For a small additional fee of $5 USD per user, guests can chat with family and friends on board all cruise long from the comfort of their deck chair using the Carnival HUB App. This service enhances communication and coordination with loved ones on board. Once onboard, guests must connect with each family member individually to ensure privacy and not connect to strangers. Each person has to accept the invitation.
Carnival Cruise Line offers an advanced roaming network onboard cruise ships allowing guests to use their phones just like they do at home. The Carnival app is simple to use, and guests can also call their cell phone provider to inquire about international data fees. Disney Cruise Line allows “shipmates” to chat one-on-one or in group text chats, allowing them to set up a chat among their family.
Onboard communication options include using Royal Caribbean’s in-room phones and phones in common areas, purchasing an internet package ($$$), using walkie talkies/two-way radios, leaving notes under the cabin door, and leaving notes outside the cabin. For convenience, the ship’s telecommunications network offers direct dialing via satellite from the stateroom telephone. This service is available 24 hours a day.
For large families, sit down dinners are the best way to communicate on a large cruise ship. Freestyle dining offers a comfortable environment for families to bond and enjoy each other’s company. However, it is important to note that the cost of texting on a cruise ship can be expensive, and guests should consider the pros and cons of each method before making a decision.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Stay Connected via Text! | You can chat with family and friends on board all cruise long from the comfort of your deck chair using the Carnival HUB App. | help.carnival.com |
| How Do you communicate with other people that are … | The hub app allows you to text each other within the app for $5 per person per cruise. It is hit or miss on the notifications. | reddit.com |
| How to Communicate with Family and Friends on a Cruise … | Use Cruise Line Apps · Purchase an Internet Package ($$$) · Use Walkie Talkies/Two Way Radios · Leave Notes Under The Cabin Door · Leave Notes Outside The Cabin. | emmacruises.com |
📹 How to communicate on a cruise ship
Here is a look at the best ways to stay connected while on a cruise. (Subscribe for more Royal Caribbean videos!)
How Do Cruises Communicate With Friends And Family?
Many cruise guests use cruise line apps to stay connected with friends and family, although some cruise lines may charge for this service. Alternative communication methods include leaving notes, using cabin phones, or employing walkie-talkies, especially for families traveling together. Almost all major cruise lines offer apps with messaging features that operate similarly to popular messaging platforms, allowing real-time interaction among guests. Royal Caribbean, for example, provides in-room phones and communal area phones as simple ways to reach others, which can be useful when Wi-Fi connectivity is poor or phone batteries are low.
Additionally, guests can add friends and family on the messaging system using stateroom or reservation numbers, along with their birthdays. Prior to setting sail, it's advisable to inform family and friends about communication plans. For those with iPhones, iMessage can be used over Wi-Fi, and apps like WhatsApp and Telegram are options as well. The effectiveness of each method may vary based on individual needs and settings.
Checking specifics with the cruise line before departure is recommended to ensure seamless communication during your voyage. Ultimately, a blend of modern tech and traditional methods can help cruisers stay connected and engaged throughout their journey.
Can You Text People On A Carnival Cruise?
Carnival Cruise Line provides onboard voice calling, texting (SMS), and data services while at sea through an advanced roaming network powered by Wireless Maritime Services (WMS). When roaming, your device will display a different network name, and SMS texting is possible while sailing in international waters. Communication with others onboard is allowed, but texting people onshore is not facilitated.
For onboard chatting, the Carnival Hub app permits passengers to message anyone else using the app onboard for a one-time activation fee of $5 per person for the entire cruise, without needing an internet package.
Although some may prefer using iMessage, it requires disabling it in settings to avoid mixed messages while at sea. Connectivity during cruising is maintained through satellite, allowing for limited communication options. Guests can also use ship phones for direct dialing, available 24/7. The cruise experience encourages staying connected with family and friends through these facilities while ensuring easy access to services and support throughout the journey. Overall, Carnival's system offers convenience, keeping passengers linked during their cruise adventures.
How Do I Keep In Touch With My Family On A Cruise?
