How Important is Having a Mobile Phone Onboard?

[SargassoPirate]

6 hours ago, billco said:

I would feel naked without my iPhone. Never know when there might be a photo opp, text or e-mail of interest, need to Google something, etc. I'm retired and cruise often enough that I don't think of it as a vacation, so why would I not use something on a cruise that is so much a part of my daily life? I'm glad I have an app I can use on the cruise and that cruise lines are moving toward better use of the technology. 

I was tethered to landlines, bag phones, and eventually cellphones during my working days - on call 24/7 at times.  That could be the big reason I like to eschew technology.

 

SWMBO and and we're recently out for dinner in a nice restaurant.  Seated next to us was mom, dad, and two preteens.  All four were on their devices before the meal  and even during the meal.  Next to no conversation.

 

Saw sign a few weeks ago.

 

 

[Infi]

I am a millennial who enjoys technology and my iphone IRL, but I do not carry it around while aboard. I like the paper version of the daily, and simply remember what activities I want to attend (9am coffee chat, 10am port talk, etc.) rather than carry the paper or my phone around all day. I do use the app before bed each evening to check menus and leave positive comments for the crew in the "let us know" section. These are the most useful features of the app IMHO. 

 

The main place where I could see this being an issue is for shore excursions. They are much easier to read about and book via the app (once aboard), and they will scan the digital QR code in your app when meeting for tours. I have been told that scanning the cruise card will accomplish the same but have not tried it myself. 

Edited September 17, 2023 by Infi

[Cruise Suzy]

2 minutes ago, Infi said:

I have been told that scanning the cruise card will accomplish the same but have not tried it myself. 

Scanning keycard works every time.

[Boatdrill]

I cruise with my flip phone (call and text only) and an international cell phone (call and text only) .

Sometimes both have cell service, and sometimes just one.

 

 

 

 

[CruzR887]

Some of you are conflating issues. Being glued to a phone is separate from using a smartphone when traveling. Having a smartphone doesn't bind you to anything. I have almost no social media presence but I'd never travel without my phone. Here's why:

 

-In Europe you can pay for almost everything using your phone. (I haven't needed local currency in my five cruises since the restart)

-It can be used to call emergency services should the need arise. Otherwise you'll be begging someone with a phone to do it for you

-It can put you in direct contact with the ship if there is an issue.

-You can contact your insurance provider immediately so you know what protocol to follow to maintain coverage

-It has a map to get you where you want to go

-It shows Metro, bus stops and train stations and can map the public transportation course to get to your location.

-It allows you to buy tickets so you don't have to stand in line or figure out a ticket machine.

-You can communicate with your hotel or make a reservation if the need arises.

-It shows you nearby restaurants and their relative costs. Same with attractions.

-Check in for a flight or change a flight.

-Get updates on flight interruptions

-You can communicate with your driver if you've arranged a car service

-You can get up to date weather forecasts

-You always know the currency exchange rate.

-You can forego the camera and use your phone.

 

Your smartphone doesn't tether you it frees to travel safer and more securely and be in charge of events and not hemmed in by them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[FlaMariner]

Just to clarify.....the post was titled "How Important is having a Mobile Phone ONBOARD" and my response was that the phone is not needed onboard and will do you good (IMO) to put it away.  

 

However......

 

We would never, ever land anywhere without our phone....agree with the above points.....critical to have on land.....a life saving device IMO. 

 

but not needed (IMO) at all onboard.......

 

Enjoy the journey......

[The-Inside-Cabin]

7 minutes ago, CruzR887 said:

Some of you are conflating issues. Being glued to a phone is separate from using a smartphone when traveling. Having a smartphone doesn't bind you to anything. I have almost no social media presence but I'd never travel without my phone. Here's why:

 

-In Europe you can pay for almost everything using your phone. (I haven't needed local currency in my five cruises since the restart)

-It can be used to call emergency services should the need arise. Otherwise you'll be begging someone with a phone to do it for you

-It can put you in direct contact with the ship if there is an issue.

-You can contact your insurance provider immediately so you know what protocol to follow to maintain coverage

-It has a map to get you where you want to go

-It shows Metro, bus stops and train stations and can map the public transportation course to get to your location.

-It allows you to buy tickets so you don't have to stand in line or figure out a ticket machine.

-You can communicate with your hotel or make a reservation if the need arises.

-It shows you nearby restaurants and their relative costs. Same with attractions.

-Check in for a flight or change a flight.

-Get updates on flight interruptions

-You can communicate with your driver if you've arranged a car service

-You can get up to date weather forecasts

-You always know the currency exchange rate.

-You can forego the camera and use your phone.

 

Your smartphone doesn't tether you it frees to travel safer and more securely and be in charge of events and not hemmed in by them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Google translate is worth its weight in gold in museums without English placards.  

[whogo]

17 minutes ago, CruzR887 said:

It can be used to call emergency services should the need arise. Otherwise you'll be begging someone with a phone to do it for you

"Could you quit live streaming the accident and call emergency services?"

[billco]

18 minutes ago, whogo said:

"Could you quit live streaming the accident and call emergency services?"

