or mobile number.
  
  Skype works well over slower Wi-Fi connections, making it a reliable option on a cruise.

• Google Voice: If you have a Google Voice account, you can make international calls at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional calling methods.
  
  This app also allows for free calls to other Google Voice users and low-cost calls to landlines and mobile phones.

• Facebook Messenger: Many people use Facebook Messenger for chatting, but it also offers free voice and video calls.
  
  As long as you’re connected to Wi-Fi, you can use this app to stay in touch with family and friends around the world.

Benefits of Using Wi-Fi Apps:

• Most are free for app-to-app calls.

• Lower rates for calling landlines or mobile numbers.

• Easy to use and widely available.

Challenges:

• Call quality may suffer if the ship’s Wi-Fi is slow.

• You need to ensure the person you’re calling has the same app.

Wi-Fi Packages on Major Cruise Lines

If you plan to use Wi-Fi for international calls, you’ll need to purchase an internet package.

Here’s a breakdown of Wi-Fi options on all major cruise lines leaving from the United States:

• Royal Caribbean: Their “VOOM” internet is known as one of the fastest at sea.
  
  Packages start at around $12 per day for basic browsing and go up to $20 per day for high-speed streaming, ideal for calls and video chats.

• Carnival: Carnival offers a range of Wi-Fi plans.
  
  The “Social Plan” is the cheapest, allowing access to social media apps like WhatsApp, but not for calls.
  
  The “Premium Plan,” priced at about $17 per day, offers faster speeds suitable for video calls.

• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): NCL’s internet plans include a “Basic” package for light browsing and a “Premium” package for faster speeds, costing around $30 per day.
  
  You can use the faster package to make calls over Wi-Fi without too much lag.

• Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity offers various Wi-Fi plans that allow passengers to connect multiple devices.
  
  Prices range from $15 to $30 per day, depending on the speed and number of devices.

• Princess Cruises: Princess has their “MedallionNet” service, which is highly regarded for its reliability.
  
  Plans start at $10 per day, and it’s suitable for making calls over Wi-Fi.

• MSC Cruises: MSC offers Wi-Fi packages that are charged based on data usage or time.
  
  Plans typically range from $8 to $20 per day depending on the level of service you choose.

• Disney Cruise Line: Disney offers Wi-Fi packages priced by the amount of data used.
  
  The packages are a bit more expensive, with rates starting at $19 per day, but they are reliable enough for calls.

• Holland America Line: They offer three types of packages, starting from $10 per day for the “Social” plan and going up to $30 per day for the “Premium” plan, suitable for calls and video chats.

Each cruise line offers different levels of service, so choose a package that suits your calling needs.

If you plan to make frequent calls or need high-quality video chats, it’s worth investing in a faster Wi-Fi plan

.

How Much Do International Calls Cost on a Cruise?

Let’s break down the costs associated with making international calls on a cruise:

• Using Your Mobile Provider: Roaming charges on a cruise can be extremely high.
  
  If you don’t have a cruise package, expect to pay $3 to $10 per minute for international calls.
  
  Data usage is also expensive, with rates often reaching $15 per MB, so avoid using your phone’s data connection unless you have a special plan.

• Ship’s Phone Service: The ship’s phone system is another expensive option.
  
  Expect to pay $5 to $10 per minute for international calls. While reliable, this should only be used for urgent calls.

• Wi-Fi Calls: If you’re making calls using apps like WhatsApp or Skype, the only cost you’ll incur is for the Wi-Fi package.
  
  Depending on the cruise line, you could pay between $10 to $30 per day for unlimited Wi-Fi.
  
  For occasional calls, this is a more affordable option.

Tips to Save Money on International Calls During a Cruise

Nobody wants to spend a fortune on phone calls while on vacation.

Here are some tips to help reduce costs:

• Activate a Cruise Plan with Your Carrier: Before you leave, check if your carrier offers a cruise package.
  
  These plans often include reduced rates for calls and data usage.
  
  They are usually much cheaper than standard roaming charges.

• Use Wi-Fi-Based Apps: Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Facebook Messenger allow you to make calls over Wi-Fi for free or at a low cost.
  
  This is the most affordable way to make international calls on a cruise.

• Download Apps Before the Cruise: Make sure you download and set up any apps before boarding the ship.
  
  The ship’s Wi-Fi can be slow, so it’s best to be prepared ahead of time.

• Use Wi-Fi in Port: When your ship is docked, look for free Wi-Fi spots in cafes or restaurants.
  
  This can be a great way to make international calls without paying for the ship’s internet.

• Turn on Airplane Mode: To avoid accidental roaming charges, set your phone to airplane mode once you board the ship.
  
  This will prevent your phone from connecting to the ship’s satellite network, which can result in high charges.

Texting on a Cruise: Is It Cheaper?

Texting internationally while on a cruise is possible, but it’s also expensive if you’re not using Wi-Fi.

If you rely on your phone’s carrier, sending and receiving texts can cost $0.50 to $1 per text.

To avoid these fees, use Wi-Fi-based messaging apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, or Facebook Messenger.

These apps allow you to send texts for free as long as you’re connected to the ship’s Wi-Fi.

What Happens if My Call Doesn’t Go Through?

If your call won’t connect, there are a few things you can try:

• Try a Different App: If one app isn’t working, try using another.
  
  Some apps work better than others on slower connections.

• Wait Until You’re Closer to Shore: Sometimes the ship’s satellite connection improves as you approach land.
  
  If your call won’t go through, try waiting until the ship is closer to port.

• Ask for Help at Guest Services: If you’re having trouble with the ship’s phone system, guest services can assist you.
  
  They may be able to help you make the call, especially in an emergency.

Reach Out and Touch

Making international calls on a cruise is possible, but it’s not as simple or cheap as calling from land.

Whether you’re using your mobile provider, the ship’s phone system, or a Wi-Fi app, there are multiple options available to stay connected.

Just be aware of the costs involved and plan ahead.

To save money, consider purchasing a Wi-Fi package and using apps like WhatsApp or Skype.

These methods offer the best balance between affordability and reliability.

Before you board, make sure you’ve checked with your mobile provider about roaming charges or cruise packages to avoid any surprises on your bill.

Stay connected, but more importantly, enjoy your cruise!

Plan Your Next Cruise!

---

Explore More