Cruise passenger socked with $1.3K post-trip bill

This passenger sailed through their vacation budget.
A Royal Caribbean cruise passenger came home to a $1,300 bill after making this simple common mistake.
The unnamed passenger purchased Royal Caribbean’s WiFi package when they boarded the boat thinking that it would cover cellphone service, according to YouTuber Jayson Judson.
4 The unnamed passenger purchased Royal Caribbean’s WiFi package when they boarded the boat thinking that it would cover cellphone service, according to YouTuber Jayson Judson. Felipe Sanchez – stock.adobe.com
However, when the person returned home from their adventure at sea they were shocked to discover a $1,300 cellphone bill awaiting them.
After investigating the situation, the traveler discovered that because they had not set their cellphone to “Airplane Mode” the device had been racking up roaming charges as it downloaded updates and background data while sailing around.
The person also added charges because their child had used the device to stream videos throughout the trip.
When the person called the cruise line to complain they were told that it was their fault for not setting their phone into “Airplane Mode.”
4 After investigating the situation, the traveler discovered that because they had not set their cellphone to “Airplane Mode” the device had been racking up roaming charges as it downloaded updates and background data while sailing around. Tada Images – stock.adobe.com
Fortunately, the family wasn’t aboard Costco’s $293,000 around-the-world cruise — imagine those roaming charges!
The wholesale retail company sold a booking for the extensive cruise through Costco Travel.
The six-figure price tag booked the owner’s suite cabin on the ship for two people, according to the Costco CFO.
4 When the person called the cruise line to complain they were told that it was their fault for not setting their phone into “Airplane Mode.” Getty Images
But Royal Caribbean isn’t the only cruise line with passengers complaining about unfair fees.
Carnival Cruise Line is facing backlash over a controversial policy change.
The world’s largest cruise company is now requiring all 21-and-over adults in a cabin to purchase its Cheers! unlimited alcohol package if just one person in the cabin opts for it.
This rule has shaken and stirred significant discontent, especially after the company hiked the price by 17%.
4 Carnival Cruise Line is facing backlash over a controversial policy change. Christopher Sadowski
Guests on cruises for six nights or more who used to pay $70.74 per day for The Cheers! package, which covers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, are now being charged $82.54 per person daily, including an 18% gratuity.
Carnival’s brand ambassador, John Heald, defended the policy on Facebook, where countless “upset” and “disappointed” cruisers slammed the sudden change, calling it “outrageous,” “very frustrating” and “unfair.”
Heald argued that it was a response to “abuse” of the program. “We did try allowing opt-outs when we first started the program, but it was abused — pure and simple,” he stated. “I apologize, but we have no plans to change this.”