Cell phone use at Sea-Sprint

[sammysmom]

I am looking for help from any cruise experts out there. Taking our first cruise and I am confused on how the data plans work on board for texting or checking emails. I can buy a data package on the ship correct? Do I then pay additional charges through Sprint or am I covered by the data plan I purchase? Also if anyone knows of the recent plan prices, I would appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

[Cackyschmackers]

@sammysmom I used Sprint for free in the Bahamas. Where are you sailing? You will not get data or service at sea unless you sign up for a package through Disney. We just used DCL's free 50MB plan, and Sprint provided us with free international data (slower, 2G service) and free texting which worked both on Castaway Cay and in port in Nassau. Calls at ports would be $0.20/minute. Unless you purchase a larger plan, you cannot use a lot of data at sea (you do not want to use the at sea cellular satellite service; very expensive). Check Sprint's website before you leave, and there is someone on board to help you with the various data plans. We had zero extra charges (just got our bill) so it worked out great for us! Good luck!

 

[TrishaK]

We also have Sprint and cruised this past June. I did some texting from our room while we were docked in Nassau, and that was it. A few messages popped up at first alerting me to the 2G plan and upgrading if I wanted, etc. But I didn't bother with emails or apps when in port. I also didn't use my phone while on the ship unless it was for photos or the DCL app for messaging each other.
You can check Sprint's site prior to leaving where it discusses international service. 2G service and texting was free in Nassau, and I didn't have to do a thing before or after our trip.