Internet access

Tamara · April 25, 2004

I'm really going to try and stay away from using a computer whilst on the cruise, but, just in case I really have to send some sappy, gloating email to a friend that is otherwise happy not to hear from me for a week...I set up one of those free Yahoo accounts. What does it cost on HAL to use the computers?

GottaCruz · April 26, 2004

Tamara, I'm not familiar with HAL but on Carnival I remember it was pretty expensive but they also ran special deals on it, so we used it. They had deals like pay for x minutes, get the same free. We got off the ship and used internet access in one of the ports, which was a lot slower but a lot cheaper.

JohnG · April 26, 2004

On HAL Maasdam in February it was 75 cents a minute, but you could purchase package plans. e.g. 100 minutes for $55. That actually goes fast as the connections are slow. For instance, on a 10 cruise that is only 10 minutes worth a day. It is frankly much cheaper, though less convenient, to use internet cafes ashore. The crew does, and it is much more inexpensive. I just don't like using my limited shore time searching out a local internet cafe. In St. Thomas there is one across the road for Havensight Mall.

Jason · April 29, 2004

I remember particularly in Cozumel Mexico how cheap it was...it was 5 or 10 cents per minute....but then considering the computer wasn't DSL and wasn't even a pentium, it took f...o...r...e...v...e...r! I'm sure you could find a moderately priced internet cafe on the island(s) that do have better service and computers. I'm sure the island prices would definitely be cheaper than the prices on the cruise however.

TheSkipper · May 1, 2004

On board all of the ships we have been on recently the price has been 50 cents per minute (however, have not been on HAL). It is sometimes tough to get a computer even at those rates.

I use them simply because Princess makes free usage one of the past passenger perks. However, last year when we were cruising Europe, I found it easier to use internet cafes ashore (and cheaper).

As you have already heard there is a Cafe just across the street from Havensight Mall in St. Thomas. Also one just off Front Street about a block from where the Water Taxi drops you in St. Martin. Have used both of these on past cruises.

As your Shore Excrusion personnel for locations of Internet Cafes and you will not be wasting your time searching for them. :wink: