Should Cell Phones be Allowed on HAL Ships

[peaches from georgia]

No way will 'restrictions' work. No jeans, no shorts, no children in aft pool, no cell phones? Why would we think HAL would enforce cell phone rules any more than they enforce anything?

 

(Sorry, folks, I didn't mean to start another thread on this. Was trying to start a poll and got confused. :o )

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

 

NO - who do you need to call that it is so important to have a cell phone? You're on vacation - enjoy it.

:)

[doone]

I agree Peaches, they don't listen to the rules now, so what would be different about cell phones, ugh. I WON'T BE A HAPPY CAMPER IF THIS HAPPENS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Orcrone]

A few years ago a consortium of companies tried to put together a system called Iridium. It was going to consist of a group of 77 satelites (atomic number of Iridium). This would allow users of the service to receive and send phone calls virtually everywhere on the planet. After much design work it never got off the ground, mainly due to cost overruns. But a system like this is inevitable. When that happens people with the system will be able to make calls from the ship just as many people do while in port using their regular cell phones.

 

I know this doesn't answer the question, just pointing out the inevitable.

 

KK - If I contact my office during a cruise it's not work related. It'll just be to say "having a great time, glad I'm not there". But having two teenage kids at home I wouldn't mind the ability to check in once or twice during the cruise to make sure all is OK. Just remember, I'm the one who almost had his house blown up when his daughter drove through the hot water heater, A/C & furnace as well as the water and gas lines. On second thought, maybe I don't want anyone to reach me.

 

Peaches - I agree that enforcement of any kind of 'cell phone courtesy rules' will not happen.

[CruisinNana]

Why would anyone care if I made a cell phone call in the privacy of my own cabin while I was on vacation? You've lost me on this one.

Dee :confused:

[peaches from georgia]

But having two teenage kids at home I wouldn't mind the ability to check in once or twice during the cruise to make sure all is OK.

 

Please don't say that on your cruises communication is impossible or difficult now for an extended period of time.

 

Right now you can e-mail as many times a day as you wish and cell phone or regular phone from ports are relatively inexpensive. How long do you go between ports- one day or 2 at the most? In case of an extreme emergency there is ship-to-shore phone service.

 

DEE- Because it would never end with the cell phone staying in the cabin with the majority of pax. It would be so much nicer to be out by the pool calling everyone at home. ;)

[doone]

CruisinNana, if people make the phone calls from their cabins, no problem, but I can see it now, phones ringing in the dining room at their tables, phones ringing at the pool, phones ringing in the shows, phones ringing in the casino, heck we won't know if its a phone or if we won on the slots. I hate to go to dinner on land and hear a phone ringing in the restaurant or at the movies, drives me nuts. Now, IF, and its a BIG IF, there were rules and people followed them, like only making calls in your cabins, I would have no problem with that, but I really don't want to hear phones ringing while I am relaxing at the pool or any other public place onboard and you know it will happen.

[Tatka]

As far as I remember last year on X Captain announced that using cel phones makes it difficult for them to use navigation system (just like on the plane).

 

I called once (before sail away, IMHO it was safe), I had to wish my husband happy 31 birthday and to tease him a little ;) .

[Orcrone]

Please don't say that on your cruises communication is impossible or difficult now for an extended period of time.

 

Right now you can e-mail as many times a day as you wish and cell phone or regular phone from ports are relatively inexpensive. How long do you go between ports- one day or 2 at the most? In case of an extreme emergency there is ship-to-shore phone service.

Peaches, what you say is true. However, I never said that communication is impossible or difficult. KK's question was "who do you need to call that it is so important to have a cell phone?" I was just answering her question.

 

I choose not to e-mail from the ship as I would rather have a 2 way conversation. And I plan on calling from San Juan, as I will receive service there. I also won't be using this new service too much at $1.69/minute. But if it is available why should I not avail myself of this service if I choose?

[jhannah]

Unless someone had a satellite phone, it wouldn't be a huge issue IMO. Cell phones would work in port ... but not for long once underway. With that said, however, I certainly agree that there would be phones ringing while in port or close enough by to receive a signal. That would not be a good thing. That's one reason I go on vacation ... to get away from the normal everyday junk.

[CruisinNana]

CruisinNana, if people make the phone calls from their cabins, no problem, but I can see it now, phones ringing in the dining room at their tables, phones ringing at the pool, phones ringing in the shows, phones ringing in the casino, heck we won't know if its a phone or if we won on the slots. I hate to go to dinner on land and hear a phone ringing in the restaurant or at the movies, drives me nuts. Now, IF, and its a BIG IF, there were rules and people followed them, like only making calls in your cabins, I would have no problem with that, but I really don't want to hear phones ringing while I am relaxing at the pool or any other public place onboard and you know it will happen.

