Has anyone cruised without a phone since the new app?

[LandlockedCruiser01]

20 minutes ago, HillBilly Bob said:

.....but....but....can my paper copy of Fun Times take pictures?   LOL  

 

Your name and your statement don't match. 

[mondello]

5 hours ago, IntrepidFromDC said:

Agreed.  Even in the Steakhouse (where they still have tablecloths, but probably not for long after they removed them first from MDR then recently from Elegant Night... what's elegant about a wood table?) they insisted we use our phone to scan the menu QR on the table.  For us it took away from the experience.  Others on here have said they requested paper menus and had mixed results - but still, the extra wait time!

Yeah, Firefly was on Vista this summer and the waiter was really rude when her friend requested a menu. Ruined the evening for both of them.

Edited November 3, 2021 by mondello
Correction

[topaz123]

Cant Carnival just embed a microchip on our arms..instead of the phone issue?  (FUTURE TIMES)

[BallFour4]

Short answer: yes.

 

Longer answer: no, and here's how we do it. Between our two personal iPhones and a company iPhone the total value pushes three grand. Those are powered down and go in the safe before we leave port.

I carry a $30 pre-paid LG brand phone I bought at Best Buy and never activated. It takes about and hour at home before the cruise to delete all the apps and junk I don't want and then add social media, WhatsApp and a few other news media apps I like. Then add the Hub app and you are set to go.

 You can access all the features of the Hub app and not spend a dime or you can add one of the onboard WiFi plans and use one of the many apps described above to communicate with those back home. We have done this for several cruises with great success. You do give up the quality of camera in the iPhone however.

 Amazon, Best Buy, Target and Walmart just to name a few stock these phones. Here is a link to one at Best Buy: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/tracfone-tracfone-tcl-a3-32gb-prime-black-prepaid-smartphone/6477127.p?skuId=6477127

Here is the one I bought from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/TracFone-LG-Journey-Prepaid-Smartphone/dp/B09238C448/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2EPPTXH5TYVIO&dchild=1&keywords=prepaid+cell+phone&qid=1635943872&qsid=145-1250441-3470269&sprefix=prepaid+cell+phone%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-3&sres=B09238C448%2CB09239L59W%2CB08J5DCBQR%2CB084GXS58R%2CB08J4KW31M%2CB07Y5R57FS%2CB08J4JCXDH%2CB08CL3JKBL%2CB08J4LFDSR%2CB07MBWWM25%2CB08J59PM55%2CB07ZHNVL55%2CB092HH1DQ6%2CB07RQFB4TP%2CB084KN2R2P%2CB08LZSS3DJ&srpt=CELLULAR_PHONE

 

Edited November 3, 2021 by BallFour4

[Elaine5715]

9 hours ago, IntrepidFromDC said:

Some of the restaurants (MDR Seaday Brunch for example) require you to check in on the Hub App ahead of time.  If you don't have a phone, when you show up at the restaurants they will put you in queue rather than seat you immediately.  I don't know if they'll improve this, but there were some unhappy cruisers who were used to waltzing into Seaday Brunch and instead had to wait 10 minutes outside with the mask police hovering.  Oh.  Wait.  That was us.  Learned my lesson to always use the Hub to "pre-checkin" to restaurants.  Don't like it but now I remember to do it in the cabin right before walking to the restaurant.  YOU WILL BE ASSIMILATED.  😁 🏴‍☠️

We cruised in August with family who did use the Hub.  We all had Any Time Dining but still needed to go to the podium after they checked in on the Hub since we were in a different cabin.   

[cruisingguy007]

3 hours ago, topaz123 said:

Cant Carnival just embed a microchip on our arms..instead of the phone issue?  (FUTURE TIMES)

 

Just head to your nearest pharmacy. I just got my 5g chip topped off with moderna. It was running low and only getting 2g & 3g coverage. Need to keep my government 5g magnetic tracker in tip-top working order. That reminds me, should probably grab some horse dewormer also. Can't be too prepared!   

