Thread: Disney to enable cell phone usage in staterooms

Disney Cruise Line said it will wire its ships so that passengers may use their cell phones in their staterooms while at sea.

The service was installed on the Disney Magic before it left Florida on a transatlantic voyage to Europe May 12.

The Disney Wonder will follow, adding service sometime in mid-summer, Disney said.

The cruise line partnered with Wireless Maritime Services to provide the wireless, cellular network aboard its two ships, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.

Subscribers of more than 340 cellular providers worldwide will be supported on the network, Disney said; WMS already supplies cellular service to several other cruise lines.

"Those guests who still look for a cruise vacation as a way to escape need not worry," said Disney in a statement. "Service will be available only in guest staterooms."

The cruise line said that guests who choose to use the network will be billed by their cell phone provider and rates will vary according to the carrier's plan.

While in port, the network will be disabled, Disney said, and guests will be able to access local cell phone providers.

I like the idea of keeping the signal to the cabin. I wouldn't be happy to be relaxing on a deck chair and hearing somebody yell into their phone, "Mable, guess where I'm calling from."

Originally Posted by cruisin' chick

I like the idea of keeping the signal to the cabin. I wouldn't be happy to be relaxing on a deck chair and hearing somebody yell into their phone, "Mable, guess where I'm calling from."

I couldn't agree with you more, Patty.