I just came across this offer for an overseas cell phone. It is $49 and includes free shipping an a sim card. Their incoming/outgoing rates are rather high but the price was so good I went ahead and ordered one for emergencies. I did check and they are only good on land, but our itinary is so port intensive I still thought it was a good deal.

http://www.mobalrental.com/

Thanks for posting that! I'm still debating as to what to do next year in the Med.

Masaki

Another solution...some local Mobile providers now offer TriBand phones which give you the flexibility to use here and when traveling. I've had a T-Mobile phone since last year which can be used around the world (at least a good bit of it).

T-Mobile International Rates

I can also elect to buy a pre-paid SIMS card to insert in the phone in an area where there may not be coverage on my plan.

It may not be the solution for everyone, but if you will be traveling often, it's worth considering.

If you have a Nextel the phone only costs $50 and you only have to put your SIM chip in it.

This is a great idea, Dixie. I'll definitely look into it, after I decide if I WANT any contact with home, during our trip! Ha Ha.

Are you getting as excited as we are? Time is flying by, we'll be on board in no time. We must "make a meet".

Charlene

Yes we are getting very excited! I forgot which segment of the cruise you are on - and as I recall our cabins are nearly right next to each other. I think we are the only ones from this board on this cruise. Just let me know where/when you would like to get together for a drink.

Sally

I think your first week is our second week. We're onboard September 6-20. You join us on the 13th, correct?

We're in 709 (our other friends are 941 and 945 I think).

I think we should meet for a quick drink and "hello" in the lounge after dinner on the 13th. We'll all be exhausted, after a full day of touring Rome (and the following day is the Amalfi Coast). But a quick drink and meet would be good, so we recognize each other coming and going the rest of the week!

By the way, are you the one who booked my Claudio on the 14th for the Amalfi Coast, leaving me with his associate? Ha Ha. Just kidding, I'm sure his pal will be just fine!

Charlene

Any idea if any of these could be used on BAIL World Cruise?? (I currently have Cingular full USA coverage without roaming charges and a cheapy Nokia phone)

Marcie:

You'll need a tri-band phone - the rental phone that dixiechick mentioned will work in most places - you'll have to search the list and compare it with your itinerary. At least then you can leave a phone number with family and have peace of mind if someone needs to reach you.

Of course, they can email, fax or call the ship at any time. I liked having a phone to use when in port - often the payphones are hard to find, busy or hard to operate (instructions in languages unknown to me!)

When you're gone for 100+ days it very nice to hear the voices of your kids, especially when they are telling you they miss you!

Thanks Margo!
I will need to train my pets to bark or meow on command so I can hear them too...they're struggling with learning email!

Marcie....our petsitter sent us a daily email - claims our "girls" dictated their messages to her but somehow bow wow was lost in the translation!

While T-Mobile may not be the best for coverage in the US (at least for me ) it is really quite good around the world!
It has always worked like a charm in so many countries. In fact, that is why I re-upped with them.
Damn shame, tho. Service area is better in Europe than at home. Go figure!

Doug

Charlene,
Yes, we are on Sept. 13-27. We are in room 707,and a quick drink after dinner on the 13th will be just fine! We will have been in Rome for 3 days so we should be rested and ready to cruise.

Dixie, yeah, we knew we were "close", but I didn't realize we were right beside each other!!) We will be with Claudio in Rome on the 13th, a full day, and then getting back to the ship in time to sail! So, since you're next door, I'll knock on your door to say hello! Then we can have a drink after dinner in the lounge. We may be "wired" and ready to party, or we may be ready to drop. We'll know on the 13th!

I'm so terribly excited, I've always wanted to visit Italy!! And our pre-cruise in London will be great too, I never tire of London.

Charlene