Cellular at Sea Help: Guides and FAQs
Everything about using your phone on a cruise, pick a topic or jump to frequently asked questions.
- Start here
What is Cellular at Sea?
Read the pageCellular at Sea lets you call, text, and use data while at sea, through the cellular network on board your ship.
- How it works
How cell service works on a cruise ship
Read the pageYour regular phone works at sea because the ship carries its own cellular network.
- Your screen
The 901 network name
Read the pageIf your phone shows 901 18 or Cellular At Sea network names mid-ocean, nothing is wrong.
- Billing
Roaming charges, explained
Read the pageWhen your phone connects at sea, your home carrier bills you under your plan’s international roaming terms, the same as it would in a foreign country.
- Coverage
Ship coverage and partners
Read the pageCellular at Sea operates aboard 210+ cruise ships across 25+ cruise lines, with 400+ carrier roaming partners worldwide.
- Options
Your connectivity options on a cruise
Read the pageYou have three ways to stay connected on a cruise: the ships Wi-Fi, your own phone plan on the ship’s cellular network, and a travel eSIM with cruise ship coverage.
- Glossary
Maritime roaming terms
Read the pageShort definitions of the terms travelers meet when their phone goes to sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions by our customers. Get the full answer and more on the page linked next to the question.
- What is Cellular at Sea / what does Cellular at Sea mean?What is Cellular at Sea
- Will my cell phone work on a cruise ship / will I have cell service at sea?How Cell Phone Service Works on a Cruise Ship
- Do eSIMs work on cruise ships / do I need a cruise eSIM?Your Connectivity Options on a Cruise
- Does my carrier work on a cruise ship, and what cruise plan do I need?Which ships and wireless carriers work with Cellular at Sea?
- How much does cellular service on a cruise cost / is Cellular at Sea free?Cruise Ship Cellular Roaming Charges, Explained
- How do I avoid surprise roaming charges? Should I use Airplane Mode?Cruise Ship Cellular Roaming Charges, Explained
- Should I use ship Wi-Fi, cellular service, or an eSIM?Your Connectivity Options on a Cruise
- How does Cellular at Sea work / how does my phone connect automatically?How Cell Phone Service Works on a Cruise Ship
- Why does my phone say 901-18 or Cellular at Sea? Am I being charged?Why Your Phone Says 901 at Sea
- Can I text, iMessage or use WhatsApp on a cruise ship without buying Wi-Fi?What is Cellular at Sea?