Hi there, Katie!
Thank you for reaching out to planDisney. I am glad you sent your question to us. As much as I love turning off my phone while onboard a
Disney Cruise, I often want to check entertainment schedules,
rotational dining information, and restaurant menus, as well as communicate with family both on and off the ship. Having a phone connected to Wi-Fi is definitely helpful in certain situations!
Fortunately, most of those activities can be done on the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. There is no charge for connecting to the ship's
Wi-Fi network to use the Navigator app. The app includes an
Onboard Chat feature that allows you to send messages to family and friends on the same sailing as you, even if they are in different areas of the ship.
Additionally, I have frequently sent texts over iMessage on my iPhone using the complimentary Wi-Fi when my family was sailing on the Disney Cruise Line, and some of my family members sent messages using WhatsApp. Guests using iMessage and WhatsApp can typically send (and receive) messages to other individuals using the same service, regardless if the other person is on your voyage. Videos and photos cannot be sent without a paid internet service, but texts using these platforms typically work during a Disney Cruise.
You could also consider purchasing an
internet package for part of your voyage if you want additional internet access or if the complimentary Wi-Fi is insufficient to meet your needs. I received notification that I was selected for planDisney during a Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line vacation last year. I was so excited! I bought a 24-hour internet package to message my friends and new planDisney classmates. The limited-time package allowed me to connect with my friends, and then I put my phone away to enjoy the rest of my vacation. Also, I suggested checking with your cell phone provider before purchasing an internet package to avoid unexpected charges. Some providers require their customers to purchase a cruise internet package first.
Katie, I hope this information was helpful. Please reach out to planDisney again if you have other questions!
Happy sailing!
Jen