Embarking on a cruise is an exciting adventure, offering the chance to explore multiple destinations while enjoying the comfort and entertainment of a floating resort. However, amidst the excitement, it’s easy to overlook the small details that can lead to unexpected expenses, as one Royal Caribbean passenger discovered upon returning home to a staggering $1300 (approximately $2000 AUD) phone bill.
The allure of the open sea and the convenience of modern technology can sometimes clash in costly ways. This unnamed passenger, whose story was shared by YouTuber Jayson Judson, made a common yet expensive error. Believing that the Wi-Fi package purchased on board would suffice for their phone service needs, they didn’t realise that their mobile phone was quietly accruing roaming charges and downloading updates in the background throughout the journey.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for all travellers, highlighting the importance of understanding how your mobile phone interacts with different networks, especially when abroad. Cruise ships, while offering Wi-Fi services, often do not include cellular services in their packages, and roaming charges can quickly escalate without the user’s knowledge.
To avoid such a financial surprise, the key is to set your phone to ‘aeroplane mode’ or disable international roaming before setting sail. This simple action ensures that your phone won’t connect to cellular networks, which can incur exorbitant fees. Royal Caribbean’s blog emphasises that smartphones are designed to seek out updates and notifications continuously, which can result in a hefty bill even if you’re not actively using your device.
Fortunately, putting your phone in aeroplane mode doesn’t mean you’ll be cut off from the world. You can still connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi or use Wi-Fi hotspots at ports of call. This allows you to use internet-based services like iMessage without the risk of roaming charges. For those less tech-savvy, turning on aeroplane mode is a straightforward solution compared to navigating the complexities of your phone’s data settings.
In this unfortunate case, the passenger’s child also contributed to the bill by streaming videos throughout the trip, a data-intensive activity that can quickly rack up charges. When the family contacted the cruise line, they were informed that it was the passenger’s responsibility to manage their phone settings, a reminder that the onus is on travellers to understand and control their mobile usage.
For those needing to make calls, Royal Caribbean suggests enabling Wi-Fi calling—a feature provided by most cellular carriers that allows your phone to place calls using Wi-Fi instead of a cellular signal. This feature is particularly useful in areas with poor cell coverage, both at sea and on land. It’s crucial to activate Wi-Fi calling before your cruise while you’re still at home, as it’s a free service that simply needs to be turned on in your phone settings.
And if you’re not keen on purchasing a Wi-Fi package, Royal Caribbean offers a solution with a chat feature in its app that allows passengers to communicate with each other on board at no extra cost.
In conclusion, while the conveniences of modern technology can enhance your cruise experience, they can also lead to unexpected costs if not managed properly. Always remember to adjust your phone settings before departing, and familiarise yourself with the digital services offered by the cruise line to ensure a smooth and financially stress-free journey.
Have you ever experienced unexpected charges while travelling? We’d love to hear your stories and any tips you have for managing phone usage while cruising. Share your insights in the comments below and help fellow travellers avoid common pitfalls!
Also read: Save up to 50% on holidays, cruises & tours PLUS sky-high savings on flights
