Wifi and phones in the Baltic

[aggiedog]

We leave soon for the May 30 Baltic cruise. The whole phone/wifi situation is confusing me.

The ship has wifi, correct? If my phone is open to wifi, will I still get texts/calls from the US. My MIL will undoubtedly call to "check in" with us, at exorbitant international call rates.

We have an international calling plan that will work in the ports, but given the time change, any communication from the US will most likely happen when we are at sea, which apparently is out of calling range.

 

[erionm]

While at sea, cellular calls are handled by Cellular at Sea. This service typically costs $2.50 per minute. Text message are charged per text (in bound texts are sometimes covered by your plan, out bound costs per text sent).

In your cruise documents, there are tear out cards with the ships contact number. If your MIL calls this number, she will pay the cost of the call (CC # must be entered by caller to complete call).

 

[richmo]

Most cell carriers do not support wi-fi calling (T-Mobile is an exception, there may be others), so that probably won't work without the international charges.

If you really want to stay in contact, perhaps set up an internet only method...such as Skype. You'd need it on your phone and your MIL would need to use it also...could be on a phone or a computer (you don't have to do video, could just do audio or texting)

 

[bibbidibobbidibecky]

We have AT&T and they have a nice international text plan that you can add for a month. I suggest turning everything but wifi off while on the ship otherwise you will have insane charges. I suggest looking into getting an international plan for text AND calls.

 

[SwimMom2]

If you have AT&T, you can add a cheap texting plan for the duration of your trip. And calls are a dollar a minute. I think it will only work in port- not in the middle of the sea. At least that's what I told my family back home, lol. We did this. T mobile likely has something similar because the chips in those carriers' phones are compatible with European cell carriers. I am not sure about other U.S. Carriers.

I only want to text my husband in port if we separate. Our kids are 6 years apart and at times are interested in very different things. Also I promised my mother I would let her know when the plane lands in Copenhagen. Lol

 

[Anisum]

T-Mobile is great for texting and calling internationally. In most countries (including all of those on the Baltic cruises) texting is free. Phone calls cost 20 cents per minute I believe but for me if someone needs to reach me or if I need to reach someone and it's not an emercency I will wait until I get off at a port to make the calls so I don't get hit with the cellular at sea charges. I also don't need a separate card (I think most T-Mobile phones don't) for international travel but it would be something to check into.

Also, I'll be on the same cruise I believe (the May 30th) so maybe I'll see you there.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Tallinn and Helsinki have city wide free Wifi

 

[ColoradoDisneyFreaks]

In order to use the wifi on the ship, your phone would need to be in airplane mode, I couldn't get it connected without that, which means you wouldn't get any calls. MIL will need to wait for you to call and check in, then you can do that while you're in port.

 

[cedricandsophie]

We use Skype While traveling out of country. As long as you have wifi it's great. Have it in my phone and iPad. Pennies per minute. We don't use the video portion just use it as s regular phone. And people know to email if there are issues. When traveling in Africa or middle east, where reliable wifi may not be available all the time we also rent an Internstional phone. For about 300 for two weeks it's a great tool to have available because it works off all phone companies regardless of where you are in world. Have used it in the remote desert in morocco without a problem.

 

[aggiedog]

Thanks guys! Skype is WAY beyond my 85 yo MIL's ability. LOL I'll just give her the ship number and tell her what it will cost. Our BIL will be taking care of the house. He'll have our numbers. I trust him to only call in an emergency.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

As said many cities have Wifi, Tallinn the citywide Wifi is free, places like shops, banks, cafes, McDonalds in all European ports have Wifi and often free or free for 30 mins.

Even the London Tube has free Wifi by Virginmedia, if a customer like me free all the time, if not for a session, The Cloud is popular Fee Wifi, use these for internet style calls.