On a recent cruise I wasn't able to get any connectivity whilst at sea via MCP. It was only when we reached port that the phone connected to the local provider. I'm on the EE network. Is this normal with EE that you cannot connect to MCP with EE?

MCP seems to be Telenor Maritime, I can see Three supports, but only on contract http://www.three.co.uk/Support/Roami...=1214306369012

EE information for maritime, do you have a roaming add-on as it suggests?

https://explore.ee.co.uk/roaming/ee/maritime

At both of their prices I wouldn't be touching it!

I had EE's Euro Pass that's how I was able to connect to data and mobile networks when we arrived in various ports.

MCP doesn't work with EE (on contract or PAYG)
If you try and connect to the network you get a 'no access' message - as if no roaming agreement is in place.

Interestingly it does work with Orange and T-Mobile accounts.

I first queried this problem nearly 2 years ago with both EE and later with MCP themselves via their website. They both blamed each other and after a bit of going back and forward I gave up. Like you say it's still not working now. Whether this is intentional and they no longer have an agreement, or whether it is a fault I don't know.

As a side note roaming on MCP with 3, O2 and Vodafone (contract and PAYG) works fine, although a 2G only agreement with O2 and VF.

So everything on this website Here doesn't apply as far as using EE is concerned?

https://explore.ee.co.uk/roaming/ee/maritime

Zone E roaming data add-on 5MB
5MB OF DATA TO USE FOR 24 HOURS
5MB = £30

Wow! £30 for 5MB! That's crazy.

£100 a speed test!

It sounds like the answer to the OP is any network except EE works, but at those rates maybe the ship's wifi might be worth exploring together with Skype or what'sapp. Strange that the website gives prices, but not which ship network providers they support.

There will be some actual expense involved in providing that service - as it'll be using satellite from ship to shore, so there's not much capacity available and they don't want people hogging it.

To be honest though, surely the whole point of being on a cruise is to do things that don't involve spending all day on the internet or on the phone?

Definately for emergency use, I guess free inbound texts is about the only worthwhile aspect. (on 3 - seemed to work when used in the past. NEVER made a call though did send a few - like 2 at some huge rate)