There a number of situations where I could contact emergency services by satellite if I didn't have wifi or cellular. Not sure if it would work while on or off the ship, but just another reason why I have my iPhone and Apple watch with me.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213426

Edited September 17, 2023 by billco

[CruiserBruce]

41 minutes ago, whogo said:

"Could you quit live streaming the accident and call emergency services?"

Too true. Way too true...

[billco]

39 minutes ago, billco said:

There a number of situations where I could contact emergency services by satellite if I didn't have wifi or cellular. Not sure if it would work while on or off the ship, but just another reason why I have my iPhone and Apple watch with me.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213426

Also, my Apple watch has fall detection and all my medical information is easily accessible on my iPhone.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208944

Two more good reasons why I always have them with me.

Edited September 17, 2023 by billco

[3rdGenCunarder]

2 hours ago, SargassoPirate said:

I was tethered to landlines, bag phones, and eventually cellphones during my working days - on call 24/7 at times.  That could be the big reason I like to eschew technology.

 

SWMBO and and we're recently out for dinner in a nice restaurant.  Seated next to us was mom, dad, and two preteens.  All four were on their devices before the meal  and even during the meal.  Next to no conversation.

 

Saw sign a few weeks ago.

 

 

 

I've observed that scene way too many times in restaurants, especially in NYC. I get it, you're on vacation and want to tell your friends back home how great it is. But (except for a quick food porn picture) mealtime is a good time to put down the phone and share each other's company. 

 

I've seen that sign in a bar in Aruba. I love it! 

 

I agree with those who say the app is a nice convenience on board, but not necessary. A use that I don't think has been mentioned is looking at menus. Especially on the larger ships, where the buffet has many stations, I like to preview the menu rather than wander the whole area to decide what I want for lunch. 

 

I travel with a laptop and use that for email and initial sorting of photos. I tried using it to keep my travel journal, but for some reason that felt wrong. I find that's more satisfying if it's handwritten. 

 

"SWMBO?" Are you a Rumpole fan??

 

Edited September 17, 2023 by 3rdGenCunarder

[FlaMariner]

1 hour ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

A use that I don't think has been mentioned is looking at menus.

 

We "watch" the MDR menu on the stateroom TV when getting ready for dinner......Always fun to figure out what we are about to go enjoy.....

[Heidi13]

4 hours ago, SargassoPirate said:

I was tethered to landlines, bag phones, and eventually cellphones during my working days - on call 24/7 at times.  That could be the big reason I like to eschew technology.

 

 

Same here, I was tethered to a cell phone being continuously on call 24/7, except when on holiday. I was provided my phone and number upon retirement, but after not having turned it on for 8 months, I returned it to the VP.

 

Been retired almost 11 yrs and during that time, I have never had, or needed a phone. Have completed 3 trips around the World, 2 by ship and 1 flying, 2 African safaris and many other trips, without having any need or desire to have a phone.

 

So in my experience, a mobile phone is not a requirement when cruising.

[Toofarfromthesea]

4 hours ago, FlaMariner said:

Enjoy the freedom of no phone onboard......It's liberating.  Not required nor needed for a fantastic cruise! We have the "shakes" for a day or two and then it passes and we feel fine and function fine. 

 

It's great that you enjoy freedom away from your phone.  Other people don't.  It's not a one-size-fits-all world.  

[FlaMariner]

10 minutes ago, Toofarfromthesea said:

It's great that you enjoy freedom away from your phone.  Other people don't.  It's not a one-size-fits-all world.  

 

Agree!  And glad it is not a "one size fits all world"......Just sharing my thoughts on the topic..and glad we can still do that!

 

Enjoy the journey.....with or without your phone!

Edited September 17, 2023 by FlaMariner

[FlaMariner]

12 minutes ago, Heidi13 said:

Have completed 3 trips around the World, 2 by ship and 1 flying, 2 African safaris and many other trips, without having any need or desire to have a phone.

 

That is just so AWESOME!  IMO. 

[SargassoPirate]

9 hours ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

I've observed that scene way too many times in restaurants, especially in NYC. I get it, you're on vacation and want to tell your friends back home how great it is. But (except for a quick food porn picture) mealtime is a good time to put down the phone and share each other's company. 

 

I've seen that sign in a bar in Aruba. I love it! 

 

I agree with those who say the app is a nice convenience on board, but not necessary. A use that I don't think has been mentioned is looking at menus. Especially on the larger ships, where the buffet has many stations, I like to preview the menu rather than wander the whole area to decide what I want for lunch. 

 

I travel with a laptop and use that for email and initial sorting of photos. I tried using it to keep my travel journal, but for some reason that felt wrong. I find that's more satisfying if it's handwritten. 

 

"SWMBO?" Are you a Rumpole fan??

 

Yes.  Glad you recognized the reference. I've read every book and watched the series on PBS and the DVDs. I use SWMBO with the utmost affection instead of DW.  SWMBO loves it.  We had the privilege of meeting John Mortimer and he signed her SWMBO coffee mug.

 

For the groundlings, SWMBO stands for She Who Must Be Obeyed.

