Carnival offers cell phone service at sea

Many Americans are lost without their cell phones. They won’t enjoy a relaxing cruise vacation if they can’t check their voicemail or text their buddies at home.

Well, Carnival has come to the rescue. The cruise line has introduced a new service aboard its ships that allows guests to use their personal cell phones anywhere in the world. The cell phone service is brought to you by Wireless Maritime Services, a joint effort by Cingular Wireless and Maritime Telecommunications Network. All cell phones on all plans can access this onboard feature.

The Carnival Triumph is the first ship to employ this new technology. The remaining 20 ships will get cell phone service by early 2007.

The catch: “International roaming fees apply to all shipboard cell phone calls.” So be sure you know what your provider charges for calls made overseas. Your onboard charges will be high enough; you don’t also want to come home to a sky-high phone bill.