WI-FI and Cell Phones On Board

eagleforest · February 13, 2006

The only time I use a computer is to check in for my flight home and print my tickets. Other than that I won't be hauling my laptop with me.

As far as cell phones. I wait until I reach port and call home to check in on the family.

But I don't use it while walking around the ship.

Shari2 · February 19, 2006

While I would like the new technology for emergencies, on the other hand, I'm really afraid it's going to totally destroy the quiet relaxing cruise. Everywhere I go here in MN lately, someone is shouting into a cell phone or it's ringing loudly...even in church. I saw a little boy almost get hit by a car a few months back because his mom was crossing the busy street with a cell phone in her ear and one baby in a stroller and the toddler was walking behind her. She wasn't even holding his hand. If use could be kept to a certain area or room, that might work.

eagleforest · February 19, 2006

In one of our local movie theaters they are trying to get approved for killing cell phone signals within the theater. Its true even at a theater you are watching a movie when you hear ring.

It is relaxing onboard not to hear phones ringing. Just wish people would at least keep them turned down low

Joanandjoe · October 25, 2007

Unless Arvids decided to vote, I'm not sure why this topic popped up, after no posts for about 20 months. Since the poll, I've had three cruises. On one, a river cruise, I had not internet access, and it was a pleasure. On the other two, my office had to be in touch with me, and I was required to have internet access. (At least they had the decency to pay for it!) On the good side, I might not have been allowed to get away at all had I not been able to be online. On the bad side, spending more than an hour every day (well, slightly less on weekends) being online on business definitely detracted from both the Bermuda cruise and the Caribbean cruise. (For Joan, being able to accfess her Ebay account was a plus.)

I think my vote against having the internet onboard would be stronger than ever.

KeithnRita · October 25, 2007

Joe,

Apparently someone archived the poll and voted without posting a reply, which anyone registered can do.

sciroccoJR · October 25, 2007

Old post but a good one. Since I got a few minutes to post I may as well give my 2 cents worth.

Let me tell you, I was in the deepest *&^# when I got back since my boss couldnt get in touch with me. I am the only IT person here and I was supposed to receive txt messages on the ship but nooooo (stupid T-Mobile). Robert could since he is with AT&T. I guess my instructions for fixing stuff wasnt clear enough. It just happened to be during the big storms the Monday after I left but it all worked out fine in the end. I guess I could have checked my email but I was having way too much fun in the casino (losing) to even think about work.

Gregswife · October 26, 2007

I just called my cell phone provider a few days ago to check on something - I have an international phone plan and can use it in port but there is a code I have to enter, and I lost it. Anyway, while I was talking to her, she asked what ship we would be on and she checked and said that the Conquest does have satellite cell phone service but if I were to use my cell phone while we were in port, anywhere aboard the ship, I would be charged their rate per minute, so she warned me to get off the ship to use it and I would be covered by my plan and not charged. I am glad she told me that because I would have probably used it in port while onboard, expecting that I would not be charged. I have told the kids and the in-laws to feel free to call us at anytime IF it is an emergency but if it is not, please wait and I will call them from every port and check in then.

elfed · October 26, 2007

Why oh why do I have to listen to other people's lives on a 'phone? I think there should be a time zone set by the cruise line where you could receive and make calls in a designated soundproof area only.

Nothing aggravates me more when trying to catch some sun than to hear a cell phone ring nearby,then having to listen to the person talking loudly into their phone. Where is the consideration for other passengers? The biggest mistake yet in my opinion was to allow people use of their communication systems whist cruising. Bah humbug indeed!

Regards,

James.

Joanandjoe · October 26, 2007

Spot on, old chap!

sciroccoJR · October 26, 2007

Be careful, some of those places charges connection fees and other such fees to use their towers and their roaming service. I have heard horrer stories about $1,000-1,500 cell phone bills after a cruise. Call you cell provider to make sure that will not happen or just make the call short and sweet.