 

Hi Doone! I agree with you completely and wholeheartedly; however, I guess we just have to be realistic and know the ship is filled with some considerate people and some inconsiderate people. I rate myself as being considerate, but I don't let it "get to me" when putting up with the inconsiderate. I would, however, be quite upset if the cruise line confiscated my cell phone upon embarking as someone suggested.

Dee

[doone]

CrusinNana, it would be a pleasure to sail with you. I try to be considerate as well, and most people are, but your right, there's always a few in the crowd.

[gizmo]

if people make the phone calls from their cabins, no problem, but I can see it now, phones ringing in the dining room at their tables, phones ringing at the pool, phones ringing in the shows, phones ringing in the casino, heck we won't know if its a phone or if we won on the slots. .

:) I would be hoping it was the slot machine !

 

How many times must a person be subjected to "Ride of the Valkyries" before rage sets in?

 

Everytime one goes off in a public place, Hal should collect the phone and turn it over to the "Blender Gang" for skeet shooting practice.

[jhannah]

Good one, Gizmo! Great idea!

[doone]

EXCELLENT IDEA, GIZMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I would hope it would be the slot machine also, but who would know??

[saltydog28]

Except for the ringing, what's the differance between a cell phone and a walkie-talkie?

They're both annoying.

Pat.

[Sunviking]

At the risk of being slammed, may I say that my DH and I took a satellite phone w/us when we went 'round the Horn in January on the Royal Princess. We were gone for 3 weeks and wanted to be in touch w/ some folks back home. We used the phone out on the open deck; usually we were the only ones up there, and I don't think we bothered a soul. When we went to Antarctica for the day we took it with us and called 2 elderly aunts, one in Germany and the other in the US from the shoreline of the bay and I think gave them a little excitement. How many can say they've received a phone call from Antarctica? I don't like hearing cellphones ringing all the time either but sometimes people do have a need to stay in touch for some important reasons, not just for the sake of vanity.

[gizmo]

Except for the ringing, what's the differance between a cell phone and a walkie-talkie?

They're both annoying.

Pat.

More Static on those walkie-talkies !!!

 

They should be turned over to the "Blender Gang" too.

[iluvcruzin]

I don't like hearing cellphones ringing all the time either but sometimes people do have a need to stay in touch for some important reasons, not just for the sake of vanity.

I agree. For those who are respectful of others I see no problem with cellphones onboard. However, I hope common sense and rules such as we have in place at entertainment venues are put in place. In most theaters, churches and Movie theaters they have a "turn off" or "turn on vibrate" rule. This should apply. I don't know why they don't do this for 2-ways (as I mentioned before I use them but with Vibrate and never would I have a conversation in a ship lounge to disturb others).

[FlorenceItaly]

While cruising last month to Canada/New England states, I DID use my cell phone while on the ship and in port to contact my husband and son, who were at home. It was sure cheaper than the internet rates on the ship .

 

I would support it being allowed in restricted areas.

 

My dh and I will be cruising in October, with someone staying here with my son, and I do like being able to use the cell phone, if needed. Our plan is to stay in contact via email. We will be sailing W. Caribbean.

 

Marie

[cactuslady]

In my experience, even judges have trouble keeping cell phones quiet in the courtroom, they have the power to put people in jail for contempt of court!

[jhannah]

For those who are respectful of others I see no problem with cellphones onboard. However, I hope common sense and rules such as we have in place at entertainment venues are put in place. In most theaters, churches and Movie theaters they have a "turn off" or "turn on vibrate" rule. This should apply. I don't know why they don't do this for 2-ways (as I mentioned before I use them but with Vibrate and never would I have a conversation in a ship lounge to disturb others).

In an ideal world, yes. However, I hear phones go off in theaters and at church (just last Sunday.) Sorry. Rules don't apply to everybody, don't you know?

It's not a problem now. But if the technology is encouraged and proliferated, then it will be a major issue. Chair hogs, liquor smugglers, and casual dressers on formal night will all become choir boys by comparison!

[CruisinNana]

CrusinNana, it would be a pleasure to sail with you. I try to be considerate as well, and most people are, but your right, there's always a few in the crowd.

 

Doone, it would be a pleasure to sail with you, also. Thank you for all the useful information you supply to this board.

Dee

[CDRMark]

Please! on formal nights fones must be in a black leather case and play only classical ring tunes.

[gizmo]

Please! on formal nights fones must be in a black leather case and play only classical ring tunes.

OH NO, The Ride of the Valkyries again !!!