Tracfone/Verizon phone calls to NY?

[lynnfitz]

Hi, I apologize, I know there is alot of questions about cell service-so for me, I have a Tracfone, the service is through Verizon. We're going out on the Wish, on their 4 evening cruise. It's our first cruise, so many questions! I don't care about getting on the internet, but I would like to be able to check in with my mom (call, not text) while on the cruise-she's in NY. Will I be able to do this with my service, or do I have to purchase something through the cruise line to access?
Thank you!!

 

[Girl of the South]

From what I understand, Tracfones will not work outside of the USA, regardless of what plan you have? Ship to shore phone calls are ridiculously expensive. I did find this when I Googled:

"If your family or friends need to contact you during your Disney Cruise, they will need to know your ship's name and stateroom number. If your family members will be calling from the U.S., have them dial 1-888-322-8732. For international calls from shore to ship, the phone number is +1 732-335-3281. These phone calls are limited to ten minutes per call and there is a fee per minute."

Here is info on Verizon Pay As You Go Cruise plans but you'd have to check with Tracfone to see if your phone would even work. Needs to be a "4G or 5G World device".

Verizon International Plans

Maybe you could have someone else check in on your Mom and then only call in an emergency, which of course, we hope won't happen. You can call when you are on the ship before it leaves the US and when it arrives back in the US port.

 

[Girl of the South]

 

[auntlynne]

Someone who does this / has more experience may be able to give you clear instructions.

First do you have something with internet access? (Perhaps your Tracphone - did you say you have an iPhone?). I’m thinking you could get the smallest internet package Disney offers and use an app that lets you make voice phone calls. You would be calling your mom’s normal phone).

That or use the same idea - calling over internet - when in Bermuda from a location that offers free WiFi.

 

[lynnfitz]

Thanks, yes I have a good friend who can give her a call. I have a Samsung, my husband does have an I phone. I guess I can also check with my travel agent (dreams unlimited). Thank you!

 

[Girl of the South]

See if your Tracfone is “unlocked” and has “international roaming”. Is your husbands iPhone also through Tracfone? Check with DU how you can be reached on the ship.

Make friends with someone going on your cruise who has T-Mobile so you can make a quick call home while in the ports.

Four nights is really just 3 days. I wouldn’t worry about your Mom too much. Just enjoy the cruise!

 

[lynnfitz]

Thanks! I thought of that too-I'll talk to her Monday before we leave, then Fri morning when we return. I guess I'm just use to talking to her every- night thank you!
I'm also going to reach out to my travel agent, she's been great so far.

 

[lynnfitz]

Well I verified with Tracfone, that the phone will not work out at sea-hopefully my husband's IPhone-

 

[Girl of the South]

Is your husband on Verizon, too? I found this about calling from a cruise ship. $2.99 a minute. Talk fast!

Verizon Calling from Cruise Ship