WiFi problems
Several comments have referred to the spotty WiFi on the Andorinha. No one to blame here as the ship will need to rely on cell type connection (not traditional WiFi). However whatever capacity it can get will be shared amongst all guests.
So look at your own domestic data plan and see what it charges for international roaming. If that’s OK with you then use that as whilst you’ll be accessing the same service, you won’t be sharing it with everyone else. (Plan A)
Alternatively think about signing for an online European plan using an eSIM. ( a digression here - A SIM (subscriber information module ) used to be a physical card that fitted into your phone. It’s like a passport, telling the cell tower who you are and what your number is. More recently phones have replaced the SIM with a eSIM, which is a software version of the SIM. The advantage of an eSIM is that you can have multiple ones on your phone. Your standard (US?) one, plus others you can buy - apologies to everyone who knows this already).
Here is one I use.
https://www.airalo.com/europe-esim
Not recommending specifically and have no connection but well reviewed and works for me.
Once you buy a data plan, download the eSIM to your phone, go to your settings and change data setting to the new eSIM when you arrive
WARNING. This will ensure your device uses the eSIM for all data (browsing, email, WhatsApp, FaceTime etc. ) BUT it won’t support non data activities like phone calls or phone to phone texting. If you need to make old fashioned phone calls stick with plan A
Hope this is helpful
Comments
Oh my goodness. This seems like more trouble than it’s worth for a mere 2 and a half week trip. One way or another, we’ve all become addicted to these devices. It’s amazing when observing how many heads are bent down looking at a phone especially when there is something to see. I have no idea what the long run effect of this will be socially in time to come. I understand that technology has its advantages and disadvantages.
Couldn't agree more. But just occasionally when you need it you need it!
Ourtravels, I agree in principle but we do use ours to help navigate to sights when we're on our own and to text each other if we happen to go off in different directions. Have never needed to call on tour and try to limit how much time spent on checking email or the news (UGH).
OurTravels - I agree with you. I can understand wanting to keep in touch with elderly parents or young children staying with relatives, but the proliferation of wearing phones as an appendage is, in my opinion, leading to the dumbing down of America.
I use my phone on holiday to take an occasional picture or to contact Tauck if I need to. I would never walk from table to table photographing fellow travelers without their permission for the sole purpose of adding to a scrapbook or video. Thankfully, that does not occur too often. I mentioned on a different thread how a tour director made an announcement during a river cruise orientation that guests were expected to follow a certain decorum when using their phones. I hope it started a trend.
Tauck have always said that cell phone use must not occur when the tour group is together. Occasionally it happens on the tour bus, the tour directors are never strong enough to say anything. I hate it, especially if the tour director is talking. Less annoying than when people just talk loudly when a tour director is giving out information.
I agree with all of you. Those are all the advantages you all mentioned of cell phone use that I’m referring to. I think it’s so rude and inappropriate when a person is speaking to someone on their phone to another person and I’m in ear-shot. There isn’t any cell phone etiquette.
I completely agree with the etiquette comments. I hadn't realized it might be such an issue. If so tour directors should be more assertive. My phone will be off on group tours. I was just thinking of private time on the boats.
My original post was just for FYI. I'm not advocating gluing your phone to your ear!