Why Do You Cruise?

[KeepCalmBearOn]

On 9/23/2019 at 5:25 PM, Lindaru said:

Actually it is still doing just fine and is even insured for damage!  $56 average per month compared to the $100+ for a smart-phone is why we have not switched.

 

You an get a smartphone from Straight Talk, Trac Phone, Total Wireless and maybe a few others for $45 a month, plus taxes, no extra costs.

 

My parents (89 & 90) gave up their flip phones for smartphones and saved money doing so because flip phone plans are so antiquated. Now they can use Uber (neither drives anymore) and Face Time the grandkids,

Edited September 25, 2019 by scottca075

[KeepCalmBearOn]

16 hours ago, lenquixote66 said:

I miss the days before cell phones and computers.Life was much simpler.

 

9 hours ago, lenquixote66 said:

For me it was simpler.I was born when FDR was POTUS .I lived many ,many years before people used cell phones and never had a problem.

 

Actually I'd posit that life was not simpler or problem free. Yes, people did get by, but technology makes like easier and simpler.

 

People once got by without washing machines and dryers, stoves powered by gas or electricity and boats without engines. We take such technology for granted now, but I think no one yearns for those simpler times.

[cruisemom42]

On 9/20/2019 at 11:39 PM, Aquahound said:

 

I totally agree!  That's one thing I love about cruising.  However, it's very disappointing that we're starting to see more and more people glued to their devices on ships due to today's connectivity options.  Not that I care that they're device addicted, but the irritation of someone's bright screen in front of you in the dark theater is something that never used to be an issue.  

 

I don't mind folks staying connected if that's what they want or need to do. But I do agree with you re: the theater and public spaces. Nothing worse than those in front of you deciding to hold up their phone/tablet and take a video of the show, or constant photos....

 

Use devices BUT be considerate.

[cruisemom42]

On 9/20/2019 at 11:21 PM, clo said:

We 'did' Turkey on an escorted land tour.  It was incredible.  A total bucket list trip.  You couldn't do it on a cruise.

 

Can't do Cappadocia on a cruise, certainly.

 

I've visited Turkey numerous times on cruises, many different ports (including one that I think our ship may have been the only cruise ship ever to call in to -- Tasucu!). But also on a land trip and on my own in several different areas. It's one of my favorite countries. And there are so many little known ruins that I get to indulge my inner Indiana Jones.

 

I would love to also do the Turkish coast via a gulet.

 

[cruisemom42]

On 9/23/2019 at 9:34 PM, lenquixote66 said:

I have a flip phone.I have 3 friends who do not have cell phones,computers,or answering machines and they do not miss them.

 

My parents also do not have cell phones or a computer. As a result, they have missed out on a lot of chances to communicate with their only grandchild, for whom writing a letter is something that took place in the Dark Ages.

 

17 hours ago, lenquixote66 said:

I miss the days before cell phones and computers.Life was much simpler.

 

When you say simpler, I think you mean that you do not want to learn new ways of doing things. The learning isn't always simple, but once the skill is mastered, it certainly can be a much simpler process. Compare, for example, sending a professional communication by mail in the days before computer usage, versus sending that communication by email. Just think about the steps involved in each:

 

To send the letter, you had to type it. You had to manually correct any errors, and you could not go back and edit it without retyping the entire thing again. You had to go to an office supply store to purchase paper and envelopes. You had to go to the post office to purchase stamps. You had to ensure that the actual physical address was correct and then type up the envelope. And so on.

 

If you send a professional communication by email, you can very easily correct errors or edit without having to start from scratch. You don't need paper or envelopes or a stamp. You just need an email address and a computer connection. 

 

For years I have both held a demanding job that requires more than a 40-hour work week and been a single mother. I don't know how I could do as much in any given day or week without the ability to bank, pay bills, and do things like register my car or renew my drivers license online. I can also catch up with friends via cell phone while doing something like waiting for my car to be serviced, and research and make travel plans using online resources, including booking my own air and train travel, cruises. I could list many more...

 

In short, my life would not be simple with or without cell phones or computers. But they help me to be a lot more efficient, without which I'd never be able to carve out any time for myself.

[Warm Breezes]

1 hour ago, scottca075 said:

 

You an get a smartphone from Straight Talk, Trac Phone, Total Wireless and maybe a few others for $45 a month, plus taxes, no extra costs.

