For all Verizon users sailing with us this week, will turning their phone to Airplane mode be all that is needed for them to not be charged a lot of extra fees while they are down? Or should they also take the further steps to turn off the cellular data roaming feature. My guess is the latter because we do intend to use cell phones when we go to shore to call home using FaceTime and that is probably when the data charges will kick in automatically unless we tell the phones not to. Any advice?

Airplane mode will work fine. You should still be able to log into a wifi site and Skype or use the Internet with airplane mode selected on.
G

We turn data roaming off on our phones and that works fine. We do not get charged for incoming text messages. As long as we do not answer a call we are not charged.

Cheers, RickG

Just turn of data roaming - in fact, it should always be off, unless you have a reason to turn it on.