What is the cheapest most reliable way to keep contact with families in U.S. when out on a cruise?

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Stan

Cruise lines have a number that people on the mainland can call to contact someone on a ship in the case of an emergency. For RC it's (888) 724-SHIP. You won't have cell service on the ship unless you are near a port.

The best way when it's not an emergency is to contact your cell phone provider and tell them you are going to the Bahamas and would like service. My provider offers an out-of-country plan. It's free to change to the plan, the calls are still expensive ($1/minute) but it's much cheaper than roaming in a foreign country.

Next option is the calling card and using an internet cafe at a port.

Barkley Hound

The cheapest way is to use a prepaid card in port but someone couldn't contact you.

On board the ship many lines allow use of a cell phone for about $2.50 a minute. With Verizon I know that sending a text message is 50 cents and receiving one is 5 cents. Check with your cell phone company for details. You may need international roaming activated.

Using email on the internet would be your next choice. Prices vary.

The last thing to use is the phone in your room. It will cost about $7-$8 a minute.

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Hallwoman

I say check with you cellphone carrier and see if they can cut you a good deal and tell them you really do not want to use their competitors.
Your plan may also already cover those areas at a few cents per minute. I went to Puerto Rico a few months back and it cost me nothing extra!

ctelly22

The cheapest way would probably be to buy a calling card to use at the various ports. You can buy a calling card while still in the states or wait until you get to the Bahamas. Not all providers offer service outside of the US. If you have at&t you will be able to get service at sea and at the various ports. However calling can be expensive, especially if you don't have international roaming. Another option is to text message. Check to see how much your carrier charges for international texting. Often it is way cheaper than making a phone call.

randall_nd

Many people purchase a prepaid calling card while in port and use a public telephone. Also, if you have cruised enough times with the same cruise line to attain Platnum status, you get some free Internet access in which case you could send and recieve emails. Forget the cell phone, major roaming charges, especially at sea.

sally b

The cheapest way is to email from the internet centers in the ports. Some places give you 15 or so minutes free for either email or phone. The ones with free phone use magic jack which is advertised on tv.

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