Hello, William,
I'm glad you are making sure all of your ducks are in a row as you get ready to embark on your Disney cruise aboard the beautiful Disney Dream. Here at planDisney, we are fellow Guests like you. So we too are interested in making sure we have all of our bases covered as we get ready for our Disney vacations.
I hope you don't have an emergency need for them, but there are multiple ways for folks back home to reach out to you while you are on your transatlantic voyage aboard the Disney Dream. The most straightforward means of communication is through your regular cell phone provider or WiFi internet service. Yes, even while traveling hundreds or thousands of nautical miles across the ocean, your Disney Cruise Line ship will continue to support modern means of communication. You should check with your cell phone provider to verify they support cellular at sea roaming service. Some providers may even have special rates. WiFi internet service is also a convenient way to stay in touch with friends and family through social media or other means.
It's a good idea to have alternate ways to communicate as well. To that end, you can share the numbers you may share the following information with friends and family back home:
- Phone number: 1-888-DC-AT-SEA (1-888-322-7732)
- Ship name (Disney Dream)
- Stateroom number (If you have a GTY or an embarkation-day upgrade, be sure to share the new stateroom number when it's available to you.)
Tony's Tip: Even if you don't purchase a cellular at sea or internet package for use during your cruise, you can still make use of the onboard WiFi service to maintain contact with friends and family back home. This is the same WiFi used for the complimentary Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. Some messaging services, such as Apple iMessage for iPhones and iPads, and the WhatsApp service can be used to send and receive messages. Simply put your mobile phone in airplane mode and connect to the DCL-GUEST WiFi network. Supported messaging services will work more or less as usual, including push notifications to let you know when new messages have been sent to you. Generally, images and other media are not supported without an internet package. But text messages go through just fine.
Since you said you are transiting the Atlantic Ocean on your cruise, I'll leave you with a recommendation for activities as well. My family and I are currently aboard the Disney Wonder, sailing toward Vancouver, British Columbia. Among the various performers and other entertainers on this voyage is celebrity chef Jon Ashton. During Jon's "Anyone Can Cook" presentation this morning, he indicated that he would also be traveling to Europe aboard your sailing on the Disney Dream and would be presenting on that cruise as well. Of course, such offerings are subject to change. But if Jon's "Anyone Can Cook" events are listed on the Navigator app during your cruise, I highly recommend you take the time to attend every session you can. Jon's sessions generally come with complimentary samples of the recipe being presented to taste as well as a recommended pairing of wine. Beyond the amazing food and wine Jon shares, his messages of positivity and kindness are well worth your time. But you may want to arrive early and get a good seat!
Have a marvelous cruise, William!
~Tony