cell phone info

[daisyx3]

I know to have the app and to have the phone on airplane mode. I will be having it with me for photos. Can I text and use social media when the ship is docked at Nassau, or would I have to get off of the ship(no plans to do so)? What about CC, am I good there?
Thanks.

 

[daisyx3]

oops double post

 

[Mommb]

If your cell service includes free texting and data in the Bahamas, then you should be able to use your phone at no additional cost while the ship is docked at Nassau and Castaway Cay. I use T-mobile, and was able to use data while onboard in Nassau and both on and off the ship at Castaway Cay without an added charge.

 

[darnheather]

You really have to check with your cell phone and the coverage you have. I went to Canada last year and it would have cost me a 50 cents per text incoming or outgoing.

 

[daisyx3]

I was at verizon today for another issue (my keyboard changed to T9 for some reason). He added a 'travel pass' to my phone. If I don't use it, no charge. If I do it is $10 a day. He said Bahamas was good for it. I'll just keep my wifi off so I don't get hit with the DCL charges. Last trip I signed up for the small amount of free internet and due to some apps running it was gone in 2 hours.
He also suggested FB messaging if I'm going to be posting there to avoid texting, so I'll tell the kids to just send me a FB message if necessary.

 

[Van Houten]

I'll just keep my wifi off so I don't get hit with the DCL charges.

If you do not sign up for a WiFi plan on the ship, you will not have any charges from DCL for WiFi usage. With WiFi on, the phone will still be able to connect locally via WiFi to DCL resources and send and receive messages via DCL app.

Avoiding call and SMS related charges while on the ship is a different story, that depends on the carrier's agreement - but once you are near the shore, the ship's cellular network gets shut off.

 

[Jestocost]

Note that the DCL app won't be of any use onboard unless you have WiFi on. If all you use is the DCL app then you won't be charged and, as noted by a PP, if you don't sign up for a WiFi package there's no way you'll get charged for WiFi. In Nassau you should be able to find a bar or restaurant that will provide free WiFi if you make a purchase.

You'll definitely want to have your cellular connection turned off on the ship, unless you are able to connect with your Travel Pass plan in port, because you can and probably will wind up with unexpected charges for Cellular-at-Sea usage without signing up for anything.