[cruisingguy007]

Folks don't necessarily need a smartphone, most any portable computer with WIFI will do. Don't even need a sim card or anything. If cost is a factor there are many places to get a cheap portable WIFI computer to use for information and web browsing. Amazon warehouse deals has tons of cheap options and ebay too. Heck, your kids, relatives and neighbors probably have draws full of them they would gladly give you for free. It's too easy. 

[dbkruzr]

I've been resisting a smart phone mainly because I didn't want to give up my landline # since 1987 but found out could keep same # and save $26.00 a month OK sign me up! Bought an inexpensive Samsung everything is great and I'm happy I made the switch BUT on the Mardi Gras a couple weeks ago the Hub app somewhat worked. We could see activities and food venues but not menus or be able to check in for a table. The girl at the dining room said that MG uses very updated software and there won't be a problem like that on other ships we'll see if that's true next month on the Magic. Anyway, getting into the Dining room or the specialty restaurants and paper menus was not a problem.

[cruisingguy007]

24 minutes ago, dbkruzr said:

I've been resisting a smart phone mainly because I didn't want to give up my landline # since 1987 but found out could keep same # and save $26.00 a month OK sign me up! Bought an inexpensive Samsung everything is great and I'm happy I made the switch BUT on the Mardi Gras a couple weeks ago the Hub app somewhat worked. We could see activities and food venues but not menus or be able to check in for a table. The girl at the dining room said that MG uses very updated software and there won't be a problem like that on other ships we'll see if that's true next month on the Magic. Anyway, getting into the Dining room or the specialty restaurants and paper menus was not a problem.

 

Congrats! You could have parked your number at google voice years ago and made the switch and paid $0.00 per month. A lot of older folks who are resistant to "smart phones" will be in for a rude awakening when their Jitterbug flip phones stop working and they are left behind by technology. Many older phones will be effectively useless once 2g & 3g sunset. Many will be forced to 4G LTE min phones and nearly all will come with a onboard computer processor included, whether it's utilized or not. Resistance is futile.     

 

https://www.digi.com/blog/post/2g-3g-4g-lte-network-shutdown-updates

Edited November 3, 2021 by cruisingguy007

[groundloop]

I had to cruise phoneless through no choice of my own.... unbeknownst to me the damned screen had cracked at some point and it chose the exact moment I was boarding the ship to die.  I somehow managed to survive, but given the choice I'll have a working phone.

[jimbo5544]

21 hours ago, Lil2Angelic said:

Our cell phones go in the cabin safe when we board. We love to disconnect and decompress when we cruise. 

If on airplane mode, using them for menus is hardly an issue.  They are doing this for covid reasons,  if you want they can print you a menu or you can look online,

[cruisingguy007]

2 hours ago, fyree39 said:

I didn't have the QR scanner on my phone so I had to get paper menus for any restaurant. I loved browsing the HUB app. It's the Capers, the Fun Times and the 21st century all rolled into one. I just found it more useful than the paper Fun Times of old. Added PLUS?? None of the annoying paper trash disguised as ads in your cabin.

 

FYI, if your phone doesn't have a native QR scanner (activate camera and QR doesn't automatically read) you can download a QR reader app; there are plenty for free.  

[jimbo5544]

2 hours ago, fyree39 said:

I didn't have the QR scanner on my phone so I had to get paper menus for any restaurant. I loved browsing the HUB app. It's the Capers, the Fun Times and the 21st century all rolled into one. I just found it more useful than the paper Fun Times of old. Added PLUS?? None of the annoying paper trash disguised as ads in your cabin.

Not sure they were thinking of this when they came up witht he hub app, but it sure fit the ticket.  Home run

[davy jones]

Do you take a computer or tablet with you?  You could download the app onto your PC or tablet.

 

If you have anytime dining, then the app is great for checking in for meals in the MDR.  Check in from the room and your table is assigned and ready when you arrive at the MDR.  You can check in from the cabin and leave the phone there.  

