Out at sea, there are no cell towers. That’s why cruise ships utilize at-sea providers like Wireless Maritime Services or Cellular at Sea. Guests can use their mobile devices and ship-to-shore services.

However, sending and receiving texts and using your phone can be very expensive using these services. So, to avoid costly fees, learn how to text on a cruise ship for free.

How Can I Send an SMS Text Message?

Text messages travel over your mobile network. Therefore, you can send and receive only text messages (no pictures) in your phone’s app wherever there is service.

After your cruise ship leaves port and travels 12 miles out to sea, the vessel switches to at-sea providers. You will lose your cell tower signal if you don’t place your phone in airplane mode before reaching this distance.

Guests need to be aware of what happens next. Your phone will automatically connect to the at-sea provider if you don’t put your phone in airplane mode.

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So, if you send a text or make a call, you can be charged for it. These providers are very expensive, and you will receive an additional data charge plus a per-text charge. This applies to any incoming texts, too. 

Avoiding Expensive Costs

It isn’t uncommon for passengers to return home to a sizable cellular bill, despite never making calls or sending texts. While many have unlimited data plans, apps can continually work in the background without you being aware of it. They check and update emails and texts and update themselves without you doing anything.

While traveling, if you are unaware this is happening, you will experience an extra charge on your bill because your phone has automatically connected to the at-sea provider and did its thing, running up data usage. Hence, you will get billed for it.

Simply put your phone in airplane mode when you leave the port to avoid this charge. 

What if I Want to Send Texts, Receive Emails, or Make Calls at Sea?

If you want to do this through a network, then you may want to do one of the following things:

• Turn off your text alerts
• Disable your automatic email updates
• Place roaming data to the off position
• Disable any apps that run in the background

Additionally, depending on your carrier, you can prearrange cruise ship packages containing text, talk, and data. Larger companies have packages or special rates that allow you to text while on a cruise ship. These carriers include:

• Verizon International Plan (only on certain cruise lines)
• T-Mobile Magenta Max and Magenta (available on certain ships)
• AT&T Packages 

Can You Tell if You Are Connected to At-Sea Providers?

While at sea, if you are not in airplane mode, you may be curious as to whether you will be aware if you are connected to any maritime providers. Sometimes, phones can pick up signals from cell phone towers despite being far from land.

However, your phone automatically connects to any at-sea provider. If it does, you will see one of these names on your phone:

• Telenor Maritime
• Wireless Maritime Services
• 901-18
• NOR-18
• Cellular at Sea

If you didn’t mean to connect your phone, put it into airplane mode to prevent charges. 

How You Can Text on Cruise Ship for Free(ish)

While you may feel like paying is the inevitable conclusion, there are ways to be able to use your device for free. Most carriers will recommend signing up for a monthly plan “just in case”; there are ways that you can avoid this. While it may not always be convenient, it is possible.

Text Messaging Apps

If you use WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or WeChat, you may be able to use them whenever you have a Wi-Fi connection. Other suggestions are dependent on the cruise line you are traveling. Guests can use the following apps for texting:

• Shipmate (available in Apple and Google Play Stores)
• Cruise Norwegian by Norwegian Cruise Lines: (one-time fee)
• Celebrity Cruises App by Celebrity Cruises: This app allows guests to complete a faster check-in, obtain their safety briefing, engage in in-app chats, use a digital key, use an in-app calendar, reserve excursions, track expenses, automate their stateroom, and reserve dining. 
• Carnival HUB by Carnival Cruise Lines: (for a one-time activation fee). It contains a chat feature, but the receiving passenger must use the Carnival HUB app to receive messages. It includes a group setting to allow family members/friends to communicate using the same conversation.
• MSC For Me by MSC Cruises: This web-based app provides free service to devices connected to the MSC intranet. There is no internet package purchase necessary to use this feature. The drawback is you can only use it on MSC Virtuosa, Bellissima, Grandiosa, Meraviglia, Seaside, and Seaview. It will be coming soon to the MSC Seascape, World Europa, and Eurabia. Functionality varies across ships and countries.
• Navigator by Disney Cruise Line: This app will allow guests to send free texts to people aboard the ship or to do a group chat. While it connects to onboard Wi-Fi, there isn’t a charge for app users to access it.
• Royal Caribbean App by Royal Caribbean International: You can only use this app on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem, Quantum, Ovation of the Seas, and Harmony. This app will allow passengers to text or call others on the same ship. While free to download, the communications package enabling calling/texting contains a fee per device. 
• MedallionNet by Princess Cruises: Guests on Princess Medallion Class receive Wi-Fi while on board. It will allow you to video chat, text, download email, share pics, stream music, shows, movies, and sports, and keep in touch with family and friends. Packages can be purchased for a single or four devices at a low rate daily. This is available on Caribbean Princess, Coral Princess, Ruby Princess, Crown Princess, Island Princess, Emerald Princess, Sky Princess, Diamond Princess, Grand Princess, Star Princess, Majestic Princess, Enchanted Princess, and Sapphire Princess.
• Navigator by Holland America: This web-based service allows passengers to book a spa treatment, shore excursion, or specialty dining or check the daily schedule, monitor onboard accounts, buy photos, and text other guests. It operates on all fleets and is free if your device is Wi-Fi enabled.

Some cruise lines allow you to connect to the internet for free without the need to buy a package. These include all-inclusive luxury lines like Viking Ocean and Regent Seven Seas. Internet access is part of your cruise fare, so you can keep in touch through a messaging app.

The downfall of these apps is that you can only connect to other passengers while on the ship. Once you reach the port, you will be unable to use it. However, if you want to reduce costs, you can incorporate the methods mentioned below.

Using Onboard Credit as Part of a Wi-Fi Package

Smart cruises know that receiving any onboard credit will save them money while cruising. Some will use it for gratuities, others for Wi-Fi packages. You can obtain credit by booking through promotions, cruise line shareholders, or travel agencies, just to name a few.

Join a Loyalty Program

Cruise lines tend to incorporate loyalty programs in hopes of attracting returning guests. The best way to reward these cruisers is with free benefits. Once you reach a particular tier, guests can obtain free internet on their cruise. They will sometimes offer free onboard credit for loyal customers, which you can use for internet access.

Book When There Is a Free Wi-Fi Promotion

There are cruise lines that frequently run sales with perks. Free Wi-Fi is a popular choice to draw guests. Norwegian Cruise Line frequently has Free at Sea promotions where guests can receive unlimited open bar, free airfare, excursions, specialty dining, internet, and a free third or fourth guest. 

How Can You Text at Port for Free?

Once you reach the port, you may be tempted to check in with email, text, etc. Don’t take your phone out of airplane mode unless you are within your data coverage. If you aren’t, you will pay international rates. 

Check your coverage with your phone provider before boarding, especially if you are going outside your home country. Providers tend to offer short-term international, talk, text, and data plans you can purchase before embarkation.

You can keep in touch outside your coverage area using messaging apps, provided you can connect to hotspots. You still can’t use SMS texts if you do not have any cellular data. 

At some ports, connecting to a signal is easy. Others can be more challenging. Before disembarking, ask a crew member whether you will be able to connect to a network. Pre-pandemic, crew members had to pay for Wi-Fi while onboard. They are familiar with the best areas to pick up free good signals. 

The best places to receive free Wi-Fi are often:

• Cruise terminals
• Restaurants/cafes, although many require you to make a purchase
• Coffee shops/fast food places
• Large malls/shopping centers
• Beaches
• Public libraries

Check if You Have International Coverage

You can use most smartphones anywhere. However, to use them outside the country, you may need to see if your carrier will cover you. Most contain the information on their website and will allow you to determine whether you can use your phone while cruising or whether you need to increase your coverage temporarily.

Be sure you can send texts, make calls, and use the internet. You will need to be aware of any exceptions. 

Prepare Your Loved Ones if Texting Is Limited

If those around you are used to receiving an instant reply, you may want to prepare them for when you are taking your cruise. If they have never been on a cruise, they may be unaware that you may not be receiving their texts if you aren’t connected.

