Emerald and cell phone service?

[SF]

Haven't been on Emerald Princess in awhile and can't remember if it had cell phone service. I know when we are on RCCL ships we have no problem getting text messages was wondering what the status is on Emerald Princess.

 

Thanks.

[Colo Cruiser]

Haven't been on Emerald Princess in awhile and can't remember if it had cell phone service. I know when we are on RCCL ships we have no problem getting text messages was wondering what the status is on Emerald Princess.

 

Thanks.

 

 

While at sea the Emerald has service through MCP when available.

[Colo Cruiser]

Thanks. It worked great while cruising in Europe and let us keep up with the kids so I'm glad to hear we'll be able to do it while cruising on Emerald too.:)

 

 

It is very tempting to use. :o

[SF]

Thanks. It worked great while cruising in Europe and let us keep up with the kids so I'm glad to hear we'll be able to do it while cruising on Emerald too.:)

[Colo Cruiser]

That is so wierd, thats the second post, different thread that ended up before the person I was answering's post. :eek:

[SF]

Yes, I agree that it's weird.....your reply wasn't there when I first posted my response. Go figure!!!!!!!1:confused:

[renata102]

sooo.. is there cell phone service on Emerald.. can you text while at sea? while on the islands...???

[cherylandtk]

sooo.. is there cell phone service on Emerald.. can you text while at sea? while on the islands...???

Yes to both, pricing depends on your cell carrier international plan. Cruise ships are considered an international 'country' by the cell plans so the rates may or may not be different than when in ports. Check with your carrier for your rates.

[satxdiver]

As stated below the ship uses MCP for cellular service. Most of the major cellular companies here in the US have an agreement with MCP. They offer 3g service so text messaging is supported while the ship is in international water. The ship is required by law to turn the cellular tower off when coming into port. The distance is dependent on the laws in that country. Most cell phones will display "CellAtSea" when using them aboard the ship. You will be billed by your home carrier. There is no charge by Princess.

 

MCP (Maritime Communications Partner) offers GSM service alone with some CDMA. AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM. Verizon and Sprint use CDMA. GSM and CDMA are different ways to code the signal and are not interchangeable.

 

AT&T charges $.50 per message sent and $2.49/minute while on the ship.