HISTORICAL PLACES

Royal Caribbean passenger's $1,300 mistake every cruiser must know

January, 09, 2025-04:15

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Royal Caribbean passenger's $1,300 mistake every cruiser:

This story is a classic example of how easily passengers can be caught off guard by the hidden costs of cruising, especially when it comes to phone usage and digital charges. It’s easy to assume that a Wi-Fi package would cover all your needs, but as this passenger learned the hard way, the devil is in the details.

The key mistake in this case was not enabling Airplane Mode on their phone, which would have stopped it from connecting to roaming networks and running background apps. A lot of smartphones are designed to automatically download updates, sync data, and keep apps active, and this can lead to massive charges when you’re at sea. Many people don't realize how much data these apps can consume until it’s too late.

As you mentioned, this isn’t an isolated incident. A lot of travelers end up with surprise bills because of similar issues, and cruise lines like Royal Caribbean typically place the responsibility on the passenger. It's an unfortunate situation because the whole point of a vacation is to relax, but instead, passengers can end up dealing with financial headaches long after the trip is over.

Another element in this story—the child streaming videos—adds a further layer of complexity. Kids often have no awareness of the financial implications of data usage, which makes it even more important for parents to take precautions, such as setting up limits or restricting data access while traveling.

And, as the story touches on, it's not just phone bills that can catch you off guard; many cruise lines have a variety of onboard spending traps, from overpriced arcade games to excursions and specialty dining. Cruise ships are notorious for offering amenities and activities that appear inexpensive at first but add up quickly once you’re onboard.

In the end, this story serves as a cautionary tale for cruisers: before you set sail, make sure your devices are fully prepared for the unique environment of the sea. Activating Airplane Mode, disabling automatic updates, and monitoring your child's screen time can help ensure that your vacation remains a financial joy rather than a post-trip shock.