Most cruisers tell their family that regular text will not work at sea and will use airplane mode. They can use a messaging app if they need to contact you. Cruise lines usually have a designated phone number to be used in emergencies. They will require the name of the cruise ship and the guest’s full name to send a message.

For business, you may want to let people know that you won’t be able to receive or respond to their messages. Furthermore, sometimes messages never come through – even after you get home. Therefore, when it comes to business, email works best. 

Conclusion

If you are wondering how to text on a cruise ship for free, you may realize that it is not easy and can be expensive. Sometimes, it is a matter of finding hotspots you can use while using messenger apps.

If you want to communicate with those on board, using the cruise line’s app is easy. However, you may have to get creative with keeping in touch with those not on the cruise.

Amusingly (or mortifyingly, depending on where you find yourself on the spectrum), there are not only secret symbols on a cruise line that indicate those who are interested in swinging, but the same principles apply to clothing as well. If you know the meaning behind an upside-down pineapple on a door, you may also want to discover the Pink Flamingo meaning on a cruise.

According to the New York Post, 15 million swingers exist in the United States. They comprise 4.5% of the total population. Swinging isn’t just reserved for group sex or changing partners. It is also wife-swapping as well. 

When going on a cruise ship (or even at home), there are certain symbols you will want to avoid if you aren’t into swinging. Some are obvious or becoming more obvious, while others are just beginning to emerge. This doesn’t only extend to a symbol on a door anymore. It also incorporates clothing choices. Items to avoid or use, depending on where you stand, are:

• Upside-down pineapples (or any pineapple-related clothing as it means the same thing)
• Unicorns (seen as couples looking for other couples to swing with)
• Pink flamingos (plastic lawn flamingos and on cruises)
• Garden gnomes (more on the lawn)
• White rocks around a mailbox
• Wearing a black ring on the right hand
• Wearing a red ball cap
• Thumb rings
• Toe rings
• Wedding ring worn on your right hand
• Metal star
• Yin-Yang tattoo

If you aren’t into swinging, you might want to avoid wearing any of these items. For cruisers, as more people are finding out, it doesn’t just extend to symbols displayed on the door, but clothing as well.  Here is the truth of the matter.

The Secret Signals Exposed

Swingers display one of these secret symbols to send a message to others who engage in the same lifestyle. This doesn’t just extend to a cabin room but clothing and grocery shopping.

If a symbol is displayed on your cruise cabin door, it means that you are open to the experience and other swingers are welcome. Worn on your clothing (pineapples, pink flamingos, and a black ring), it says that you are “secretly” looking. It acts as a subtle signal most casual glances wouldn’t pick up on.

A black ring worn on the right hand, despite being a common way to accessorize, is what a person uses as a conversation starter. It initiates a discussion regarding alternative lifestyles. It is a signal that you are looking to meet other people who are interested in swinging. People will note the ring and may subtly attempt to begin a conversation on swinging.

On a shopping cart, a cabin door, or in the front of a home (white rocks, pink plastic flamingo lawn ornament, and garden gnomes) indicates a swinging party is in progress, or you are looking to attend one. Unicorns are more of an emoji feature, presently, to indicate a swinger, found mostly on dating apps.

Why Do Couples Resort to Secret Signals?

Secret signals are a subtle way of saying “hello” to others interested in this type of experience. It is not something that is “open” publicly, so those interested often resort to signals to attract others looking for similar experiences. If you are unsure what being a “swinger” means, here is a brief history.

The History of Swinging

Most people think swinging began in the seventies and died off from there. However, while swinging may have decreased, it is now gaining popularity again. Many people don’t know that it originated in the 1950s when California Air Force officers began swapping their wives. What started as a private, taboo home activity now dominates clubs, websites, and cruises.

Swinging is commonly found in middle-aged couples who have grown bored with their sex life. They thought they could revitalize it by engaging in sexual exploration with other couples. Now, 20- to 30-year-olds are using it to destress after an intense work week. Also, interpretations of monogamy are changing with Millennials and Gen Xers.

What Do Pink Flamingos Mean on a Cruise?

Upside-down pineapples are the most common symbol on a cruise to indicate couples are interested in swinging. However, pink flamingos are another symbol used to indicate the same thing. 

