Data Service While on Alaska Cruise?

[MamaBear58]

Can any past cruisers comment on this? We have Verizon, if it matters.

I'm hesitant to buy the Disney internet because it was so bad on our Caribbean cruise that they actually refunded our money. No wi-fi signal at all in our cabin.

Because most of the cruise is the inside passage is it safe to assume that the data service will be decent except on sea days? Or will that be just as bad as the wi-fi? Forgive my ignorance if this is a dumb question...I'm not very technologically inclined.

thanks in advance

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Can any past cruisers comment on this? We have Verizon, if it matters.

I'm hesitant to buy the Disney internet because it was so bad on our Caribbean cruise that they actually refunded our money. No wi-fi signal at all in our cabin.

Because most of the cruise is the inside passage is it safe to assume that the data service will be decent except on sea days? Or will that be just as bad as the wi-fi? Forgive my ignorance if this is a dumb question...I'm not very technologically inclined.

thanks in advance

The issue is "how reachable is the satellite?". It can be good or bad, at any location on the planet.

We've found internet service onboard cruise ships fairly comparable, regardless of itinerary.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

While you're in port, you should get pretty good service through Verizon.

 

[RAD]

How's the cell service when traveling in the inside passages? I'm hoping that we're close enough to land that I could get an AT&T signal out on the veranda.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

How's the cell service when traveling in the inside passages? I'm hoping that we're close enough to land that I could get an AT&T signal out on the veranda.

If you're onboard the ship (not docked, but cruising), phone calls will go through Cellular at Sea. And that costs different than just a regular call.

If the ship is docked, the Cellular at Sea tower is turned off and you might be able to pick up a signal from a land tower.

 

[RAD]

If you're onboard the ship (not docked, but cruising), phone calls will go through Cellular at Sea. And that costs different than just a regular call.

If the ship is docked, the Cellular at Sea tower is turned off and you might be able to pick up a signal from a land tower.

I know that's how it normally works but since the ship sales the inside passage fairly close to land wondering what folks on the current cruise is seeing. I've been on DCL and RCCL cruises and have been able to use my AT&T, not Cellular at Sea while sailing close to the FL coast.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I know that's how it normally works but since the ship sales the inside passage fairly close to land wondering what folks on the current cruise is seeing. I've been on DCL and RCCL cruises and have been able to use my AT&T, not Cellular at Sea while sailing close to the FL coast.

Well, unlike the Florida coast, the Alaskan coasts aren't nearly as populated. IF you can get a signal it's going to be randomly.

 

[xlxo]

On my 2014 trip....

• Cell data is not available on the Alaskan Inside Passage.
• cell data was available on the Canadian Inside passage. Having an exterior cabins that faces land helps.
• cell data was available for an hour around Prince Rupert. Being outside on the top deck helped.
• ATT service was available when I was docked.
• I bought the $89 1gb plan. I got 24Mbps download when I tested in the Canadian inside passage.
  • I had a moment of weakness on an iPad update. 300mb wasted in minutes. Bad iPad, Bad iPad.
  • no complaints about the Wonder's wifi.

 

[Pwac]

I'm on the Wonder now and I have not gotten a signal except in port.

 

[xlxo]

to clarify....

• Is this a cell signal or wifi signal?
• If a cell signal? Which carrier?

 

[ironz]

The Inside Passage has a very small population, generally in small villages. You may see land, but it's pretty a pretty remote area. (heck, I can't even get coverage in many places in rural Texas) Do not expect you're going to get cell coverage, other than at the ports or DCL wifi, or, as mentioned above Cellular at Sea (and who knows how much that costs).

 

[KristiMc]

On our 2015 cruise I was only able to get a AT&T signal when I was in port.

 

[RAD]

Thanks for the responses. I was looking at the AT&T coverage maps and it seemed to show that even outside the ports there would occasionally be coverage, guess that was too hopeful on their part.

 

[st0nehedge]

Had Verizon coverage well at all ports in May.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Had Verizon coverage well at all ports in May.

Yes, in ports cell coverage is typically pretty good. OP was asking about being able to catch a signal from a land-based tower while onboard, and cruising.

 

[st0nehedge]

Yes, in ports cell coverage is typically pretty good. OP was asking about being able to catch a signal from a land-based tower while onboard, and cruising.

Well in that case, ha, nope not much at all.

:thumbsup:

 

[DLM1980]

I have AT&T and was just off the Wonder last Monday

Leaving Vancouver once I lost signal I didn't bother to keep checking going up. In ports we had great signal except within our stateroom (it was inside)

On the way back down on our final sea day I tried again and was connected to TELUS for part of the day and ROGERS for the rest of the trip

Having the Canada and Mexico option on my plan we didn't worry. Had up to 3 bars from the Cadillac lounge and Tiana's Place. 4 bars if I was on deck 9

 

[RAD]

I have AT&T and was just off the Wonder last Monday

Leaving Vancouver once I lost signal I didn't bother to keep checking going up. In ports we had great signal except within our stateroom (it was inside)

On the way back down on our final sea day I tried again and was connected to TELUS for part of the day and ROGERS for the rest of the trip

Having the Canada and Mexico option on my plan we didn't worry. Had up to 3 bars from the Cadillac lounge and Tiana's Place. 4 bars if I was on deck 9

Thanks, also have AT&T with the Canada roaming option so good to hear.