How do passengers communicate on a Costa Cruises?

Modern travelers, even while cruising across the open seas, often need reliable ways to stay in touch with loved ones, colleagues, or emergency contacts. While part of the charm of cruising lies in disconnecting from the hustle of daily life, passengers on Costa Cruises still seek effective methods to communicate onboard. Whether it’s checking in with family at home, coordinating excursions with fellow passengers, or handling urgent work matters, communication options are an essential part of the cruise experience.

Costa Cruises recognizes this and offers multiple avenues for passengers to communicate. These range from traditional ship-to-shore phone services to modern internet-based solutions like Wi-Fi and messaging apps. Each option has its own benefits, costs, and limitations.

Why Communication Matters on a Cruise

Before exploring Costa Cruises’ communication systems, it’s important to understand why passengers value onboard connectivity:

1. Family and Personal Connections – Staying in touch with loved ones while at sea provides peace of mind.

2. Work and Business – Some passengers need to attend meetings, answer emails, or manage teams remotely.

3. Emergency Situations – Quick communication can be crucial in medical or travel emergencies.

4. Onboard Coordination – Communicating with fellow travelers onboard makes meeting up and organizing activities easier.

5. Travel Logistics – Staying updated on flights, hotels, or excursion arrangements.

Primary Communication Options on Costa Cruises

1. Ship-to-Shore Phones

Every Costa Cruises cabin comes equipped with a phone capable of making calls to landlines and mobile numbers.

Features:

• Direct dialing from your stateroom.

• Available 24/7 via satellite connection.

Costs:

• Calls usually range from $6–$10 per minute, depending on destination.

Pros:

• Always available.

• Reliable for emergencies.

Cons:

• Very expensive.

• Only supports voice calls.

2. Mobile Roaming at Sea

Costa Cruises offers cellular connectivity through partnerships with global carriers. When activated, your phone connects to the ship’s satellite-based network.

How It Works:

• Your phone shows “Cellular at Sea” or similar.

• Usage is billed by your mobile carrier.

Costs:

• Calls: $2–$4 per minute.

• Texts: $0.50–$1.00 each.

• Data: $10–$20 per MB.

Pros:

• Convenient and uses your regular number.

• No need for extra apps.

Cons:

• Extremely costly, especially data.

• Incoming calls may also incur charges.

3. Onboard Wi-Fi

Costa Cruises provides various Wi-Fi packages that allow passengers to connect smartphones, tablets, or laptops.

Typical Packages:

• Chat Package: Messaging apps only (WhatsApp, Messenger, WeChat).

• Social Package: Access to social media platforms.

• Full Internet Package: Browsing, streaming, and video calling.

Costs:

• ~$5–$30 per day, depending on package.

Pros:

• Versatile—supports apps, video calls, and browsing.

• More affordable than roaming.

Cons:

• Satellite connections may be slow.

• Bandwidth is shared among all passengers.

4. Messaging Apps

With Wi-Fi access, passengers can use popular apps to stay connected:

• WhatsApp – Text, voice, and video calling.

• Skype – Ideal for international calls.

• FaceTime – Video calling for Apple users.

• Facebook Messenger – Widely used globally.

These are often cheaper and more reliable than traditional calls.

5. Costa Cruises’ Onboard Communication Systems

Some Costa ships integrate Costa’s onboard app, which allows passengers to:

• Chat with fellow cruisers.

• Check daily schedules.

• Coordinate dining and excursions.

Depending on the ship, some app features may work without purchasing Wi-Fi.

Cost Comparison Table

Communication MethodCost EstimateProsCons

Ship-to-Shore Phones$6–$10/minuteReliable, available anytimeExtremely expensive

Mobile Roaming$2–$4/minute callsUses own number, simple to useHigh roaming costs

Text Messages$0.50–$1.00 eachWorks without internetLimited functionality

Onboard Wi-Fi$5–$30/day packagesSupports apps, video calls, affordableDependent on satellite connection

Messaging Apps via Wi-FiIncluded in Wi-Fi feeFree communication through internet appsRequires purchased internet access

Tips to Save on Communication Costs

1. Pre-purchase Wi-Fi Packages – Often cheaper before boarding.

2. Use Airplane Mode – Avoid background roaming charges.

3. Leverage Messaging Apps – Use WhatsApp or Messenger instead of direct calls.

4. Wait for Port Days – Connect at cafés or buy local SIM cards.

5. Share Wi-Fi Smartly – If allowed, family members can rotate use.

Real-Life Passenger Scenarios

Case 1 – The Business Traveler:A passenger attending a corporate event purchased the full internet package. Though speed varied, they managed video calls and email effectively.

Case 2 – The Family Traveler:Parents bought the chat package to check in with their children at home. WhatsApp messages and photos worked seamlessly.

Case 3 – Emergency Situation:A traveler used the cabin phone to reach a hospital during a medical crisis. Though costly, it was reliable when needed most.

Common Challenges in Onboard Communication

1. High Costs – Traditional phone services are expensive.

2. Variable Wi-Fi Quality – Weather and location can affect performance.

3. Roaming Confusion – Passengers often forget to disable roaming, leading to surprise bills.

4. Time Zone Differences – Misaligned communication schedules with home.

FAQs

Q1: Can I call home for free on Costa Cruises?

No, all communication methods carry a cost. Wi-Fi packages are the most affordable option.

Q2: Is WhatsApp available onboard?

Yes, with the Chat or Full Internet package.

Q3: Do incoming calls cost money?

Yes, with mobile roaming, even incoming calls can be charged.

Q4: Can I avoid paying for communication entirely?

Yes, by waiting until port stops to use local SIM cards or free Wi-Fi.

Q5: Is Wi-Fi strong enough for video calls?

Yes, though stability varies depending on location and time of day.

Wi-Fi packages combined with messaging apps like WhatsApp 

Passengers on Costa Cruises have multiple ways to communicate, from expensive ship-to-shore calls and mobile roaming to cost-effective Wi-Fi and messaging apps. The best choice depends on budget, communication needs, and travel style.

For most, Wi-Fi packages combined with messaging apps like WhatsApp strike the right balance between affordability and convenience. Those who need urgent or emergency contact can rely on the ship’s phone system, while casual travelers may prefer to wait for port connectivity.

By planning ahead and understanding Costa Cruises’ communication systems, passengers can stay connected while avoiding excessive costs.