tcad's Correct Answers

If you have (and want) only an old non-smartphone flip phone that was not a Verizon phone originally, the store is correct that it won't work on Verizon. Being unlocked doesn't magically add the CDMA radio and frequencies needed to work on Verizon.

This $85.98 was charged by your cruise ship because you used their system on board their ship. It has nothing to do with Verizon except it is billed to you thru Verizon. I have been on many cruises and they all offer you a package to reduce the per minute cost of using their systems while at sea.