Cruise

If you do not disable cellular, yes you could. To disable cellular you should put your phone in airplane mode and then turn Wi-Fi back on. And leave it that way. If you have set up Wi-Fi calling before you leave the USA you should be able to use the ships Wi-Fi for call and text to USA for free.

If you intend to turn off airplane mode while in a foreign country, please make sure you have a roaming plan. International day pass covers usage for $12 per day.  A second phone on your account using service during the same 24 hours would be half price. 

Hello @Aop, we hear you and would like to help you.

If you purchase the cruise ship Wi-Fi package provided by the cruise line, it typically covers internet access while onboard the ship. However, it’s essential to check the terms and conditions of the specific cruise line you’re traveling with. Here are a few points to consider:

1. Cruise Ship Wi-Fi Package:

   • When you buy the cruise ship WiFi package, it usually allows you to connect to the ship’s onboard network.
   • This network is separate from your mobile carrier’s network (like AT&T).
   • You can use it for browsing, emails, and other online activities while at sea.
   • The cost and speed of the cruise ship WiFi package may vary based on the cruise line and the plan you choose.

2. AT&T Cruise Packages:

   • AT&T’s cruise packages are specifically designed for cellular connectivity while at sea.
   • They cover talk, text, and data usage on your mobile device.
   • If you opt for an AT&T cruise package, you won’t incur pay-per-use charges for using your phone on the ship’s network.
   • However, these packages are separate from the cruise ship WiFi package.

3. Pay-Per-Use Charges:

   • If you don’t purchase an AT&T cruise package and rely solely on the cruise ship WiFi, you won’t receive pay-per-use charges from AT&T.
   • However, keep in mind that the cruise ship WiFi package may have its own fees, which are usually charged by the cruise line.
   • These fees are typically based on the duration of your cruise or the amount of data you use.

4. Recommendation:

   • To avoid any surprises, I recommend checking with the cruise line directly or reviewing their documentation to understand the details of their WiFi package.
   • Additionally, if you plan to use your mobile phone for calls, texts, or data, consider an AT&T cruise package to stay connected without worrying about additional charges.

Remember that each cruise line may have different policies, so it’s best to verify the specifics with the cruise operator before your trip.

1. AT&T Cruise Plus:

   • Price: $100.00 (one-time charge for 30 days)
   • Package Includes:
     • Talk: Unlimited
     • Text: Unlimited
     • Data: 1GB (with overage at $10 for every additional 100MB) ¹²

2. AT&T Cruise Basic:

   • Price: $60.00 (one-time charge for 30 days)
   • Package Includes:
     • Talk: 100 minutes (with overage at $1.00 per minute)
     • Text: Unlimited
     • Data: 100MB (with overage at $10 for every additional 100MB) ¹²

These packages allow you to save more compared to pay-per-use rates while cruising at sea. So, whether you’re catching up with friends or checking emails, AT&T has you covered!

Let us know if this helps.

Thank you,

Jessica, AT&T community specialist.

Thank you Jessica.  What I’m really trying to find out though, is if I use the cruise WiFi for calls/texts/internet while in airplane mode (we purchased the ships WiFi package) will I still receive pay per use charges from ATT?  I spoke to someone in your customer support who said I would?  That doesn’t seem right to me though?

Hey there,

We hear you, and we would like to shed some light on this.

To ensure that you are not charged, please keep your data roaming turned off and also keep your airplane mode on, so you are not connected to our cellular network.

You can avoid any international charges as long as you do not access our cellular network.

Hope this helps! Feel free to revert for any further assistance.

Thank you for contacting AT&T Community Forums,
Gary, AT&T Community Specialist.

if I use the cruise WiFi for calls/texts/internet while in airplane mode (we purchased the ships WiFi package) will I still receive pay per use charges from ATT?

It depends on who you are calling/texting. WiFi calling gives you the same service plan as when you're in the US, so calling and texting to US numbers is covered. If you call or text international numbers, you would be charged the same international rate as when you're at home, which could be pay per use.

So I just got back, and the cruise plus package was a complete waste of money 😠!  I tried every combination of settings (including those they prescribed by AT&T) and nothing worked.  A friend who was with me also had the same experience. Complete waste of $100.  At one point, I was unable to access my bank account, and also couldn’t call them!  I had to go to the ship’s guest services and use their phone to get a call through to my bank!

Upon returning, I called AT&T, and they offered me a $25 account credit….not much considering I paid $100 😕.  I don’t recommend anyone purchase the AT&T cruise package.  

Future reference... As an avid cruiser and travel agent, do not purchase any phone company's cruise package. Purchase the ship's wifi package, KEEP THE PHONE/ DEVICE in airplane mode at all times, and use apps like Google Voice and Facebook Messenger to call and text. In the event that you need to get codes for bank logins, use your email to receive them, or add your Google Voice number as a secondary number on your bank account before leaving. Also, most if not all major cruise lines have a texting feature in their app that you do not have to purchase the wifi package to use so that you can communicate with those in your cruise party. 

When using data on a cruise, it's important to be cautious as the costs can be high. To avoid unexpected charges, it's recommended to keep your phone on airplane mode even when connected to the ship's Wi-Fi. The same applies when on land to prevent international roaming charges. Alternatively, you can opt for the international daily pass for $12 a day to stay connected without worrying about additional fees.