Calling ship-to-shore has always been exorbitant, whether you're using your cabin's phone or your cell phone on roaming rates. Most cruise ships these days have onboard Internet centers and Wi-Fi, though connecting at sea is still pretty pricey. If you're really cost-conscious, tell family and colleagues that you'll be out of touch for a week. If you can't bear the radio silence or must plug in, save your emailing for ports of call; most have Internet Cafes or Wi-Fi hotspots. Ask your provider about limited-time international plans that might be reasonably affordable; most T-Mobile plans offer free texting and data in specific foreign countries. Oh, and if you must check email onboard, do buy your package on embarkation day. Many ships will offer extra-minute specials if you sign up on day one.

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