A Hidden Gem for Staying in Touch While at Sea
When you’re cruising the high seas, staying in touch with loved ones can be a bit tricky. There is one option that does not require a cruise line internet plan or even a cell phone: Ship-to-Shore calling. Available on all major cruise lines, this service allows you to make calls directly from your stateroom phone. While not the most budget-friendly option, Ship-to-Shore calling can often be a more affordable way to make a call than relying on your cell phone’s roaming service.
How Ship-to-Shore Calling Works
Ship-to-Shore calling allows passengers to place calls home directly from their stateroom phones, bypassing the need for internet access or cellular networks. You’ll typically find instructions for using this service near your cabin phone, making it easy to access when you need it.
To make a call, simply pick up the phone, follow the prompts, and dial the number you wish to reach. This is a great way to stay in contact with friends and family without the headache of international roaming charges. However, be aware that this convenience comes at a cost – calls are billed to your onboard account. That said, depending on the cruise line and your destination, they may still be cheaper than using your mobile phone’s roaming services.
How to Call a Cruise Ship Guest from Land
So, what about when your family or friends need to reach you while you’re cruising? Can they just dial your cabin number directly? Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple. To call you on the ship, loved ones must contact a specialized call center, provide your name, the cruise ship you’re on, and your cabin number. They’ll be asked to provide a credit card before the call can is routed to your stateroom phone. It’s not as immediate as dialing a regular phone number, but it does give your family and friends a way to get in touch in case of an emergency.
It’s a good idea to leave this emergency contact information with your loved ones before your cruise. You’ll want to write down:
- Your Cruise Line’s Ship-to-Shore Number (listed below)
- Your Cruise Ship’s Name
- Your Cabin Number
Ship-to-Shore Calling Rates
While Ship-to-Shore calling offers a lifeline for staying in touch with those on land, it’s important to be aware of the rates before you make the call. Unfortunately, this service doesn’t come cheap. If you’re the one placing the call, the charge will be added to your onboard account. If a friend or family member calls you, they’ll need to provide a credit card before the call can go through. Price per minute is listed in the table below
Ship-to-Shore Calling by Cruise Line
Here’s a reference guide for Ship-to-Shore calling for some of the major cruise lines: including the contact numbers needed for family and friends to reach you:
| Cruise Line | Rate Per Minute | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival | $1.99 | 800-227-6482 |
| Celebrity | $7.95 | 877-266-1020 |
| Cunard | $9.50 | 732-335-3272 |
| Disney | $6.95 | 888-322-8732 |
| Holland America | $16.00 | 800-993-5483 |
| MSC | unpublished | 877-665-4655 |
| Norwegian | $0.79 + $9.95 activation | 888-627-4477 |
| Princess | $10.00 | 877-656-7447 |
| Oceania | unpublished | 855-335-2608 |
| Regent Seven Seas | unpublished | 844-876-4690 |
| Royal Caribbean | $7.95 | 888-724-7447 |
| Seabourne | unpublished | 800-442-4448 |
| Silver Seas | unpublished | 877-382-6908 |
| Viking Ocean Cruises | unpublished | 866-984-5464 |
| Virgin Voyages | unpublished | 954-361-9500 |
While WiFi packages might be the most well-known way to stay connected while cruising, Ship-to-Shore calling offers a solid alternative if you just need to make a quick, reliable phone call. So, next time you’re on a cruise, don’t forget this useful option—it may just come in handy when you need it most.
