Internet---now it's official!

[sail7seas]

I suspect far fewer people will be buying packages if that is the rate they charge. Better to sell 100 minutes for $55 than to sell to a scant few who have to be connected for whatever their personal reasons.

 

$100 used to buy 250 minutes (add start up charge)

We also used to get bonus minutes if we bought a package the first day.

 

[cruz chic]

So for decent high speed internet (still not nearly as fast as in most land places) you will ONLY have to pay $25 a day! What a bargain/

 

Hank

 

I imagine most people could easily make do with either the $5 or $16 plan. If you can't live without Skype then I guess you would need the $25 plan. It's not going to be as fast as land because you are not on land. Apples and oranges really.

Edited October 11, 2015 by cruz chic

[sppunk]

So for decent high speed internet (still not nearly as fast as in most land places) you will ONLY have to pay $25 a day! What a bargain/

 

Hank

 

You can't compare land-based internet wth ship-based internet. The price is a little high by the speeds are better Jan ever before (will be, once all activated).

 

IF it's too high for you, don't pay it and use wifi in a port. Free wifi is incredibly easy to find today.

[Scrapnana]

I purchased the unlimited package on Westerdam last April and the the unlimited package on Liberty of the Seas (which I am on now). HAL's was much faster and it was cheaper.

 

Since I write a blog (with pictures), I can use a fair amount of time online each day. Having the unlimited package is worth it to me so I don't have to constantly worry about using up my minutes because pictures are taking forever to upload, etc.

[Hlitner]

You can't compare land-based internet wth ship-based internet. The price is a little high by the speeds are better Jan ever before (will be, once all activated).

 

IF it's too high for you, don't pay it and use wifi in a port. Free wifi is incredibly easy to find today.

 

We get lots of free internet on just about every line (except HAL) so its never been an issue. On HAL, if on a long cruise (over a few weeks) we usually purchase the 100 min package. We only use it to download/upload e-mail (which can be done quickly with our software/apps) and occasionally to check on a reservation or weather forecast. The last thing we want to do on vacations is spend our time on the internet or phone :).

 

A few years ago Princess used to give unlimited internet to their frequent cruisers (which included moi) and we were amazed at how many folks would spend nearly their entire day in the internet room online. Princess finally decided to limit the free time although DW and I still received 1000 free minutes on our last 25 day Ruby Princess cruise.

 

Hank

[cruz chic]

We get lots of free internet on just about every line (except HAL) so its never been an issue. On HAL, if on a long cruise (over a few weeks) we usually purchase the 100 min package. We only use it to download/upload e-mail (which can be done quickly with our software/apps) and occasionally to check on a reservation or weather forecast. The last thing we want to do on vacations is spend our time on the internet or phone :).

 

A few years ago Princess used to give unlimited internet to their frequent cruisers (which included moi) and we were amazed at how many folks would spend nearly their entire day in the internet room online. Princess finally decided to limit the free time although DW and I still received 1000 free minutes on our last 25 day Ruby Princess cruise.

 

Hank

I see a lot of people sitting in the casino on their cruise too. I really don't care what others do on their vacation as long as I'm doing what I like. Why make judgements of others? How do you know they weren't on a working vacation?

Edited October 12, 2015 by cruz chic

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Thanks for the info ...

[igraf]

For what a cruise ship charges for internet one can enjoy a day pass for two at a resort while in port, which usually includes good WiFi access. We did this in Puerto Vallarta for a very low cost which included food and drink!

 

Before someone says that they don't want to spend port time on the internet or carrying heavy equipment, I agree 100%. We just spent just a few minutes checking and sending email (which can be written ahead of time) with an easy-to-carry smartphone.

 

igraf

[cruz chic]

For what a cruise ship charges for internet one can enjoy a day pass for two at a resort while in port, which usually includes good WiFi access. We did this in Puerto Vallarta for a very low cost which included food and drink!

 

Before someone says that they don't want to spend port time on the internet or carrying heavy equipment, I agree 100%. We just spent just a few minutes checking and sending email (which can be written ahead of time) with an easy-to-carry smartphone.

 

igraf

 

I have spent days in port at resorts only to listen to screaming kids all day and parents that are more interested in their phones than their kids. Not my idea of fun. I'd rather spend my money on Internet. Isn't it good to have choices?

[igraf]

TripAdvisor is your friend.

 

We had no such problems (think small boutique resort) and the day pass meant that we always had a place to rest right on the beach with nice bathrooms while we explored the Romantic Zone.

