Internet/Cell Service-Specifically Google Fi

[alimcn]

Hello! Hoping someone who has sailed before and has Google Fi cell service can offer some guidance. I want to be sure my husband, daughter & I all have cell service and internet connectivity (we won't need the + streaming option). I understand that when we get on board, we can purchase the wifi service (per person) for the duration of the cruise, each doing so on our own devices?

In terms of cell service, I think now I just need to make sure we have the Unlimited Premium International Google Fi plan for cell service (the Caribbean is covered under that plan and we are Nassau, Lookout & Castaway ports) a day or two before we leave and pay that additional cost while we are cruising.

Am I missing anything? We are all on our phones a lot, especially my daughter, so I want to be sure I connect everything correctly and don't mess up and get a huge bill at the end. We spend most vacations at WDW so between a cruise and international ports, I am in a bit of unfamiliar territory.

Thanks so much!

 

[lanejudy]

What do you wish to be able to do online? The wifi plan will work by purchasing a plan for each device (unless you can all 3 share with only 1 device connected at a time). But you also mention cell -- are you needing cell service as well as wifi? I think your Google Fi plan will only work in ports or near land, not when the ship is at sea. CC and LP access may be ok or it may be spotty. Onboard is Cellular-at-Sea which is quite expensive and I don't believe Google Fi works with it, so to avoid big charges you'll want to be sure to turn off data roaming and only use the ship's wifi onboard.

 

[RedHead0186]

I have the highest Google Fi plan (Unlimited Premium) and it works great on cruises (when in ports). There is no extra charge for service in many countries with that plan for data or texts (IIRC there may be a charge for phone calls you initiate while traveling).

Yes, you can purchase the lower tier internet once you get onboard. You can purchase it for multiple devices so you each have your own login, or you can purchase one or two devices and 'share' amongst you (if one device logs out of the internet, another one can log in).

When onboard, make sure you're in airplane mode, then turn on DCL Wifi. That connects you to the free ship wifi. From the app, it'll instruct you how to purchase the internet plan-settings for airplane mode and wifi remain the same. Make sure you leave your phone in airplane mode when at sea-if you have Google Fi Unlimited Premium, you should avoid any extra charges since international is included; however, better safe than sorry.

When in port, turn off airplane mode and turn off Wifi so your phone can connect to the local network. I find sometimes if you're in the interior of the ship, the metal blocks the signal so if that happens, just go out on your verandah (if you have one) or out on an open deck. You should get a 'Welcome to the Bahamas' notification message from Google Fi (pops up on your phone like other notifications).

If you purchase the ship Wifi it will also work at Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay (though connectivity can be a bit spotty). You can also connect to the Bahamian network there, so either should work.

 

[rhit2004]

I have the highest Google Fi plan (Unlimited Premium) and it works great on cruises (when in ports). There is no extra charge for service in many countries with that plan for data or texts (IIRC there may be a charge for phone calls you initiate while traveling).

Yes, you can purchase the lower tier internet once you get onboard. You can purchase it for multiple devices so you each have your own login, or you can purchase one or two devices and 'share' amongst you (if one device logs out of the internet, another one can log in).

When onboard, make sure you're in airplane mode, then turn on DCL Wifi. That connects you to the free ship wifi. From the app, it'll instruct you how to purchase the internet plan-settings for airplane mode and wifi remain the same. Make sure you leave your phone in airplane mode when at sea-if you have Google Fi Unlimited Premium, you should avoid any extra charges since international is included; however, better safe than sorry.

When in port, turn off airplane mode and turn off Wifi so your phone can connect to the local net. I find sometimes if you're in the interior of the ship, the metal blocks the signal so if that happens, just go out on your verandah (if you have one) or out on an open deck. You should get a 'Welcome to the Bahamas' notification message from Google Fi (pops up on your phone like other notifications).

If you purchase the ship Wifi it will also work at Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay (though connectivity can be a bit spotty). You can also connect to the Bahamian network there, so either should work.

I was writing a reply and saw your reply --- ditto to basically everything you said.

I have Google Fi and it works fine at all the Carribean ports (I don't buy Wi-Fi so I rely on the Google Fi plan to check email etc while in ports).