All major cruise lines feature apps with messaging functionalities akin to Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, allowing guests to communicate in real time. While some lines such as Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line impose activation fees for this service, families can still stay connected without incurring additional costs. Guests can complete check-in, explore ship features, make dining and excursion reservations, and utilize in-app chat for free. Additionally, public area phones are available for complimentary calls to cabins, which involve simply dialing the respective deck number.
To coordinate plans, using a messaging app is advisable, and most cruise lines provide a special emergency contact number for urgent communications from land. Creative communication methods include leaving notes in the cabin or using available stationery. Email via the ship’s Wi-Fi presents another reliable option for longer messages. Seasoned cruisers recommend establishing curfews for children and utilizing apps while ensuring devices remain in airplane mode for tracking one another.
Some ships offer additional apps, such as NCL’s I-concierge, which incurs a small fee for call services. Alternatively, walkie-talkies can be practical for keeping everyone connected during voyages. Overall, there are multiple strategies to maintain effective communication while cruising.
How Do I Contact Someone On A Carnival Cruise Ship?
For a small additional fee of $5 USD per user, you can chat with family and friends aboard the cruise using the Carnival HUB App from your deck chair throughout the trip. In emergencies, family can reach our call center at 1-800-227-6482, available Mon-Sun, 7:00 am - 12:00 am EST, where staff will relay messages to our Guest Services team on board. To communicate with someone on a Carnival ship, various options are available. Aside from the Carnival HUB app, you can contact other passengers via onboard phones, email, or social media.
Each cabin has a phone for internal calls, while courtesy phones are located around the ship. For inquiries before the cruise, reach Carnival Cruise Line at 1-800-764-7419, available daily from 9 am to 5 pm EST. The ship's telecommunications network offers direct satellite dialing from stateroom phones, operational 24 hours a day. For cellular service, connect to the ship’s cellular network or Wi-Fi, both incurring extra charges.
For more information or assistance, contact Carnival’s Guest Care Department at 1-800-929-6400 or email Icare@carnival. com. Your comfort and communication are prioritized throughout your cruise experience.
Can I Text While On A Carnival Cruise?
Onboard cruise ships, voice calls, SMS, and data services are available while at sea through the Wireless Maritime Services (WMS) network, which operates distinctly from your home carrier. While sailing in international waters, passengers can text using their cellular service. Upon reaching port, local roaming can be accessed based on home carrier permissions. There are two main ways to use your phone: connect to the ship's cellular service or Wi-Fi, both at an added cost.
Although the Carnival Cruise Line does not support "Wi-Fi calling," passengers can enable iMessage by activating Airplane mode and subscribing to Wi-Fi. For alternate messaging, third-party apps like WhatsApp can be utilized over Wi-Fi for free. Additionally, the Carnival Hub app allows communication among cruise passengers without incurring fees for ship services. Passengers can leverage this app for $5 per device for texting between each other onboard.
Traditional cabin phones also provide connectivity to landlines and ship numbers, with costs varying. Overall, while conventional texting won’t work at sea, various digital tools are available to maintain communication during the cruise.
How To Get Ahold Of Someone On A Cruise Ship?
You can contact friends and family via satellite through the stateroom telephone on cruise ships, with rates and details available in the ship's directory. Communications via satellite can be quite costly. For onboard discussions, utilize Royal Caribbean's in-room phones or those in common areas. To reach a guest on the ship, family should dial +1 732-335-3281 for international calls or toll-free 1-888-322-8732 for U. S. calls. Another way for families to connect with the ship is by calling (888) 724-SHIP or internationally at (732) 335-3285, at $7.
95 USD per minute. Many guests use cruise line apps for internal communication, but some lines may charge for this feature. Traditional ways like leaving notes or using cabin phones remain options. In emergencies, families can contact a central call line at 1-800-227-6482, available daily from 7:00 am to 12:00 am EST. Remember, costs vary widely with services ranging from $7 to $9 per minute, chargeable to a credit card.
To stay connected with others onboard, options include limited free data, internet packages, or using walkie-talkies and whiteboards for messaging. Being informed about these communication methods enhances your cruise experience.
Can Family Contact You On A Cruise?