 

My parents (89 & 90) gave up their flip phones for smartphones and saved money doing so because flip phone plans are so antiquated. Now they can use Uber (neither drives anymore) and Face Time the grandkids,

DH and I both have smartphones using Trac Phone.  Cost for DH $5 for phone (refurbished) plus $120 per year for service, minutes, text, and data.  This gives him more than he uses and he rolls over unused every year.  It also rolls over to a new Trac Phone whenever we replace it.    He connects to the wi-fi at home.  I use mine more since I am still working and end up purchasing a few refills during the year plus my phone was a little more expensive at $45.  I spend less than $300 in service, minutes, text and data a year.  Works perfectly fine for us.  We have been using Trac Phones for over 10 years now.  Our first ones were flip phones.  We just keep upgrading whenever they wear out.  We also Facetime my son who lives 16 hours away instead of calling him.    It was nice using the Carnival Hub on them on our last cruise to communicate with each other, see the activities and menus for the day, purchase pictures, and call ahead on  MDR seating.

[clo]

2 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

I've visited Turkey numerous times

I read about an Azamara trip where they went to Ephesus after dinner for IIRC a musical program.  That must have been incredible.

[Lindaru]

4 hours ago, scottca075 said:

 

You an get a smartphone from Straight Talk, Trac Phone, Total Wireless and maybe a few others for $45 a month, plus taxes, no extra costs.

 

My parents (89 & 90) gave up their flip phones for smartphones and saved money doing so because flip phone plans are so antiquated. Now they can use Uber (neither drives anymore) and Face Time the grandkids,

 

Straight Talk and Trac Phone do not have coverage in our area.  We live nestled in a mountain range and the only one that works well is Verizon.  I use my tablet for internet when we travel.  I am on my desk top at home all of the rest of the time.  Uber and Lyft are not even here where we live.  No bus service except for within city limits.  No taxi service.  Out in the rural area where we are, you get a ride from someone you know if you cannot drive.

 

I realize we will probably have to put forth the bucks in the future as we go to 5-G (which I dread due to the health problems they cause), but for now we are all right where we are at.

 

[KeepCalmBearOn]

1 hour ago, Lindaru said:

Straight Talk and Trac Phone do not have coverage in our area. 

 

Actually TracFone and its Straight Talk subsidiary are Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) and don't use their own network. You can choose AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile as the actual provider.

[lenquixote66]

14 hours ago, calliopecruiser said:

Sure, and life was simpler for me when I was 4 years old and everything I needed was taken care of -- but I don't think that means that life was simpler for those around me, or that the neighbourhood, city, country, or world was simpler then. 

I am entitled to my opinion.On that note let me say that I love the city of Toronto.I have been there many times.I assume that you love it too.

[lenquixote66]

5 hours ago, scottca075 said:

 

 

Actually I'd posit that life was not simpler or problem free. Yes, people did get by, but technology makes like easier and simpler.

 

People once got by without washing machines and dryers, stoves powered by gas or electricity and boats without engines. We take such technology for granted now, but I think no one yearns for those simpler times.

I yearn for the 1950’s

[KeepCalmBearOn]

2 minutes ago, lenquixote66 said:

I yearn for the 1950’s

 

I'd love to debate why that is not a good idea, but this topic is already far enough off topic.

[lenquixote66]

4 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

My parents also do not have cell phones or a computer. As a result, they have missed out on a lot of chances to communicate with their only grandchild, for whom writing a letter is something that took place in the Dark Ages.

 

 

When you say simpler, I think you mean that you do not want to learn new ways of doing things. The learning isn't always simple, but once the skill is mastered, it certainly can be a much simpler process. Compare, for example, sending a professional communication by mail in the days before computer usage, versus sending that communication by email. Just think about the steps involved in each:

 

To send the letter, you had to type it. You had to manually correct any errors, and you could not go back and edit it without retyping the entire thing again. You had to go to an office supply store to purchase paper and envelopes. You had to go to the post office to purchase stamps. You had to ensure that the actual physical address was correct and then type up the envelope. And so on.

 

If you send a professional communication by email, you can very easily correct errors or edit without having to start from scratch. You don't need paper or envelopes or a stamp. You just need an email address and a computer connection. 

