anyone rented a satellite phone?

[elainabelle]

My aunt is hopefully going on her very first cruise with us next month on the Western Magic. She is beginning to talk about cancelling. She is the primary care provider for my grandparents and they have been failing the last couple of months. She said she may consider still going if she can have daily contact with them. I told her she can always call from the ship but it will be expensive and that she can be contacted when she is on the ship, again at a stiff price. I also told her of the internet options. Someone in the family mentioned the possibility of renting a satellite phone and that this may be a cheaper option. Has anyone done this and if so how was it and what company did you use?

Thanks

 

[Capt_BJ]

I have used portable satellite phones, at sea, for several years; Iridium and INMARSAT Mini-M. You should be aware that

a) the connect time is still fairly expensive - however, yes it will not include the mark-up the cruiseline charges ~ $1.50 per minute

b) portable SAT phones need a clear line of sight to the satellite. In other words, they tend not to work well inside the ship. They work better when used outside or if an outside antenna could be rigged.

I'd recommend the internet e-mail option but if you really want a sat phone you could start at http://www.rentcell.com/rent-satellite-phone.htm

 

[cruisinluver]

Why is she worried about the price of phone calls when the cost to leave the ship and get airfare home would far exceed any savings of a sat phone?

 

[elainabelle]

Thanks for the info and for the link.

 

[BearFan]

I just asked my frequently traveling friend about a satellite phone for our August transatlantic cruise. She used Planetfone and was very pleased with them and their service. They seem reasonable but I really haven't priced anyone else yet. They website is http://www.planetfone.com. Our regular Cingular phone with sim card works at both the eastern and western ports but not while out at sea. I'm just thinking about over the Atlantic for us. Best of luck!

BearFan

 

[tampaguys]

I have rented phones previously from outfittersatellite.com when traveling in areas not covered by cellular service, and plan to do the same for my first cruise in February. I don't have any direct experience with rentcell.com (which Capt_BJ suggested), but since they both seem to be reputable businesses, I'd suggest going with whichever would give you a better price.

 

[Capt_BJ]

For the record, I never rented from these guys, they're just the first one that came up on a Google search and their info seemed reasonable.

My experience is all with 'company equipment'.

Also note that if all you need is 'daily' connectivity and not 24X7 you can talk to your cellular provider about international coverage. You may be able to get covered in all the islands for an extra fee - for 1 month. But that won't cover you on days @ sea or on CC so far as I know.

This does vary by provider and your phone.

And then again....and this is not intended as crass but "I've been there", if the ship is doing a day at sea and you get a call at 6am that there is a problem... what'cha gonna do? There are no cabs or bus stops....chartering a helo to come get you is not a realistic option....

 

[gottaluvdisney]

Also, make sure your aunt has a valid passport. If she would want to fly home from a foreign port, you will need a passport starting in January, 2007.

 

[LAMPSKIES]

What about a laptop, a wireless package and a "vonage" type acess......just wondering?!?!?!?!?

 

[tampaguys]

What about a laptop, a wireless package and a "vonage" type acess......just wondering?!?!?!?!?

I have heard that the wireless access on board is slow and not very reliable.

 

[flexsmom]

The price per minute for even the "regular" phone service using the stateroom phone on a daily basis for the purpose of keeping in touch pales in comparison to what she will lose if she cancels for this reason at one month out! Even if she has insurance, it won't cover her for bailing out at this late date?

 

[elainabelle]

You all, as always, are a wealth of information. Thanks again and I will pass along the information and the companies mentioned.