 

I can't speak for newer ships, but the hub app was needed to check your folio, because the TV on the Pride did not do it.

[Mcdonaldbam]

6 minutes ago, davy jones said:

Do you take a computer or tablet with you?  You could download the app onto your PC or tablet.

 

If you have anytime dining, then the app is great for checking in for meals in the MDR.  Check in from the room and your table is assigned and ready when you arrive at the MDR.  You can check in from the cabin and leave the phone there.  

 

I can't speak for newer ships, but the hub app was needed to check your folio, because the TV on the Pride did not do it.

There were two kiosk (piazza cafe and casino) when I cruised in September that I used to check mine. 

[LandlockedCruiser01]

I refuse to cruise with a cell phone, period!  And I'm not above using underhanded tactics to achieve it.  So if I lie to the crew that my phone crapped out, or better yet that it was taken from me in a robbery the night before, will they do ANYTHING to help me, like give me paper menus and Fun Times?  (Or let me see the Fun Times on TV, I don't care.)  Or will they just say "sorry, Charlie!" and snicker at me, while refusing to let me order off a paper menu?  If the latter is true, I will do something I swore I wouldn't do in a million years: remove gratuities.  That, or migrate to another cruise line.

 

Some posters on here said "paper menus and Fun Times" and others said "sorry, Charlie".  So I want to know Carnival's M.O., before I decide to tell them to kiss my butt.  I had great experiences with them 3 times, despite their Cutback 2.0 "upgrades".  But forcing me to carry my cell phone is beyond my patience!

Edited November 4, 2021 by LandlockedCruiser01

[Elaine5715]

17 minutes ago, LandlockedCruiser01 said:

I refuse to cruise with a cell phone, period!  And I'm not above using underhanded tactics to achieve it.  So if I tell the crew that my phone crapped out, or better yet, was taken from me in a robbery the night before, will they do ANYTHING to help me, like give me paper menus?  Or will they just say "sorry, Charlie!" and snicker at me, while refusing to let me order off a paper menu?  If the latter is true, I will do something I swore I wouldn't do in a million years: remove gratuities.  That, or migrate to another cruise line.

 

Some posters on here said "paper menus" and others said "sorry, Charlie".  So I want to know Carnival's M.O., before I decide to tell them to kiss my butt.  I had great experiences with them 3 times, despite their Cutback 2.0 "upgrades".  But forcing me to carry my cell phone is beyond my patience!

The very first week when ships started sailing, there was an issue getting paper menus out while crew were just getting their sealegs back.  I was on the third sailing on the Miracle and menus were easily supplied on request

[sgttami]

8 hours ago, cruisingguy007 said:

 

Congrats! You could have parked your number at google voice years ago and made the switch and paid $0.00 per month. A lot of older folks who are resistant to "smart phones" will be in for a rude awakening when their Jitterbug flip phones stop working and they are left behind by technology. Many older phones will be effectively useless once 2g & 3g sunset. Many will be forced to 4G LTE min phones and nearly all will come with a onboard computer processor included, whether it's utilized or not. Resistance is futile.     

 

https://www.digi.com/blog/post/2g-3g-4g-lte-network-shutdown-updates

For me, it's not a resistance to smart phones.  I just don't want to haul devices with me when I go out or travel. 

 

I got an Apple Ipad mini as a gift and took it on a cruise thinking I'd play around with it and never took it out of my pocketbook.

 

I had one of the first portable phones back when they were still referred to as car phones and it was cool to have.  I think I used it twice.  I just couldn't talk on a phone in my car or standing in public. It felt stupid. 

 

 I bought a Kindle when they first came out and sent it back because it wasn't like reading a "real book."

 

I actually had been looking at some different phones recently and was like, "why bother,  I'll never take it with me."  LOL

 

 

[BarbaraGligoric]

Although I had my phone on my cruise last week on the Freedom I did not carry it around with me. I asked when I got on the ship for a copy of the fun times each day .they gave me a copy for that day  and after that it was delivered to my room every evening .it is only printed out on white paper ,nothing fancy but all info on it. 
in the main dining room I requested a menu and was given one. actually there were 4 of us out of 7 that had menus. No problem at all and after the first night never had to request it again. Was also given a paper menu for sea day brunch and for breakfast in the dining room. 
at no time did I feel any resistance o providing them.

