Hi again, Deborah, and welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. I'm so glad you stopped by to ask about keeping touch with the family that is joining you onboard. Back home, we're all so used to being able to call each other on our cell phones or send text messages to keep in touch. Well, that doesn't stop at sea!
Disney Cruise Line has an amazing app called the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. It's free to use on the DCL-GUEST WiFi network while onboard (though any other internet use besides the app on the WiFi network will require a data package purchase through Guest Services). The app features the schedule of activities, menus, maps of the ship, and a fun texting feature. If anyone else in your travel party has a mobile device, be sure you all download the app to your devices before you arrive at port so you can all use the texting feature to keep in touch onboard. There are even super cute Disney emojis to use that are specific to Disney Cruise Line!
If your son, like mine, doesn't have his own mobile device that can run this app, you're not out of luck. Disney provides two
Wave Phones per stateroom to guests. These work onboard the ship and at Castaway Cay like cell phones to call other Wave Phones. You can also text, though it's not quite as easy as with the app. If your son has a place to keep the Wave Phone, like a big pocket, he can take it with him when he's at the Youth Clubs or elsewhere to keep in touch with you, who can carry the other Wave Phone. Should you need more than two, there are additional Wave Phones available through Guest Services for an extra fee.
I hope that helps as you continue counting down until the big sail date, Deborah!
Have such fun!
Marcy