You can make ship-to-shore calls from your stateroom at any time for $7. 95 USD per minute, charged to your SeaPass account. For family or friends to contact the ship, they can call (888) 724-7447 or (321) 953-9003 from outside the U. S. Additionally, most cruise ships provide in-room phones and public area phones for easy communication with onboard guests or landlines. While texting is popular, it can be costly on cruise ships, with rates around $8 per minute.
Many guests use cruise line apps for communication, although some charge for this service. Having internet allows families or groups to stay connected even when separated onboard. Options include utilizing ship Wi-Fi, where apps help locate members of your travel group. For Disney Cruises, there's a dedicated app for chatting and staying updated. Royal Caribbean also offers free messaging via its app when connected to the ship's Wi-Fi.
For emergencies, inform family that they need your ship name and stateroom number to reach you through the main contact number. Therefore, effective communication while cruising is achievable through various methods, ensuring guests can stay in touch with one another and with loved ones back home.
How To Communicate With Each Other On A Carnival Cruise Ship?
To communicate while on a Carnival Cruise, download the free Carnival Hub app before your trip and then purchase the Chat feature for $5 per person once onboard. This service allows you to message others in your party using your phone, similar to home use, thanks to a partnership with Wireless Maritime Services. Cruise ships utilize satellite providers since there are no cell towers at sea. Various communication options exist, including using Wi-Fi-enabled apps like Signal, WhatsApp, and Messenger, or opting for traditional methods like walkie-talkies or post-it notes.
Carnival's messaging through the Hub App is cost-effective, eliminating the need for an internet package, and easy to access via each passenger's folio number. Furthermore, guests can communicate via the ship’s satellite telephones, available 24/7 for direct dialing. All major cruise lines offer apps with messaging functions that work like popular social media platforms. Overall, staying connected is simplified, though finding the best method depends on personal preferences and available technology.
How Do I Contact My Family On A Cruise?
Communicating with friends and family on a cruise can be simplified through various methods. Many cruise lines provide apps designed for onboard communication, resembling platforms like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp, although some may charge a fee for this service. Guests can also leave notes for family or friends to discover, utilize cabin phones to make calls, or connect through the ship's Wi-Fi for texting and emailing. For emergencies, cruise lines typically have dedicated numbers for family to reach out to.
Each major cruise line, such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, has its own app, enabling users to locate and communicate with those in their travel group. For guests who prefer direct communication, ship-to-shore calling is available at a cost of $7. 95 per minute, charged to the guest's SeaPass account.
Leaving notes or calling cabin phones are straightforward ways to keep everyone informed about meeting times or activities. For larger parties, group chats may help maintain connection, especially with apps like Disney Cruise Line Navigator, which allows for one-on-one and group chat functions among "shipmates." Overall, using available technology and simple strategies can make staying in touch enjoyable while cruising.
📹 How To Use Carnival Hub App Chat
How To Use Carnival Hub App Chat. One of the features on the Carnival Hub App is the ability to be able to communicate with …
I remember the days my mom would go on a cruise, and when she wanted to contact or update us at home, she’d use the Internet Lounge’s computer’s notepad or word doc type program to type out her e-mails, then she would log on to her e-mail for just a few minutes and copy/past all her e-mails and send. Genius! Honestly, these days I figure we can get Wi-Fi at ports for checking in occasionally. We also are considering getting small whiteboards or post-its for the rooms. We set standard meeting points and luckily we aren’t travelling in large groups, so for the most part we just stick together. But I never knew about the chat option! That’s a great idea and I think we will definitely take advantage of that.
If the booking doesn’t come with a free WiFi package, the “leave a note on the door” or white board works great. Esp for those of us who didn’t grow up with internet or texts and hand held phones, we actually know how to set up meeting times and places. Also, almost all ports have free WiFi, so you can catch up on everything while in port. We just have a rule where we meet for breakfast and discuss meeting times for dinner and shows and let everyone do their own thing.