2 hours ago, LandlockedCruiser01 said:

I refuse to cruise with a cell phone, period!  And I'm not above using underhanded tactics to achieve it.  So if I lie to the crew that my phone crapped out, or better yet that it was taken from me in a robbery the night before, will they do ANYTHING to help me, like give me paper menus and Fun Times?  (Or let me see the Fun Times on TV, I don't care.)  Or will they just say "sorry, Charlie!" and snicker at me, while refusing to let me order off a paper menu?  If the latter is true, I will do something I swore I wouldn't do in a million years: remove gratuities.  That, or migrate to another cruise line.

 

Some posters on here said "paper menus and Fun Times" and others said "sorry, Charlie".  So I want to know Carnival's M.O., before I decide to tell them to kiss my butt.  I had great experiences with them 3 times, despite their Cutback 2.0 "upgrades".  But forcing me to carry my cell phone is beyond my patience!

 

[ray98]

LOL....people hate change and will work harder just to stick with the "way we used to do it".

[mexicobob]

Carnival may be going the way of requiring guests to use cell phones on their ships. There are other cruise lines available that do not, for now at least. 

[cruisingguy007]

1 hour ago, mexicobob said:

Carnival may be going the way of requiring guests to use cell phones on their ships. There are other cruise lines available that do not, for now at least. 

 

That's not a accurate portrayal IMO. It's nothing to do with "cell phones" per sey, more like a technology change that reduces materials costs, waste, redundancies, manpower etc and improves efficiencies in manpower, information outlay and scheduling. Most people simply use the computer built into their phone, computer and camera combo because it's efficient and compact. You can rock a smart watch even, though a phone improves those as well.

 

There are also very small/cheap/light devices one could acquire to take advantage of Hub app information (speed/convenience) that also make great emergency devices for excursions or general emergency communication devices. You can even buy cheap/loadable prepaid sim cards online or in countries you visit at the first port and use them as cheap general communication devices if don't have international cell coverage. Wifi calling works in many locations as well and is a great way to keep up with land lubber loved ones stuck back on shore. 

 

The point is that they aren't forcing anyone to use "smart phones" as people like to say. It's more akin to people not wanting to take cabs or get rides anymore because companies switched to cars and won't pick them up in a horse and buggy. It makes smart business sense. Nostalgia is one thing, being completely apoplectic about times changing and taking your ball and going home is another. I can understand not wanting to carry anything and all that but it strikes me as a odd line in the sand situation. 

Edited November 4, 2021 by cruisingguy007

[sprint180]

11 hours ago, ray98 said:

LOL....people hate change and will work harder just to stick with the "way we used to do it".

Actually don't mind change at all.  Love to try different things.  What I do hate is dragging a phone with me.  I Have one.  Just don't want to keep track of a phone on vacay  because I don't usually carry one in my daily life.

[kicia]

I have a smart phone and it used to work with the Hub app.  Now it is almost 6 years old and won't support the app.  Eve. Guest Services tried and no go.

 

We got the paper Fun Times at Guest Services with no problem. We just went to the check in desk at the restaurants and got paper menus. Again, no problem. 

 

I tried using the QR code about a year ago at a restaurant and all of my apps disappeared.   About a month later,  they started  coming back.  I'm not doing that again. 

[Aplmac]

1 hour ago, sprint180 said:

What I do hate is dragging a phone with me.  I Have one. 

Just don't want to keep track of a phone on vacay 

because I don't usually carry one in my daily life.

 

Fully agreed: same here. I'm not married to it.

One wife is enough, thanks!

 

My phone will be staying in the cabin safe while I'm ashore.

TOO easy to lose it while off the ship.

It'll come back out once I'm back on board.