It wasn't that many years ago that taking a cruise meant completely leaving your regular life behind. Internet connectivity was sold by the minute, and it was very expensive as well as not very good.
Before Elon Musk's Starlink became the standard on ships, many cruise lines offered internet connections suitable for little more than emails and text messages. That sort of forced people to put their phones down and actually disconnect.
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In the post-pandemic world, however, vacations have become relative for many people. You may not have to actually work during your trip, but your boss may expect you to check-in occasionally, and be available to answer questions.
For many people, it's not possible to simply get on a cruise ship and be disconnected for the length of their trip. That might be work-related, or it could be a combination of work and home.
Many cruisers leave their kids, elderly relatives, or other family members behind. Others simply like to keep in touch on social media, watch YouTube videos, or scroll TikTok.
The cruise lines have actually encouraged passengers to have their phones in hand as many menus are not available via QR code, and both Carnival (CCL) and Royal Caribbean (RCL) have made their daily schedules app-based (although printed versions are available).
Some passengers, however, consider smartphones an intrusion on a cruise and lock theirs away in their cabin as soon as they get onboard. It's a two-sided argument where some people believe their phones enhance their fun while others think they don't belong on cruise ships.
That has led Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald to propose an interesting challenge.
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Carnival's Heald makes a smartphone challenge
Heald clearly uses his phone while he's at sea. He regularly posts what he calls "walkies," (videos of him moving around the ship) during his sailings.
That, of course, is him doing his job, but it has led to him posting an interesting challenge to his over 500,000 followers on his Facebook page:
OK, let’s be honest.
Could you do a seven-day cruise without having your phone with you. So that would be no Internet no apps no QR code no messaging no scrolling no surfing no taking photos of food except with the normal camera.
No phone for seven days.
This day and age could really do that?
You do not technically need your phone on a Carnival cruise. The cruise line will provide paper menus and a printed version of its Fun Times schedule by request.
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Carnival passengers are mixed
Over 18,000 people voted in Heald's yes or no poll as to whether they could put their phone down for a 7-day cruise. The post also garnered over 2,400 comments.
Some passengers said they would take the challenge if Carnival made some changes to support not needing a phone onboard.
"That depends. Carnival keeps encouraging use of the Hub app while on board. We couldn't check in for dinner without it on multiple occasions on my last cruise. If that's the case, then no. If I'm allowed to do all the things I need without it, then sure," wrote Alia Gonzales.
Many passengers shared that they used their phones, but only some functions.
"We have a rather heavy digital camera. It takes great pictures but it’s too heavy to carry around everywhere and doesn’t fit in my pocket. I use my phone for the Hub app as well. Other than that, we’re not connected. No email, no text, no calls," shared Carolyn Bauer Gramm.
Glenann King Gebhart was against the idea of not using their phone.
"I could do it but I wouldn’t want to these days. I like having the Hub App with the events and the menu at my fingertips. I like having a book with me wherever I go. And I especially want to be able to keep up with the family who stayed home. I also like having a 'skinny' camera on me, they wrote.
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Some noted that being able to have a decent internet connection actually allows them to cruise more.
"Starlink made it possible for me to see the world and work at the same time," posted Alisha Travels the World.
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