Thread: Should I buy calling cards?

Hmmm. Fortunately for us, this trip will be just to Hawaiian ports, Ensenada (which is a quickie service stop to fulfill the Jones Act or whatever it is called) and San Pedro. So hopefully we can buy the calling cards here before we go. Maybe someone going to other destinations can ask crew members what cards they recommend. They can report back here the info.

I've given the MCI cards that I buy at Costco many times. They were well received and the staff said they could use them at most ports.

I'm sorry to report that I tried this a couple of times to no avail. I would give the calling cards out at the beginning of the cruise as an advance thank you for service and saw no result whatsoever. I suppliment the prepaid gratutity on the last day so I didn't see any reason to give the calling cards at that time.:thumbsdow

Originally Posted by isujim

Yes that is a good idea...........you can also use your MC or Visa from a pay phone in port......while still expensive, it is still less than what the cruise lines charge. Cell phones normally work in American ports or territories without a long distance charge as well.

Used our Cingular cell phone in St Thomas and incurred no additional charges.

Originally Posted by FlRic

I'm sorry to report that I tried this a couple of times to no avail. I would give the calling cards out at the beginning of the cruise as an advance thank you for service and saw no result whatsoever. I suppliment the prepaid gratutity on the last day so I didn't see any reason to give the calling cards at that time.:thumbsdow

Have to agree with FlRic! While we have never done "calling cards", we have been told by the bar tenders / bar servers that they had rather have cash!


We do always tip early $$ to some. ( This works best with those who are normally not tipped extra at the end of the cruise.) When the bartender likes you, your drinks come QUICKLY ... even at a very crowded bar!

LuLu

Hi Rex,
Calling cards r a great idea, get interantional ones so u can also give them 2 your steward or waitstaff as they are far from home and most would love 2 speak 2 family.

Best thing i found was getting a calling/phone card. Rates are cheap and can be used in all ports, just need a phone booth or a normal phone. most can be used from mobile phones also. Best place i've found was at 2stepsconnect.com and best thing is the one card can be used in different countrie and are rachargable.

One of the best calling cards is TalkLoop is a prepaid phone card service provider selling prepaid international calling cards and long distance phone cards by using the latest technologies to connect you with your loved ones at cheap rates.
Please use/post coupon code "HOTCARD09" so that customers can get upto $2.5 extra bonus credit for signing up as part of talkloop.com summer promotional campaign.