Cell service in Vancouver & on Wonder

[mevans0000]

Seeking suggestions for the best way to have cell service while visiting Vancouver pre-cruise (especially need messaging and data there) and on the ship (phone calls and messaging will be fine because I can use wifi). Hotel has wifi but I am wanting / needing access while out and about.

I am a US ATT iPhone user. I am not thrilled with ATT's offering ($30 Includes unlimited messages sent, 120 MB data, and $1.00 per minute calling). I havent found a better option, however.

Any insight or suggestions for both Vancouver and on the Wonder is greatly appreciated!

 

[missyp]

Seeking suggestions for the best way to have cell service while visiting Vancouver pre-cruise (especially need messaging and data there) and on the ship (phone calls and messaging will be fine because I can use wifi). Hotel has wifi but I am wanting / needing access while out and about.

I am a US ATT iPhone user. I am not thrilled with ATT's offering ($30 Includes unlimited messages sent, 120 MB data, and $1.00 per minute calling). I havent found a better option, however.

Any insight or suggestions for both Vancouver and on the Wonder is greatly appreciated!

You just answered my question. I was wondering what AT&T was offering. I think I may spend my 4 days in Vancouver off the grid.

 

[Jestocost]

While on the ship, the only cell service available is through Cellular at Sea which is very expensive ($2.50 per minute to talk and $0.50 per text message sent). The good news for Alaska cruises is that other than Vancouver all ports have home service for U.S. cell customers. The ship offers a variety of WiFi packages based on the amount of data used ranging from $0.25 per MB for pay-as-you-go service to $89 for a pre-paid 1,000 MB package. Audio calls via Skype of Facetime generally use about 3 MB per minute, which winds up costing much less than Cellular at Sea with the 1,000 MB package rates.

 

[Jasrhon]

I don't know much about American cell phone plans but I can tell you that if you decide not to get one you can always get free wifi in any Starbucks. In downtown Vancouver that means almost on every block.
http://www.starbucks.ca/store-locator/search/location/Vancouver, BC, Canada

 

[DVCTX]

In addition to ATT coverage in all of the Alaska ports, I was able to receive coverage a couple of times on my iPad while we were cruising the Inside Passage. I distinctly remember sitting on our balcony and "cruising" the internet a couple of evenings. Surprised me as there didn't appear to be any towns visible from the Wonder.

 

[southerngirl528]

I have AT&T as well, and when we cruised DCL Alaska 2 years ago, I got an eye-popping message/text from AT&T that I had an overage and though I can't recall just how much that amount was, it was HUGE. I about freaked! I had forgotten to secure an int'l package beforehand. Weird thing was that I was pointedly not using my phone almost at all, with calls nor texts, etc. I know $30 isn't a bargain, but believe me, it's worth not having a coronary if you have a huge overage cost!