computer usage/access

[britannia56]

we are sailing 12 jan. on vos. does anyone have information about computer access and charges on board? what if i had my own computer?

thanks

[NorbertsNiece]

The cost for Wi-fi access is:

The basic rate is USD 0.65 per minute or choose from one of their pre-paid packages:

USD 35.00 for 60 minutes

USD 55.00 for 100 minutes

USD 75.00 for 150 minutes

USD 100.00 for 250 minutes

USD 150.00 for 500 minutes

 

All prices are subject to change without notice.

 

The Internet Cafe/Workstation

 

These stations provide access to e-mail and the Internet, plus direct connections to favourite websites for stock market, sports and entertainment updates. You can also send virtual postcards while at sea, and in ports-of-call worldwide. If you don't have an e-mail account, you can also establish one on board.

[cruisenfever]

Just to add what has been already posted, if you bring your own laptop (which is what we do), you will have to sign up at one of the computers on board establishing a User ID and Password. This is simply done by swiping your SeaPass Card and then following the instructions.

 

Once that is done, you can use your laptop at any of the hotspots around the ship.

 

Buying a internet package is the most economical way to do stay in touch. I believe that, if you purchase a package, and do not use it all up, they will refund you the difference.

 

If you have your own computer, you can also take it ashore with you in any of the ports of call and see if there is free WiFi available.

[Clarea]

To add to what Patti said about finding free WiFi at the ports, ask crewmembers about free WiFi. The crew usually knows where there's a McDonalds or similar place where WiFi is available. Start with your dining room waiter, assistant waiter, room steward, or people at Guest Services.

[NorbertsNiece]

Starbucks usually offer free wi fi ;)

 

There's an iPhone app for free wifi hotspots. If you use a search engine you can find many sources of where you can connect without charge on land.

 

[Sequim88]

One advantage to having own computer (laptop or pad) is the ability to load pictures from media (flash card or jump drive) into email. The ship PCs are locked down (actually inaccessible) and for security reasons don't allow attaching devices. Also with your own computer you can compose email offline, connect and send/receive then get off to read mail offline - saving minutes. Just be sure to log out and completely close session before terminating connection or it could continue to tally minutes of usage.

[texasnana]

If you have a phone with Wifi can you access internet on the ship? If you have a ipod you can get free wifi in port at a location?

[cruisenfever]

If you have a phone with Wifi can you access internet on the ship? If you have a ipod you can get free wifi in port at a location?

No matter what you use to access WiFi on the ship, you must pay for it, it is not free.

[texasnana]

No matter what you use to access WiFi on the ship, you must pay for it, it is not free.

 

 

When we are in port at the cruise terminal could i find free wifi on my ipod to check email secure?

[Clarea]

When we are in port at the cruise terminal could i find free wifi on my ipod to check email secure?

Generally, there is no free WiFi at the terminal. From time to time when we're in a port, we can get free WiFi from our balcony from a business nearby, but this is rare.

[isdoo]

From experience in Europe you will often find free wi-fi in ports.

 

If you have a phone download any apps from the Android market beforehand to assist with wifi points. (other inferior phone operating systems exist ;) )

[cruisenfever]

For anyone doing cruises to Australia/New Zealand, the internet is government controlled. In some places, like MacDonalds, you got 1 hour per email address. At internet cafe's you paid for 1 hour but you only got so many megabytes.

 

At Starbucks in Auckland, they wanted $3.00 for 1 hour but you had to pay by credit card because the service was being provided by a third party.

 

Lucky for us, we found an Apple Store in Sydney and one in Perth. We found an Apple Distributor in Auckland that let us use their "Expert Bar" to update our laptop.

[BillOh]

When we are in port at the cruise terminal could i find free wifi on my ipod to check email secure?

 

Yes and no, The port itself usually doesn't have Free-wifi, but you may find one from a nearby building or hote, or if you are in another port you may pick one up, but you need to be extra careful in being sure which internet connection your device is using at the moment. Sometimes its not the easiest thing to check or you can accidently connect in a way you don't intend.

 

The point I am trying to make in a less than clear way, if you pay the ship's internet and log on to it, you may in port find a free wi-fi, but if the signal drops, your device could pick up the ships internet and you could be running up charges, and not realize it, or in the case if your device uses an internet connection such as as cellurar carrier you may connect to that without realize it and run up big charges.

[NorbertsNiece]

From experience in Europe you will often find free wi-fi in ports.

 

If you have a phone download any apps from the Android market beforehand to assist with wifi points. (other inferior phone operating systems exist ;) )

 

As a Nokia user - 'inferior'?????;)