Cell Service question

[jojoanddash]

Does anyone know what kind of cell service you get in Alaska. We have US Cellular. Mom needs to be able to check in on her hubby because he has heart issues and she just worries when she is gone but if nothing else we can always use hotel phones but would really like to use cell phones while we are on land especially traveling in our rental. I would really hate to make the hubby walk for help if we break down lol :eek:;):p

[brutusmom]

I have Verizon and had no problem using my cell in every port. And it is part of Verizon plan. No extra charge.

 

 

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[jojoanddash]

great thanks so hopefully US Cellular is the same way

[AKStafford]

AT&T and Verizon both offer service through Alaska, plus a couple of different local providers. I believe most major national companies have an agreement with the providers in Alaska to use their networks. So you should be fine.

If you are doing a land trip you will find stretches of the road with no service, but all the towns will have coverage.

[jojoanddash]

Thanks everyone

[hockeygal54]

We were there Aug 2012 and once we left Seattle for AK I had "issues" unless we were @ Princess Lodges. I have Verizon coverage and found out later you had to "reset to the towers" in the area. It involved a star or pound key and 3-digits as I recall but can't find info now--of course! :(. My friend has AT&T and no issues in cities. Bottom line.....ck with your provider b4 u leave!!

 

 

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[las313]

*228

[jojoanddash]

great thanks

[Lauvellers]

Does anyone know about using a Canadian cell phone with a US plan how it works? I know when I go to the Caribbean I keep my cell off the whole time, but I am thinking that with the Alaska cruise, I should be able to leave it on if I have a US plan? Anyone have any experience with this?

[Crew News]

Does anyone know about using a Canadian cell phone with a US plan how it works? I know when I go to the Caribbean I keep my cell off the whole time, but I am thinking that with the Alaska cruise, I should be able to leave it on if I have a US plan? Anyone have any experience with this?

You can leave your cell phone turned on when you are in port or on land. If you leave it on while away from port (at sea where the ships cell tower is turned on), you will be charged about $7.99 per minute in one-minute increments. Since cell phones are constantly updating/checking apps, time, location whether you are talking or not, you will have a really "nice" bill when you get home.

[Lauvellers]

You can leave your cell phone turned on when you are in port or on land. If you leave it on while away from port (at sea where the ships cell tower is turned on), you will be charged about $7.99 per minute in one-minute increments. Since cell phones are constantly updating/checking apps, time, location whether you are talking or not, you will have a really "nice" bill when you get home.

 

Thank you

[IfishSitka]

If you have a smart phone I would suggest turning off data. Once you hit Canada you will be dinged for roaming unless you have a plan that allows it. We learned the hard way $$ on that one.

[nana51]

If you turn the "data" off, can you still leave the phone on to use the camera? Even when not in port, or should I use my regular camera when out to sea?

[IfishSitka]

I turn data off and still use the camera and the phone. My I phone takes better pictures then my camera. Many plans will bill you for data roaming but only bill you for the actual time spent making or receiving calls.

[SeaBands]

and they will work in Alaska without roaming charges.

[amandawi]

Great thread! I was wondering the same thing. I also have US Cellular and need to be able to call home to check on our son who is staying with grandparents. If I'm not able to get service while in port, does anyone know if there are phones somewhere that we could use? Or can you still buy a calling card anywhere?

[niklynn1]

While cruising in Alaska, aren't you close enough to land the whole time to reach the towers on land? I didn't think the Alaskan cruises went out to sea that far?

 

We just booked our first Alaska cruise, but I was hoping that would be the case?

[varoo]

While cruising in Alaska, aren't you close enough to land the whole time to reach the towers on land? I didn't think the Alaskan cruises went out to sea that far?

 

We just booked our first Alaska cruise, but I was hoping that would be the case?

See explanation in post #10 by Crew News.

 

[niklynn1]

See explanation in post #10 by Crew News.

 

 

Thanks, but I had already read that and it does not answer my question. If you are close to land during an Alaskan cruise, why would the ship's cell tower be turned on in the first place?

[zqvol]

Thanks, but I had already read that and it does not answer my question. If you are close to land during an Alaskan cruise, why would the ship's cell tower be turned on in the first place?

 

Most of the time you are not as close to land as you think you are. The ships want to be far enough away from the coast to open the casinos and shops.

[sherryf]

Most of the time you are not as close to land as you think you are. The ships want to be far enough away from the coast to open the casinos and shops.

 

And even when you are close to land, it's not necessarily inhabited and covered by cell towers.

[niklynn1]

Most of the time you are not as close to land as you think you are. The ships want to be far enough away from the coast to open the casinos and shops.

 

Thank you. That was a helpful answer.

[niklynn1]

And even when you are close to land, it's not necessarily inhabited and covered by cell towers.

 

Thank you as well. I appreciate your helpful response.