 

For years I have both held a demanding job that requires more than a 40-hour work week and been a single mother. I don't know how I could do as much in any given day or week without the ability to bank, pay bills, and do things like register my car or renew my drivers license online. I can also catch up with friends via cell phone while doing something like waiting for my car to be serviced, and research and make travel plans using online resources, including booking my own air and train travel, cruises. I could list many more...

 

In short, my life would not be simple with or without cell phones or computers. But they help me to be a lot more efficient, without which I'd never be able to carve out any time for myself.

I worked for a company that did everything manually.Then one day it was decided to try computers.Six years later 30 people were fired.Then more sophisticated computers were brought in and two years later 20 more were fired and on and on it went till they had more computers than people.When you go into a bank they want you to do online banking.How many jobs are being replaced,etc,etc.

[lenquixote66]

8 minutes ago, scottca075 said:

 

I'd love to debate why that is not a good idea, but this topic is already far enough off topic.

That is why I post more in the Floataway lounge than on the regular boards,freedom of expression.

[cruisemom42]

1 minute ago, lenquixote66 said:

I worked for a company that did everything manually.Then one day it was decided to try computers.Six years later 30 people were fired.Then more sophisticated computers were brought in and two years later 20 more were fired and on and on it went till they had more computers than people.When you go into a bank they want you to do online banking.How many jobs are being replaced,etc,etc.

 

That is a completely different topic than "life was simpler."

 

The world changes. Technology changes. Some jobs go away and some new ones are created. 

[KeepCalmBearOn]

4 minutes ago, lenquixote66 said:

I worked for a company that did everything manually.Then one day it was decided to try computers.Six years later 30 people were fired.Then more sophisticated computers were brought in and two years later 20 more were fired and on and on it went till they had more computers than people.When you go into a bank they want you to do online banking.How many jobs are being replaced,etc,etc.

 

I worked for a farm that did everything manually.Then one day it was decided to try tractors and threshing machines. Six months later 30 people were fired.

 

Then I went to work for a company making stage coach wheels, two years later that darn Henry Ford fella came along.

 

Sorry, but I love fruit when it hangs so low.

 

[lenquixote66]

8 minutes ago, scottca075 said:

 

I worked for a farm that did everything manually.Then one day it was decided to try tractors and threshing machines. Six months later 30 people were fired.

 

Then I went to work for a company making stage coach wheels, two years later that darn Henry Ford fella came along.

 

Sorry, but I love fruit when it hangs so low.

 

Not funny

[KeepCalmBearOn]

9 minutes ago, lenquixote66 said:

Not funny

 

Hmmm

Edited September 25, 2019 by scottca075

[lenquixote66]

1 minute ago, scottca075 said:

 

No Luddites are quite cheerless, somber people, I agree.

I was referring to what you wrote and not the cartoon.I posted about people who are losing jobs due to automation.Yes,I know it is inevitable but we live in a society that supposedly allows freedom of expression.

 

No need to respond.

[Lindaru]

42 minutes ago, scottca075 said:

 

Actually TracFone and its Straight Talk subsidiary are Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) and don't use their own network. You can choose AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile as the actual provider.

 

We have had relatives on the Verizon MVNO network visit and they cannot get any access whatsoever.  Here is the coverage map.  Where we live is in the circle.
 

[davekathy]

For us another way to enjoy our vacations. 

[KeepCalmBearOn]

1 hour ago, Lindaru said:

We have had relatives on the Verizon MVNO network visit and they cannot get any access whatsoever.  Here is the coverage map.  Where we live is in the circle.

 

All I know is you said, "we live nestled in a mountain range and the only one that works well is Verizon." If VZ works well then the MVNO will work well since it's the same. If VZ isn't good, then the MVNO won't be good.

[Ombud]

Example: I'm paying apx 2000 for my 9 night Melbourne to Aukland cruise in B3 category. I'm a solo so that included my single supplement.  Have only 325 OBC. Yet here's what I'm paying for just the room (breakfast brings it up to 939). UGH. 3 nights 😞 But it's hard to get downunder so I just pay

[clo]

2 hours ago, lenquixote66 said:

Not funny

Actually I thought it was quite amusing.

[lenquixote66]

1 hour ago, clo said:

Actually I thought it was quite amusing.

“different strokes for different folks”