accessing Cellular at Sea

[Oilfan]

We are sailing from Vancouver to Hawaii.  We will have the cruise line's Basic WiFi.

I plan on adding a US Roaming Add-On (talk/text/data) for while we are in Hawaii.  However, I need to be able to receive and/or make voice calls while at sea (emergency only).

How do I access the Cellular At Sea service while at sea?

What are the costs/roaming charges associated with this?

Can I access WhatsApp for WiFi-based calls or do I need to upgrade to their Premium WiFi?

Comments / suggestions please.

[CarloM]

Hi Oilfan: if you haven't left for your cruise as yet, may I suggest to look into GigSky service. They offer Land and Sea cellular data service option. The service works on the cruise ship and on land. Check them out.

[Grinch]

@Oilfan 

I would suggest that you review your situation with the cruise ship wifi provider. 
Ask what is the difference between basic and premium?

I have never used WhatsApp so I cannot comment.  

iPhones to iPhones work on wifi when using FaceTime. And you can use FaceTime audio only. 
You can set up a VoIP.ms account that works over wifi. Set up the Voiper App to make it work.  (And you can use your cell number as the caller id number).  You might be able to forward your cell number to it. 

Does the cruise ship company have a blog to research your issue? 

But I do know this……some free wifi providers put blocks some apps. 

Check this out. 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2970908-difference-in-basic-and-premium-wi-fi/

[hTideGnow]

HI @Oilfan 

to get Cellular at sea , mainly if you need voice calls on your own number, you will have to use 3rd party service like this: https://cellularatsea.com/   Not cheap

But if you just need internet, get the wifi from the cruise, not cheap but still better than the cellular at sea option above

[hairbag1]

@Oilfan 

you'll have best success using WhatsApp and the on board wifi.

You'll have no PM service as soon as you get out of cell range in Vancouver.

[softech]

@Oilfan 

there is no cellular at see offered by PM.  You might wonder if you can get the Canadian or US signal while you are at sea, sadly not.

So, when you are at sea, you have to rely on the onboard wifi (with cost)

to make voice calls, use VoIP app such as TextNow to make regular calls using the apps.  Or you can use App2App calling like Whatsapp or Facetime