I’m surprised that RC has not adapted the wireless landline phones in the rooms like DCL has done since 1998. They work great! There are 2 wireless landline phones per stateroom and I think you can go to guest services and add more for a small fee. All crew also have these phones so if you can call anyone onboard with a ship phone. But if you lose of they are like $500 haha!
Hey Matt! In 2019 I sailed on Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas and I tried to bring in Walkie Talkies. I was stopped at the gate and not allowed to bring them on board. Something about interference with the bridge. I recently sailed same ship, in February with a group of 12. We used Royal’s app to communicate. It worked well. My only complaint is that it does not alert you that you have a message. You have to actually open the app and check to see if you have a message. It’s a small inconvenience but would be an improvement if your phone alerted you when you got a message. Thanks for your articles. Fair winds.
Last week week we went on our first cruise on Oasis. We bought a WiFi package on sale for one phone and the chat feature on three phones (one for one of the kids phones and each of the adults phones). I mentioned this in the Royal post cruise survey, but the chat app is not useful without app alerts. it’s very annoying to use because unless the person your trying to talk to thinks to open the app and check for messages they will never know someone is trying to contact them. For how frustrating it was and how many times we successfully contacted each other -I think it was a waste of money ($48)
a note on walkies soooo they do work pretty well on a ship if you use the right stuff only issue is you can get in serious troubble due to the crew using radios and if you key up on a UHF or VHF the bridge can and will hear you granted i worked on the docks for many years and i ran a $50 baofeng with a nagoya 16in long antenna and depending on where i was a headset or a sholder mike i had a PTT button for the head set. also i was running 8w not the 1-2w your normal walmart brand walkies are pushing out.
An alternative to putting your phone into airplane mode is: Before boarding the ship, go into cellular settings and disable automatic network selection and lock it to your home carrier. Then you phone will work any time you are close enough to shore to get signal but will never connect to “Cellular At Sea”.
Seems a bit stupid to me the chat feature is an extra cost because in my opinion it should be included. Like there is no need for it to be an add-on purchase. Like going with a family of 4 for a weak that’s £54 added on, it just seems like something like that should be included. I get the Wi-Fi being extra. With that in mind we’re probably gonna do the good old “meet at this place at this time”
We just came back from our cruise trip with Royal Caribbean from Cape Libery, NY to Halifax, Canada. We thought chatting with the Royal Caribbean apps with other guests on the cruise is free but Royal Caribbean charges $1.50 per day per person. Walkie Talkie is not allowed. My sister’s walkie talkie was confiscated at US custom and just got it back after the cruise.
Was on Oasis in March, had 1 device surf+stream on my Android Phone ( Galaxy Note 10 ). Using hotspot I was able to share the wifi with anyone that needed it. both my kids could watch youtube at night on their tablets and wife could browse facebook all with no issues at the same time. Definitely an easy solution to not have to pay for multiple devices.
Matt Thank You for the information. There is something to be said for putting your phone in airplane mode as soon as the ship leaves the dock. Disconnecting from the world is a wonderful thing and having no distractions between you and your cruising partner makes for a more romantic cruise. What I just wrote is the reason I love cruising.
I’ve got 1 really really good tip. Do NOT take your ipad, stick it in a safe and let it sit there and get your work emails via cel. Work will be Very angry with you when they get that bill. I think it was about 1500$. I never actually used it. It just sat there and did its thing till the battery died.
What I’m bringing on board is a dry erase board since our rooms are made out of a certain metal and we can actually put magnetic hooks on our walls. I decided to purchase a dryer erase board to communicate so in case me and my friend decide wanting to do her own thing in our meeting place is the bedroom or our room we always can communicate on the dryer erase board so that we can communicate and tell each other where we are on the ship and we will stay in that spot. Just to communicate that way. And you can get one at the dollar store which cuts the cost of buying the Internet package and including paying for anything when it comes to words communication on board. I dry erase board and cause a dollar at the dollar store or whichever part of the country you’re from $1.50 where I live and it works just as well.