[YourWorldWithBill]

4 hours ago, CruzR887 said:

Some of you are conflating issues. Being glued to a phone is separate from using a smartphone when traveling. Having a smartphone doesn't bind you to anything. I have almost no social media presence but I'd never travel without my phone.

Well said. As many have said, you certainly don't need a smart phone. But similar to others, although I don't use my cell phone much normally, and almost never for social media, on my last cruise I was happy to have it for many reasons. I'm an old guy, but it's hard for me to understand the strong opinions against using something that's so convenient, as the cruise lines move more and more to using that technology. 

[AroundWithMAPTravels]

Not NEEDED, but depending on situation “peace of mind”….

as mentioned, may be very useful ashore… maps, emergency, opening hours of local businesses (will need a cell plan that is affordable/ included however).

depending on destination, may prove to be very comforting….earlier this year I was on 24 day Antarctica trip (not HAL) with my 96 - year old mom in hospice…. Unexpectedly the aide assigned to her reached me by FaceTime on my iPhone several times so we could see each other and have a quick conversation.   I had been stressing on being away whilst she needed extra care… having Wi-Fi and a phone/other internet connected device made this possible while onboard.  Major stress relief!

ps- she was fine , loved the photos and conversations on return, but did pass a month or so later.   Still, it was an unexpected pleasure/ relief.

[Ineke]

On 9/16/2023 at 11:23 AM, mckath said:

Hello all -

 

My husband and I will be on the Rotterdam in January.  This is our first cruise. I know that HAL has a phone app that is useful on the cruise but I am wondering if it will be a necessity.  Both our phones are several years old (Samsung Note 9 and Motorola Moto ZPlay) but neither of us wants to upgrade our phones just for the trip.  What are your thoughts?  I'm pretty sure the Note 9 will be fine but I am not too sure about his phone. Will we be OK with just one phone that can access the app?  What do people use the app for once they are on board?

 

Thanks,
Kathy

I have a Smartphone, but don’t use it much. But I did put the Navigator app on my iPad, where it is easier to read, and I do use my iPad a lot. I haven’t tried it out to be scanned, though, so I’m not sure how that would work.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

There are plenty of things you don't need that make cruising easier - a phone is one of them.   

 

1. With a  phone, you can look ahead on the daily program a few days to see what is coming ahead
2. You can order food from Dive Inn from your cabin and not wait around by the pool
3. You can avoid going to guest services as most issues can be dealt with via the Navigator App.  For example - if they forget to apply your Mariner discount at the Pinnancle - a quick note to guest services will resolve the issue. 
4. You can send text messages to other passengers and leave them messages - you don't have to leave a note on their door or voice mail.    
5. You can review your statement whenever you want.  
6. You can receive, at no charge, text messages from Grandkids and other folks back at home.   You can be reached more easily in an emergency.  
7. All your shore excursion tickets are listed by day in your daily schedule.    All your dinner reservations and other events you tag will pop up as a reminders if you choose.  
8. You can check your email throughout the day and deal with issues at home quickly if necessary.
9. You can use WhatsApp for free (with a wifi plan) and stay in touch with your private tour guides ashore.  
10. We contacted our dentist at home, via text, twice shared photos of a problem tooth, and got expert advice without going to medical or trying to find a dentist ashore.

 

While there are non-phone ways to accomplish everything above - it's easier for me with a phone.

 

I ignore what other people do while eating their dinners - if they want to use their phones instead of knitting, reading a paperback, or staring out the window, or talking to their partner- more power to them.   It's their vacation - they can use their time ashore however they see fit.

 

 

 

 

Edited September 17, 2023 by The-Inside-Cabin

[Hlitner]

I think having a smartphone, onboard, is similar to having elevators aboard.  While you do not need elevators or the smartphones, they both save time, aggravation, and make life much easier.

 

Hank

[crystalspin]

6 hours ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

A use that I don't think has been mentioned is looking at menus. Especially on the larger ships, where the buffet has many stations, I like to preview the menu rather than wander the whole area to decide what I want for lunch. 

I was reading this whole thread to see if anyone had mentioned just this! (Bruce did mention menus...)

 

Both for lunch and dinner, the Lido's offerings are presented by station. We can split up, grab what strikes our fancies, and meet back to find a table.

 

I admit I will also check the MDR dinner menu and see if anything interesting is also going to be available in the Lido. Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

 

ETA: As far as checking things on the TV -- THAT is the device we do not turn on, after watching the Muster video.

 

 

 

Edited September 17, 2023 by crystalspin

[3rdGenCunarder]

3 hours ago, SargassoPirate said:

Yes.  Glad you recognized the reference. I've read every book and watched the series on PBS and the DVDs. I use SWMBO with the utmost affection instead of DW.  SWMBO loves it.  We had the privilege of meeting John Mortimer and he signed her SWMBO coffee mug.

 

For the groundlings, SWMBO stands for She Who Must Be Obeyed.

 

Ooh, that is really cool! I saw Leo McKern in a hotel restaurant in a town near London. It was breakfast, a meal I consider sacred. I did not have the nerve to go over and ask for an autograph and risk that withering stare he could do.

 

I had a sweatshirt that spelled out SWMBO. I often wore it riding, hoping the horse would get the message.