AGAIN with the texting on the cruise ship. Can it work?

[nunzia]

I'm with Verizon and I like to have the ability to receive texts on board. The charge of .5 to get a text and .50 to send is fine. This worked ONCE, but lately I can't seem to have it work, since we never seem to have 'service'. From what I read you need LTE..ok I have that. I turn off data, but how do I set it up to actually pull in texts or is this just not possible on open water even though Verizon says it is? Anyone have any tips? I generally get an internet package and check email, FB Messenger quickly a couple times, but I'd like to just be able to text.

 

[insureman]

I'm with Verizon and I like to have the ability to receive texts on board. The charge of .5 to get a text and .50 to send is fine. This worked ONCE, but lately I can't seem to have it work, since we never seem to have 'service'. From what I read you need LTE..ok I have that. I turn off data, but how do I set it up to actually pull in texts or is this just not possible on open water even though Verizon says it is? Anyone have any tips? I generally get an internet package and check email, FB Messenger quickly a couple times, but I'd like to just be able to text.

We use the Verizon Messages + app. All you need is wifi if you don't have a phone signal.
https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/verizon-messages-faqs/

 

[cmwade77]

Ouch.......AT&T is free incoming texts and $0.25 to send. Tmobile.com has a reasonably priced unlimited text package for the length of your cruise last I checked.

I knew Verizon was more expensive, But that is outrageous.

 

[nunzia]

We use the Verizon Messages + app. All you need is wifi if you don't have a phone signal.
https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/verizon-messages-faqs/

But don't I have to hooked up to ship wifi to do that? If I'm on the wifi being charged, can't I just text without an app?

 

[KashasMom]

But don't I have to hooked up to ship wifi to do that? If I'm on the wifi being charged, can't I just text without an app?

You don't need an app - just make sure your roaming is off. Go to settings, More Networks, Mobile Networks, Global Data Roaming Access - then make sure you highlight Deny data roaming access. You can leave your WiFi on so you can connect to the free spots in the islands. (You do not have to hook up to the ship.) The text messages/notifications should just come in as they normally do at home.

 

[insureman]

But don't I have to hooked up to ship wifi to do that? If I'm on the wifi being charged, can't I just text without an app?

You don't need an app - just make sure your roaming is off. Go to settings, More Networks, Mobile Networks, Global Data Roaming Access - then make sure you highlight Deny data roaming access. You can leave your WiFi on so you can connect to the free spots in the islands. (You do not have to hook up to the ship.) The text messages/notifications should just come in as they

Except it still won't work on the ship without an app that uses wifi for texting or you pay for the Cellular at Sea service.

 

[KashasMom]

Except it still won't work on the ship without an app that uses wifi for texting or you pay for the Cellular at Sea service.

I used it in August - didn't use an app and I paid the Verizon Cruise Ship rates - I don't know if that falls under Cellular at Sea but I didn't do anything special or different than I do at home to access my texts. This is the Cruise Ship plan I used - https://www.verizonwireless.com/solutions-and-services/international-travel/.