I know this article is a year old but I just checked with my provider, T-Mobile, and talk, text & data in the US, Canada and Mexico is all counted the same so if you have an unlimited plan at home, then you will have unlimited talk, text & data on board too,, even if you’re roaming. Most roaming data plans now are 5G and have a 5gb cap then they throttle you down to 2G speeds. But 5 gigs is a ton of space, especially for just 1 week you’re on a cruise!! That’s like streaming a movie everyday while still answering email and surfing social media.
great ideas 🙂 you had a snippit of a article that you put on that was showing the inside of the ship on multiple levels, it was maybe dusk or night and you could see the inside through tons of windows 🙂 11:13 what ship was that on please and what section? i was perusal it and was totally wowed over it 🙂 i thought wow thats just stunning, it was just jaw dropping beautiful 🙂
Royal caribbean has a messaging plan for cruisers for 1.99 per day, per person but, it’s alot cheaper than paying for the stream/voom plans. Also check with your carrier and check to see if they offer a plan to make calls to the US. We paid 5.00 to our plan for only the month we went on the last 2 cruises. Going to the Bahamas and going to get the international calling plan added before we go. We were only able to call back home to check on everyone while we were at Port but, that seemed to be enough for us.
Just got off Liberty last week. We used the app chat feature and I hated it. No notifications (sound, alerts, badges all turned on) when a new message came through. After realizing I was missing a lot of messages from my travel group, I was constantly checking in on my phone throughout the day. I refuse to purchase any internet packages because I want to be unplugged from home. Meh
Matt: Let’s go back to your conversation with Michael Bayley regarding changes/updates with Royal Caribbean. One question: making text messages free. The conversation was over a year ago. Any update on this? One other idea is being able to retrieve messages on VM on your cabin line from phones around the ship. Is this option possible on Royal ships? To be able to retrieve messages outside the cabin from anywhere on the ship would be helpful.
On android, you can have 1 person get internet and you can use the “hotspot” feature and have friends connect to it and they will also have internet on their phone. It is slow if a lot of people hop on the hotspot so like only 2-3 people can use it at a time. I am not sure if that feature works with apple.
Great information! I want to make sure that I understand you correctly. Are you saying that the only the Voom + Stream package gives you the ability to surf and post on social media? If so, I guess that means the Voom package only gives you the ability to surf the web and manage emails. Am I correct with this assumption?
The thing is, communication is first and foremost, for safety. Staying connected is like being able to breathe today. Specially if travelling with kids or just with your friends or partners, we will not always be going to the same activities and the idea of not being able to have wifi access at least just to know where my folks are, is a little bit concerning.
Big question. If I wanted to do, say, a 10-15 minute article call using Facebook Messenger so we can contact our child who will be staying with our Mom before bedtime every night, does that require a article streaming package? We’re not planning to watch Netflix or whatever. It’s going to be our first trip of this length away from our child and we’d like to provide the comfort of at least talking to us once a night.
Question: Just went on cruise Nov 22 – OOS – I had VOOM Surf & hubby the RC chat app (advertised as “free” but RC charged $1.99/per day) I think I made a mistake and ended up paying for both VOOM Surf + RC Chat on my phone – We r going on our next cruise Apr 23 – since I will have VOOM Surf will this allow access to RC chat for purposes of my husband & I communicating onboard – he will, again, only have RC Chat???
Nice article. A lot of good info. However, while it is a common misconception, not everybody has a cell phone, and some of us still have flip phones that are not wifi or internet capable. In our usual cruise group about half have smartphones, and not all of them work with the ship app. Sometimes we use walkies talkies. A lot of times we leave paper notes in the room. We also go to the guest services and get paper copies of the compass for each person to carry with them, we then write every bodys schedule on each compass and meeting times etc. Though I like the dry erase board idea. When we are on a boat that still has the internet cafes we use that sometimes to communicate with home.
Big waste of money and time. Just got off Radiance of the Seas hours ago. After perusal YouTube websites touting it, i purchased the top internet package only to discover that the Internet service sucked, sucked sucked. If you do get it forget about even doing a simple search much less streaming anything. everyone on board was pissed. Even the maitre-d on the last dining night when asking everyone to give good reviews said don’t blame the staff for the poor wi-fi. Caused me hours of aggravation and forget help from services. Waste of time