I-Phone Usage while on the Ship

Is there anyone out there that has travel on the Ecstacy that has taken their I-phone? If you did, I would love to ask a few questions:

1) Did you use the phone to make calls, text, or get internet while on the ship. If so, do you remember the cost?

2) Did you put the phone in Airplane mode or turn off data roaming?

I am debating whether or not I should even take the phone with me. I would love to have it, and be able to use it on occasion to stay in touch with home, but I do not want to rack up an enormous bill. Any info would be helpful. I don't use my phone as much as I text. I understand that Iphones can rack up data charges because aps are constantly updating even when not in use..

I was told that International Phone plans do not apply to Cruises...they have there own signal and that will cost 2.49 per minute..

Also, what it will cost while on land in Mexico to if someone knows.....

Iphones are a different breed I am told....has me scared and holding my wallet!

Thanks.......

Thanks for this posting.  I have the same concern on my upcoming sailing on Ectasy.

Thanks, mgrimes "Deep in the Heart of Texas" sailed: Carnival Fantasy 2008 Carnival Ecstasy 2007

I have a Windows Mobile phone, and I put it into Airplane Mode soon after I boarded the ship.  Otherwise, it will be constantly running a data connection looking for email, weather updates, etc.

Cellular At Sea is the service provider on all Carnival ships, and yes, they charge $2.49/min. Here is what they charge AT&T customers:

P.A.N.:

Is there Wi-FI if I bring my laptop?

All the ships have internet, and most have WiFi.  It is VERY slow, and like cell calls, they charge $$$ by the minute.

Well, let me add that I did bring my phone.  I put it into Airplane Mode, and locked it up into the cabin's safe.    I guess it is my security blanket, and if an emergency happened, I would turn off Airplane Mode and make a call no matter how much it cost.

Plus, upon my return, I could use it to call whomever forgot to pick us up at the dock! 

I will admit, I took the phone with me at a port-of-call.  While off the ship, I took my phone out of Airplane Mode just to see what happened.  I immediately noticed it started to download data.  I turned Airplane Mode right back on.

After getting home, I got my cell bill.  That little indiscretion cost me $0.01. 

 We crused last February.I turned my cell phone off when i got on the ship and back on when we got back off.This may have been the best part of the hole trip.If someone really wants you they can call the ship.