Welcome aboard, Merilyn! You must be gearing up to set sail on the beautiful
Disney Fantasy soon! That is one amazing ship with so much to offer onboard, and of course some pretty wonderful ports of call to visit too! You're in for such magical memories!
When you receive your Cruise Booklet in the mail a few weeks before sailing, you'll find all sorts of important information inside. There is one page that contains emergency contact cards that you can tear out to give to family and friends back home so they can contact you onboard in the event of an emergency. The phone number contained there is for emergencies only, and there is a cost associated, so you'll want to be sure they know not to call it unless necessary. Be sure they have your stateroom number and the ship's name: the Fantasy, which would both be needed if they call that number.
An easier way to keep in touch for non-emergencies is to send a quick email. While the
internet data packages do carry an additional cost, there is usually a special on the first day where you can sign up for 50 MB of data for free - one set of data per stateroom. I always take advantage of this for some quick email checks, but otherwise stay off the internet, as I love to power-down and unplug and relax while at sea. When else can you truly unplug, right?!?! Take a look at the back of your Personal Navigator (the ship's activity schedule) that you receive when you arrive at port. That's usually where the 50 MB free offer is listed, and again, it's only available to sign up for the first day, but then you can use it throughout the cruise. Instructions for sign up are provided in the details on the Navigator's listing that day.
I hope that helps as you get ready to set sail with Captain Mickey, Merilyn! Have a magical time!
Marcy