Internet access with more than one laptop

[SL HomeschoolMom]

How does the internet package work? We'll be on the Liberty.

My husband and kids will probably each have their laptop with them.

If we buy an internet package, will it be tied to one laptop/IP address, or could they each take turns logging on using their own laptop under one minutes package?

[Pegs222]

How does the internet package work? We'll be on the Liberty.

My husband and kids will probably each have their laptop with them.

If we buy an internet package, will it be tied to one laptop/IP address, or could they each take turns logging on using their own laptop under one minutes package?

 

When you turn your lap top on, a screen comes up and you follow the instructions. Everyone has their own account. It can get very expensive. Why would you children need to bring lap top?

[nolaAlive]

You *could* share an account, but it is tied to a cabin number/name/password so everyone would have the same user name and password. I doubt it would allow concurrent usage, so how you timeshare on it could get interesting.

[tkere]

If your kids want to play games they have on the computer, but surfing on the internet will be very expensive, since it is very slow (the Carnival server) and it eats up minutes like crazy. I just checked my email and emailed once a day with 100 minutes on a 7 day cruise, and just had enough time to check in for my return flight. And this is about $50. You may want to limit the internet access unless money is no problem for you, then tell them to have fun!

[gail811]

How does the internet package work? We'll be on the Liberty.

My husband and kids will probably each have their laptop with them.

If we buy an internet package, will it be tied to one laptop/IP address, or could they each take turns logging on using their own laptop under one minutes package?

 

Below is the information from Carnival's website. I usually purchase the 250 minutes for the family. You can use the same log in information, but doubt you could have more than one computer logged on at the same time. There are lots of tricks to save minutes, depending on what you are using the time for. We use ours to communicate with family, and our son has done some work for a college course. Just for checking e-mail, I write my mails in advance on a word document, log on, cut and paste and send. That in itself saves lots of minutes. Hope the rest of your questions can be answered in the information below.

 

Can I access the internet while on board?

 

For those guests who want the option of staying connected to the rest of the world, we proudly offer access to the internet in our onboard Internet Cafés and wireless networks using the ships own satellite connection. The Internet Café is open 24-hours a day and features private terminals with the latest flat panel computer monitors. Guests will have the ability to send and receive e-mail, chat online and access the full internet. Guests can also access their own e-mail account through AOL, Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo, etc. Guests will have the option to create their very own temporary e-mail account with our "CruiseE-mail"™.

 

Wireless internet access is available across our entire fleet. Depending on the vessel, we have either limited wireless access in and around the shipboard internet café and select public areas or a complete "Bow2stern" wireless network. The complete "Bow2stern" wireless network is currently available on Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Pride, Carnival Legend, Carnival Victory, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Freedom and Carnival Splendor.

 

The "Bow2Stern" network allows our guests to enjoy Internet access from literally anywhere on board, including all public areas, lounges, bars and pool decks, guest suites and cabins. To take full advantage of this feature, guests should bring their personal laptops along with them, as the number of laptops available for rent onboard is limited. In addition, this network provides supports the latest Wi-Fi enabled iPhones, PalmPilots and Blackberrys.

 

Internet Café Price List

We have several options available to guests wishing to use the internet service. the below options are available. Please note that the internet pricing options* are identical, whether an Internet Café terminal is utilized, or a laptop.

 

• An initial one-time Activation Fee of $3.95 applies to each user.

• A basic time charge of $0.75 per minute ("Pay-As-You-Go") is available. Minutes are rounded to the next full minute.

 

Discounted Time Plans

Discounted Time Plans offer guests the opportunity to enjoy a lower per-minute rate. These Time Plans do not have to be used in a single session and can be used anytime throughout the cruise until debarkation. Please note that there is no refund for unused minutes on these Time Plans and upgrading selected pricing options is not available. Plans are subject to change.

 

Cruises less than six days in length:

• 30 minutes for $16.50 ($0.55 per minute)

• 60 minutes for $24.00 ($0.40 per minute)

 

Cruises six days in length and longer:

• 100 minutes for $55.00 ($0.55 per minute)

• 250 minutes for $100.00 ($0.40 per minute)

 

Wireless Network Cards and Laptop Rental

Guests can rent a Wireless Network Card -- to connect their laptops to the ship's wireless signal -- at the rate or $10.00 per day. Optional insurance can also be purchased for $3.00 per day. These fees are in addition to the Internet price plans. A limited number of laptops are available for guests to rent with a Time Plan purchase for an additional $10.00 per day, with optional insurance is also available for $3.00 per day.

 

*All internet access charges will be billed directly to the guest's onboard "Sail & Sign" Account. In addition, when using a Café terminal, files can be downloaded as "read only" but cannot be saved, since a floppy disk cannot be inserted into the PC's. Users who bring their own laptop can read and save files without restriction.