 

igraf

 

 

 

 

I have spent days in port at resorts only to listen to screaming kids all day and parents that are more interested in their phones than their kids. Not my idea of fun. I'd rather spend my money on Internet. Isn't it good to have choices?

[cruz chic]

TripAdvisor is your friend.

 

We had no such problems (think small boutique resort) and the day pass meant that we always had a place to rest right on the beach with nice bathrooms while we explored the Romantic Zone.

 

igraf

 

I use trip advisor for many things but I haven't tried it for all inclusive resorts. Do they really give good info on which resorts might be heavily populated with kids? I remember going to a place in Aruba that was billed as a 5 star resort only to have the same problems.

[igraf]

Your comments remind me of the Grand Wailea on Maui. An impressive resort but there is no way that I would stay there. Beware of any place with a water park, or even just a water slide.

 

When I use TripAdvisor I essentially read the comments in "lowest ratings first" because I know that the reviews are loaded with fake "I love this place" reviews. I then look for repeating recent problems, and noise is very high on my list of attributes to avoid.

 

Anyhow, a day resort is a great way to get WiFi access while in port.....

 

igraf

 

 

 

 

I use trip advisor for many things but I haven't tried it for all inclusive resorts. Do they really give good info on which resorts might be heavily populated with kids? I remember going to a place in Aruba that was billed as a 5 star resort only to have the same problems.

Edited October 13, 2015 by igraf

[RJ2002]

When I use TripAdvisor I essentially read the comments in "lowest ratings first" because I know that the reviews are loaded with fake "I love this place" reviews. I then look for repeating recent problems

 

igraf

 

Great advice for wading through online ratings, on TripAdvisor, Yelp, CC, or whatever. This is exactly what I do. :)

[cruz chic]

Your comments remind me of the Grand Wailea on Maui. An impressive resort but there is no way that I would stay there. Beware of any place with a water park, or even just a water slide.

 

When I use TripAdvisor I essentially read the comments in "lowest ratings first" because I know that the reviews are loaded with fake "I love this place" reviews. I then look for repeating recent problems, and noise is very high on my list of attributes to avoid.

 

Anyhow, a day resort is a great way to get WiFi access while in port.....

 

igraf

 

Good advice. Thx. Yeah a water park wouldn't be a good sign:D

[Viesczy]

Honestly, there's not one of us on this board or on board that NEEDS to be connected all the time. There's nothing we're missing out on other than the Grand Illusion we've bought thinking that we're missing out on whatever. 99.9% of interweb is utter dross!

 

Now if we were so important that the world hangs on us being able to be reached, we'd be on private yachts the same size of any cruise ship.

 

Let's face facts here.

 

Let's be comfortable with our reality.

 

Let's not lose the human experience w our noses in digital devices.

[Fouremco]

Honestly, there's not one of us on this board or on board that NEEDS to be connected all the time. There's nothing we're missing out on other than the Grand Illusion we've bought thinking that we're missing out on whatever. 99.9% of interweb is utter dross!

 

Now if we were so important that the world hangs on us being able to be reached, we'd be on private yachts the same size of any cruise ship.

 

Let's face facts here.

 

Let's be comfortable with our reality.

 

Let's not lose the human experience w our noses in digital devices.

Sorry, can't agree with such gross generalization. While YOU might not need to be connected and probably the majority of us don't need (or want!) to be connected all the time, there are people who need to be. Case in point: a fellow cruiser whose business is Internet based who was accompanying his wife on the cruise. He had the choice of staying behind and working from his office 8 - 10 hours a day or joining her and working from the ship. Not ideal, but not exceptional.

 

A number of years ago we were selling our home, and market conditions were such that it hadn't sold by time we left on a long anticipated holiday. It wasn't a cruise, but it could have been. The day before we flew out, a potential buyer emerged and we had to ensure that we remained connected in order to receive any offers. As it turned out, we sold the house while on our holiday, something that never would have happened had we simply disconnected.

 

So, please don't judge the needs of others based solely on your own circumstances.

[dakrewser]

As a writer I often boast that I can "work from anywhere," and I do - it's that ability that allows me to take longer trips, last-minute trips, etc.

 

The flip-side is that, as a security analyst, I need to be available 7x24x365. Not actually working, but available.

 

When we started cruising, 20 years ago, it was sometimes difficult to remain available - especially on a cruise: no wireless, no cellular-at-sea, etc. But there were satellite phones which - for a price - let me stay in touch. Today's on-board wireless and internet are bargains by comparison.