Again, it is a series of secret symbols that people should be aware of when planning for their cruise. If you are into swinging, you will know the symbols. However, if you are not, you could find yourself in an awkward situation.

It is not uncommon for people to decorate their cruise ship doors. While you may think that you are simply decorating your space, you may inadvertently be sending out a secret message. Therefore, cruisers should be aware of these symbols so they don’t unintentionally send a mixed message.

Some may not be aware that vacations on a cruise ship are popular with those in the swinging community. Not every cruise will have those interested in swinging on board (it is unlikely overall), but cruise vacations are ideal for those interested in having fun with new partners. 

Secret symbols will be placed on a door or worn to attract those who share the same experience. Pink flamingos are one of them. 

The History Behind Pink Flamingo Meaning

A pink flamingo, through the years, has possessed several meanings. Depending on your age, you may know how the symbol has morphed through the decades. You may also not see how the meaning has changed, as it means one thing to you but now has a different connotation. This is when interesting situations can arise.

The pink flamingo was first created in 1957 by Don Featherstone. Union Products hired him to sculpt ducks and pink flamingos. The bird was originally used to brighten tract homes in post-World War II communities. It was a way to make your home stand out from other houses.

In subsequent decades, their popularity rose and fell. By the late 70s to early 80s, they were part of prank culture and symbolized a joke.  Don Featherstone was given the Nobel Art prize for the creation and later became Union Product’s president. 

Pink flamingos began as a colorful lawn ornament. People joked about it being a Florida retirement staple. People also put pink plastic flamingos in a yard to indicate someone’s birthday. However, there has been some confusion regarding the meaning – no matter what decade you’re talking about.  

What You Need to Know: When Did it Become a Swinging Symbol?

While it is unknown when the beautiful bird with the bright pink feathers became a secret symbol, it may have something to do with the fact it was initially used as a welcoming symbol. It used to be a symbol to show your hospitality and morphed from there. 

Today, the pink flamingo meaning is used as an indicator of a swinging lifestyle. This type of symbol is not as common as the others, but it does exist. They may be innocent but can also have other meanings as well. Since they aren’t as prevalent now, sometimes you can innocently get away with wearing or displaying the symbol.

However, avoid getting attached to the symbol, as things have a way of changing over time. While the pink flamingo is a debated sign regarding swinging, it is still known. You may open yourself up to commentary or uncomfortable requests if this isn’t your intention.

Pink flamingo symbolism is a more prevalent sign on cruises (to a lesser extent) and in an RV park. They are not used in online chat rooms or clothing to indicate swinging. This causes a bit of ambiguity in the swinging community because it lacks a direct meaning.

If attracting other swingers is your intention and goal, then you can display them. However, note that it is not a commonly used symbol. If you display a pink flamingo on a cruise, you may want to revert to the upside-down (or right-side-up) pineapple as stronger indicators. Due to the ambiguity, you may not be acknowledged if seen on a cruise, as most people seek the pineapple reference.

This is not to say that it won’t work, as swinging works on subtle signs. It is just more of an unknown sign. If you want to create a stronger “hint,” then most people incorporate the upside-down pineapple (right side up, now) and the pink flamingo as a more obvious cue. 

The Flamingo Challenge

When placed on a cruise ship door, as mentioned, there is some ambiguity. Since flamingos are associated with summertime fun or cocktails, the symbol may have a dual meaning.

If seen, people can shrug it off, seeing it as someone being quirky. While this can make it the perfect subtle secret signal, it might be too subtle. Those who don’t know its meaning won’t respond.

If you are into swinging, then most experts state that you may have an easier time if you book on a swinger’s cruise rather than advertising using an upside-down pineapple or pink flamingo. However, due to the rise in awareness, you may also be pleasantly surprised. 

If you are curious about what the pink flamingo meaning is on a cruise, you might need to examine the connotation closely. It could mean nothing, but it could also be a secret signal.

If you aren’t into swinging, you may want to avoid decorating your door with a pink flamingo, as it may be misleading. If you are interested in swinging, pair it with a pineapple, so the meaning isn’t lost.