in the Caribbean.

I think our program has unlimited texting. But I will make sure of that anyway.

You can down load a VOIP program (Voice Over Internet Provider) onto to your phone and call from an internet cafe in port for almost free. I had done this in Europe and used it in the hotels and every port has cafe's with free internet. In London we had "Free street Wi Fi" so I used the VOIP more there.

Thats excellent info! Thanks Mary! I always turn my data off but keep it for internet and stuff (using the wifi of course).

Thanks for the information. We will bring out phones but like last time we will leave it in the room safe.

Great info, Mary – thanks!

The on board (any cruise line) satellite system for calls, WMS (aka cellularatsea) does not work with pre-paid phones so the burners are no good until you are in some ports. Many islands have their own mobile phone companies some of which work on the same transmission system as European countries and many cheap disposable phones just are not compatible. If you really want to go this route do very good research on the type of pre-paid phone and the calling cards for it you may need in each port.

OR save your money and check with your service provider about vacation international plans. Though this doesn't help with accidental transmissions or data reception on board, most "contract" plan phones are more compatible for in port use. Once on board, turn off your data, drop your quick dial widget off your start page, turn on wifi only use, and be careful about what setting your apps are using (such as auto-update which could override a manual data off option).

If in doubt just turn off your phone and leave it in the cabin's safe, dig out an MP3 player or e-reader for music or reading pleasures and pick up a cheap digital camera (I've seen waterproof ones with 10 MP at Staples for under $30) for taking pictures.

As soon as we board the ship, my phone will be turned off.

I will be going on the same itinerary in September. I have AT&T and BF has Verizion. We have no issues with coverage on land side and turn off data on the ship and usually do internet package and message through FB or the apple messanger.

I have t-mobile. It works in most ports we have been in. Now our plan gives us Mexico and Cananda for free.

Sorry John, don’t know about cost. Our T-Mobile plan gives us free text/data and $0.20/minute talk in most countries. Actually better reception almost anywhere than home.

As for coverage: expect it to be good in Mexico and Jamaica but not so good in Labadee (remote, private part of Haiti owned by Royal Caribbean – but coverage could’ve been improved since we were there last).