Staying In Touch FAQ

Can I send faxes to the ship?

Faxes can be received on the ship as well as sent. The fax number for the MV Explorer is 954-538-6163.

How do I send mail to the ship?

You cannot send mail directly to the ship, but you may send it to the port in which the ship is headed. Mail will be collected in each port and delivered directly to the cabin of your son or daughter. Once your child has been admitted you will receive a list of each port address for their itinerary.

It is recommended to send international mail at least two weeks in advance preferably via courier. Do not send currency, food or medicine. Sending packages is not recommended because of customs restrictions and/or duty charges (as a result, packages are not always received by the intended recipient onboard). ISE is not responsible for any mail not delivered to the recipient. The port agent in each country is able return delayed packages to the sender at the sender's own cost.

Should I be worried if I don't hear from my child everyday?

Before departure we encourage you to establish a system of communication with your child while they are away. However, do not worry if you do not hear from them as regularly as you would like. The demands of travel in so many different ports can make communication difficult at times. If there is any cause for concern you will be notified by ISE and Semester at Sea officials immediately.

What is the best way to keep in contact with my child?

You have several options for staying in touch with your child.

Email is the most convenient and economic method. All students receive a free email account. The ship is also equipped with wireless internet access that enables participants to access web-based email services. A limited amount of free Internet time is allotted to students, and after it is used up, additional access minutes may be purchased on the ship.

Phone services are also available. To place a call to the ship, dial toll-free: 877-266-0986. You will be asked to provide a credit card that will be charged approximately $3.95 per minute. A shipboard operator will answer the call, and connect you to the phone in your child's cabin. Internet phone services such as Skype are not available on board.

The ship provides roaming service which enables your child to use their existing mobile phone and phone number. They will need an agreement with one of the carriers currently supported which include Cingular, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Alltel, and others. Many carriers require students to have international roaming enabled to use their phone on the ship. Usage of this service is billed by their home carrier on their regular mobile phone bill. Rates are determined by the home carrier and typically start at $2.50 per minute. Due to international regulations, this service is not available in port. For more information please visit www.cellularatsea.com.

Why isn't Skype available?

While Skype, and other voice-over-Internet services, were piloted on the MV Explorer some years ago, it was quickly found by our Internet Service Provider to consume all the available bandwidth on the ship, which presented a risk to our critical systems, such as navigation, that rely on satellite bandwidth to function properly. As a result our Internet Service Provider has blocked the use of Skype and other such services, and has done so for the past few years.

Will they have telephones in their rooms that can call out? Will I be able to call these telephones?

Every cabin aboard the MV Explorer is equipped with phones that enable around the clock ship-to-shore calling (both receiving incoming calls and placing outgoing calls). Students can make outgoing calls by purchasing pre-paid calling cards at Purser Square on the ship. Family members and friends can call the ship 24 hours a day by dialing the toll free number: 877-266-0986. Telephone number outside the U.S.: 872-335-3265. The caller will be asked to provide a credit card that will be charged approximately $3.95 per minute. Your call will then be connected directly to your son or daughter's cabin.