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Your phone’s ‘Airplane Mode’ can save you from unexpected charges on cruise ships
Cruise passengers can face unexpectedly high phone bills when their devices connect to cellular networks near foreign shores or to maritime networks in international waters. Switching on Airplane Mode while a ship is travelling helps prevent those automatic connections and the roaming charges that can follow.
Passengers can switch Wi-Fi back on after enabling Airplane Mode to use the ship’s internet while keeping cellular service off. Roaming fees may be triggered as soon as a phone connects, even without calls or messages, because apps and email can update in the background. Travellers with a roaming plan can reconnect in port, while some carriers offer paid cruise plans; phones can still be used for photos and offline features.
In short
- Use Airplane Mode at sea to avoid roaming charges.
- Turn Wi-Fi back on to use the ship’s internet.
- Reconnect to mobile service in port if needed.
Explained simply
Mobile phones connect to networks run by local operators, and using a network abroad can cost more than using one at home. At sea, cruise ships may also offer a separate maritime network, which can carry its own charges.
A phone can connect to these networks automatically, including for background app and email updates. Airplane Mode turns off cellular connections; passengers can usually switch Wi-Fi back on to use the ship’s internet while keeping cellular service off.