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Glacier Bay cell phone service?

adstz

By adstz,
in Princess Cruises

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adstz

adstz

Posted
Posted

Need some help, please. Is there ANY cell phone service in Glacier Bay? Can you use the ship's tower to make phone calls that day?

We are not (too) concerned about cost just availability. My son HAS to call in to work that day or he will lose his job.

Final payment is soon so we are trying to make a decision.

Please tell me if you have used your cell phone (not an app like WhatsApp or Facebook, those won't work for him) while in Glacier Bay.

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jvaka

jvaka

Posted
Posted (edited)

If the phone supports WiFi calling, use the ships WiFi to make the call. Do an internet search on his phone model and WiFi calling. He can practice at home. Just turn off cell service but leave WiFi on and have him call him work or friends to see how it works.

Edited by jvaka
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Coral "Live from...." Rare

Coral

Posted
Posted (edited)
7 minutes ago, brisalta said:

According the NPS there is no cellular coverage in the southern parts of the park. That would indicate there is no cellular coverage in the bay.

Would there be satellite phone service? I wonder if he could use the phone in his cabin?

 

It has been a few years since I have been to Alaska but internet was always spotty on Glacier Bay day.

Edited by Coral
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PescadoAmarillo "Live from...." Rare

PescadoAmarillo

Posted
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There is no cellular coverage and almost no WiFi signal on the ship in Glacier Bay NP. I remember it well because we received an iMessage text with really good news in it that day that I couldn’t read until the next morning. 

Edited by PescadoAmarillo
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Moondogy

Moondogy

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10 minutes ago, 1025cruise said:

Just curious what type of job requires someone to call in on approved PTO or get fired. Whether or not I had a signal, that would be a hard NO for me.

One I know of would be the military, not that you'd lose your job, they would mark you as awol. Would depend on leave vs a pass.

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Glaciers

Glaciers

Posted
Posted
18 hours ago, adstz said:

Need some help, please. Is there ANY cell phone service in Glacier Bay?

We’ve gotten cell coverage as we entered or exited the bay as we passed by Gustavus. Might work for a quick check in but not for a long conversation. You’re also, usually, transiting that area very early in the morning.

 

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Glaciers

Glaciers

Posted
Posted

Good read from one of the Glacier Bay tour operators that discusses communication devices.

 

“Important to note: There are three global satellite telephone systems in place:  Iridium, Globalstar and Inmarsat.  Iridium is considered to be more dependable.”

 

https://glacierbayseakayaks.com/backcountry-trip-planning/planning-details/communication-devices

 

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1025cruise "Live from...." Rare

1025cruise

Posted
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3 hours ago, Moondogy said:

One I know of would be the military, not that you'd lose your job, they would mark you as awol. Would depend on leave vs a pass.

I would presume if one in the military is taking a cruise, they would have been granted leave, and would not be expected to be available.

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Moondogy

Moondogy

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4 hours ago, 1025cruise said:

I would presume if one in the military is taking a cruise, they would have been granted leave, and would not be expected to be available.

I have seen people take a pass and have to call in at a point. Not supposed to be out of a certain area, but they do. I did it once but was only 3 hours away, but have seen it done with some states away from base, so it can be done if you're willing to risk punishment 🤣

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brisalta

brisalta

Posted
Posted (edited)
12 hours ago, donaldsc said:

If it is that critical, perhaps he should check on renting a satellite phone for a month.

 

DON

 

You are assuming a satellite phone will work at that latitude. It may or may not depending on the particular atmospheric conditions and the azimuth of the particular communications satellite.

Edited by brisalta
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caribill

caribill

Posted
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5 hours ago, rdsqrl said:

If I've gotten prior approval for a vacation and still had to call in while on said vacation or be fired, I think I'd take being fired.  Sounds like only the tip of the iceberg of workplace dysfunction. 

 

OP did not say if it just needed to be a quick call or one that would last a while.

 

It is possible the person was told "Yes, you can take vacation that week, but only if on xx/xx/2022 you can call in for a conference call for x minutes at a certain time.

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Moondogy

Moondogy

Posted
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9 hours ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

There's been a lot of speculation that the person in question is military, but @adstz has never actually said this.  (Unless I'm just totally blind and missed it...I went back and read the thread twice.)

I never said he/she was military....if you reread, I was giving an example of someone that could need to make a call for said reason. One person stated they could not think of anyone who might need to call work in the middle of a cruise to save their job. There could be a thousand jobs where this could be a possible need. I'm glad I don't have to worry about working anymore myself.

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adstz

adstz

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On 3/20/2022 at 7:27 AM, 1025cruise said:

Just curious what type of job requires someone to call in on approved PTO or get fired. Whether or not I had a signal, that would be a hard NO for me.

He is a poker dealer at a casino. July 4 and 5 are blackout days for vacation so he can't sign up in advance. He would have to call in each of those days and use his "points" to take the days off. If he doesn't call in before his shift it counts against him and would lead to termination.

He will have vacation for the days before and after (we board June 29 and return July 9) but MUST call in for those two days. Very frustrating.

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Coffeeluvr05

Coffeeluvr05

Posted
Posted
2 hours ago, adstz said:

He is a poker dealer at a casino. July 4 and 5 are blackout days for vacation so he can't sign up in advance. He would have to call in each of those days and use his "points" to take the days off. If he doesn't call in before his shift it counts against him and would lead to termination.

He will have vacation for the days before and after (we board June 29 and return July 9) but MUST call in for those two days. Very frustrating.

That sounds like a stressful vacation.

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