Make arrangements with your friends, family, and co-workers for communicating with them without using cellphone. For instance, make sure everyone has your email address so you can check in from your personal computer or from the computer lab aboard the ship. You also can plan to use pay phones or handwritten correspondence if you have to check in. Since roaming charges usually apply to both incoming and outgoing calls, it's a good idea to give everyone advanced notice.
Call your cellphone provider to find out what your options are while you're away. For instance, you might be able to switch to a more economical travel service plan with reasonable rates. Or it could be suggested that you purchase a prepaid phone at your destination which will allow you to spend only what you need. If you know you won't need to use the phone while you're away, consider having you service suspended until you return. That way you can be sure that no hidden fees will apply.
Contact a cruise ship representative to see if there's free Wi-Fi Internet access aboard the ship. That way, you can exchange emails and, depending on your phone's capabilities, make phone calls via the Internet instead of your carrier's service. Make sure you are familiar with your phone's settings before you decide to use this feature.
Turn off your phone as soon as you board the cruise ship. Some phones have features and applications that use data without you knowing. These data charges will also be considered roaming and they'll quickly add up.
