phoning from a cruise ship

Hi, it's been a while since I've been on here ( still browse though!)
I wonder if anyone knows if there are pay phones on cruise ships. I am going on a 5 day cruise from miami in October, and need to keep in contact with home. I have heard that there are phones in the cabins, but the cost is extortionate! I am hopefully taking my mobile with me, but as I can't take it as hand luggage, I'm not sure how safe it will be in my suitcase. hope someone can help
kate

Hi
You should be able to take your mobile as hand luggage now - I travelled with mine on 18th August and was Ok event then. As long as the phone is tri-band( can check the model number online to see this) and whever you are visiting has a roaming agreement ( most Caribbean islands do- not nassau in Bahamas though )you should be able to phone home. I was in Nassau recently and they had payphones just off the ship where you could use credit cards. Onboard they are ship to shore rates so are really expensive
Have a great time - we did the Disney cruise and had such a great time.
Alison

thanks for the information alison. My phone is tri-band, so I'll just take it in my hand luggage. Also going to Nassau-won't even try using phones there then!!!
[msnsmile2]

Whenever we've been on cruises we've either sent text messages or used MSN on the computer, it's much cheaper.[msnwink]

ALR[msnsmile]

Thanks Andrea, I never even thought about e mailing, much easier too!
kate