Cannot figure this out…GPS

[new]

Is there an app for a Gps that does not requite data…wondering what people would use on a phone app for getting around when you have no data and want to avoid roaming fees.

 

[DisneyMom93]

In Disney World? They have free WiFi if you are okay with using public WiFi.

 

[SteveMouse]

Both Apple Maps and Google Maps allow you to download maps for later use. Your phone doesn't need to be connected to a service to get location information from the GPS satellites, but you will get more accurate information if you are.

 

[eticketplease]

Is there an app for a Gps that does not requite data…wondering what people would use on a phone app for getting around when you have no data and want to avoid roaming fees.

While people have pointed out that you can download maps on google/Apple I would suggest “Here”

You also download the map but unlike Apple (can’t speak for google) the map isn’t deleted after a certain timeframe.
You can then state use offline only rather easily to know you won’t occur any roaming charges.

I used this for years to get out of MCO as cell service would take forever to get a signal for Apple Maps to work.






The Florida map is currently 578 MB in size.

 

[scrappinginontario]

I’ve used Airalo to cover the times we don’t have wifi. Great service for the bits of time when you may need but don’t have wifi.

I’d rather purchase wifi than rely on companies that work without wifi. Cost is small for peace of mind.

 

[reddog21]

You need to find an app that specifically uses off-line mapping. There are quite a few that are made for offline mapping/guidance so no roaming charges(maps.me or osmand as an example). I haven't used it but depending on how many maps you download it may take up some decent space on your phone. IMO both are better options than google or apple for offline maps.

 

[Brian Noble]

I would also get an Airalo e-sim. (Second e-sim thread today!)

 

[Disneydawg74]

Both Apple Maps and Google Maps allow you to download maps for later use. Your phone doesn't need to be connected to a service to get location information from the GPS satellites, but you will get more accurate information if you are.

I have done this with Google maps in France.

 

[FastPasser.]

I would also get an Airalo e-sim. (Second e-sim thread today!)

I’m going to try out an E-sim on a cruise in a few weeks.

 

[Dave006]

I’m going to try out an E-sim on a cruise in a few weeks.

It really depends on the Cruise line some have their own Cellular offerings. You will want to double check how your eSIM test may go before your actual cruise.

Dave

 

[FastPasser.]

It really depends on the Cruise line some have their own Cellular offerings. You will want to double check how your eSIM test may go before your actual cruise.

Dave

Thanks, I’ve researched it and narrowed it to down to three companies that specialize in providing service on cruise ships and claim that their E-sims will work on the ship I’ll be on. We’ll see. It’s worth a shot. It’s not a lot of money.

 

[scrappinginontario]

Thanks, I’ve researched it and narrowed it to down to three companies that specialize in providing service on cruise ships and claim that their E-sims will work on the ship I’ll be on. We’ll see. It’s worth a shot. It’s not a lot of money.

Please come back and share your experience here if you’re able to. I’ve used Airalo eSIM at ports but never thought to try it on the actual cruise. We sail Royal Caribbean. Interested to hear how your experience is!

 

[FastPasser.]

Please come back and share your experience here if you’re able to.

Sure will.

 

[_19disnA]

Not sure I understand the question. I thought the whole point of using GPS on land was to provide real-time information on where to turn next to get to your pre-selected destination? On a cruise ship now sure how GPS would be of any benefit and thought cell phone reception is very limited once you are away from shore. Other than being curious as to exactly where the ship is currently located, not sure why you would need to know that. In the days before GPS, you would print out a map prior to leaving home and use those directions while driving your car to reach your destination. You would manually track your progress while driving.

 

[FastPasser.]

I’ve used Airalo eSIM at ports but never thought to try it on the actual cruise.

From my research, Airalo is a good service provider and works well on land or close to land but not out on the open ocean.

But other companies do offer plans specifically for ships that are out to sea.

DCL specifically states on their website that one of the companies I’m considering, GigSky, works on their ships.
Again, we’ll see if it does.

 

[eticketplease]

Not sure I understand the question. I thought the whole point of using GPS on land was to provide real-time information on where to turn next to get to your pre-selected destination? On a cruise ship now sure how GPS would be of any benefit and thought cell phone reception is very limited once you are away from shore. Other than being curious as to exactly where the ship is currently located, not sure why you would need to know that. In the days before GPS, you would print out a map prior to leaving home and use those directions while driving your car to reach your destination. You would manually track your progress while driving.

I agree the OP asked about using GPS with no Data.

Not about using wifi or buying esim cards.

And why do you need GPS on the cruise ships?

 

[FastPasser.]

Not sure I understand the question. I thought the whole point of using GPS on land was to provide real-time information on where to turn next to get to your pre-selected destination?

I can see why you’re confused.

The original question was, can you use GPS without internet service? The answer appears to be no.

Then someone posted that they had luck using an E-sim provider, Airalo, to get Internet.

Then I posted that I was going to try an E-sim on my next cruise but it has nothing to do with GPS, it’s for Internet/WiFi service.

 

[Dave006]

From my research, Airalo is a good service provider and works well on land or close to land but not out on the open ocean.

That is a limit of all Cellular providers. If there is not tower in range then no service.

But other companies do offer plans specifically for ships that are out to sea.

For any of these offering including GigSky use Satellite communication when the cruise ship is out to sea.

Something to watch is how T-Mobile's new Satellite add-on or stand-alone plan works out, and other major providers trying to offer Satellite plans as options to exiting their existing Cellular plans.

Note: always verify / confirm that you are only connected to the specific service that you intend while cruising. Boats may pass near ground based services at any time, and your default cellular plan may roam to a very expensive option.

Dave