[cruz chic]

Honestly, there's not one of us on this board or on board that NEEDS to be connected all the time. There's nothing we're missing out on other than the Grand Illusion we've bought thinking that we're missing out on whatever. 99.9% of interweb is utter dross!

 

Now if we were so important that the world hangs on us being able to be reached, we'd be on private yachts the same size of any cruise ship.

 

Let's face facts here.

 

Let's be comfortable with our reality.

 

Let's not lose the human experience w our noses in digital devices.

Thx for letting us know that. Why people need to make a sweeping generalization is a mystery to me. If you don't want or need Internet there is nothing wrong with that. Why does it make any difference if others do?

[sppunk]

Honestly, there's not one of us on this board or on board that NEEDS to be connected all the time. There's nothing we're missing out on other than the Grand Illusion we've bought thinking that we're missing out on whatever. 99.9% of interweb is utter dross!

 

Now if we were so important that the world hangs on us being able to be reached, we'd be on private yachts the same size of any cruise ship.

 

Let's face facts here.

 

Let's be comfortable with our reality.

 

Let's not lose the human experience w our noses in digital devices.

 

May I borrow your brush to paint my house in one stroke?

[Cruising-along]

Honestly, there's not one of us on this board or on board that NEEDS to be connected all the time. There's nothing we're missing out on other than the Grand Illusion we've bought thinking that we're missing out on whatever. 99.9% of interweb is utter dross!

 

Now if we were so important that the world hangs on us being able to be reached, we'd be on private yachts the same size of any cruise ship.

 

Let's face facts here.

 

Let's be comfortable with our reality.

 

Let's not lose the human experience w our noses in digital devices.

 

I guess you don't have elderly family members. Or grandchildren. I have both and they are the only reason I need to be in touch. Not every minute, but certainly as often as possible. Sure, my family has the emergency ship number, but email is much cheaper and easier. :cool:

[jtl513]

Honestly, there's not one of us on this board or on board that NEEDS to be connected all the time.

There are MANY who NEED to be in contact with home at least once or twice a day. You are fortunate if you are not one of them.

[Augie's mom]

I'll be very happy with those changes, and since it still has small packages even better'

thanks for passing this along.

 

Tee

[igraf]

Um, not sure why one has to stay in daily touch with the grandchildren. This might be a case of thinking that you have be in touch, as opposed to really having to stay in touch.

 

My wife is on a "girls outing" cruise right now to Mexico. They brought along a cell phone that was configured to work inexpensively in Mexico. The three of them share the phone in ports for very little cost, and it is working out just fine. I can wait a day or two for the next port phone call.

 

igraf

 

 

 

 

 

I guess you don't have elderly family members. Or grandchildren. I have both and they are the only reason I need to be in touch. Not every minute, but certainly as often as possible. Sure, my family has the emergency ship number, but email is much cheaper and easier. :cool:

[TheEmerson]

While I understand fully well that each person has their reasons for being reachable in some method. There is a precieved notion that someone must be connected or lose out on up to date information. Somewhat perpetuated by various groups. Media wanting our eyes on their content, and advertisements. Social media wanting our eyes on their advertisements and someone else content. Then work/business needing but not always understanding that people do deserve to disconnect from work. Again, each person is different and has their own weights on what is more important to them.

 

In my personal world, if the ship had or did not have Internet connectivity I would not care. After 15 years of being "On Call" 24x7. Having to carry two way pager, cell phones (two at a time), BlackBerry (when it was email only device), laptop, cell modem, dial-up modem, tablets, with me all day and night. I personally take cruises to disconnect from the "connected" world. If it is important, those that I entrust, have such methods to reach me.

 

Now have I had family members that died when I was on a cruise, yes. Was I able to make it for the funeral, yes. Did my companies had massive failures were business processes could not be completed in time, yes. Did the companies figure it out and get back to making money, yes. Did someone break into my house and steal personal items including a firearm, yes. Did the police take a report, did the insurance get what they needed, yes. Did my own personal world continue on without me, yes. After all we are only cogs in a large living machine we call life, but we are never the center as there isn't one that cannot continue without us.

 

Am I am painting this response to cover everyone, absolutely not. But it took some changes in myself to realize that I am only as important as I really am and not how I perceive I am.

Edited October 14, 2015 by TheEmerson

[cruz chic]

I'm still trying to understand why it's important to tell everyone they don't need Internet. If you don't, that fine. Why let it bother you if others do? I can't stand beer. I don't understand why people drink it. I can do without it. Why do others need to have it if I can live without it?