internet?????
Oct 7th, 2002, 09:31 AM
#2
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Most of the new ships do have internet. Which line are you going on? It is pricey. I did Celebrity last year, and it was something like $4 or $5 per minute, something really crazy, but if you had a laptop, it was I think $100 per 7 day cruise. My numbers may be a bit off because i decided too much for me and I was trying to get away from a computer.
Oct 7th, 2002, 10:09 AM
#3
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We were on RCCL and it was 50 cents a minute, same with Cunard. You will not need to bring your laptop as they have computers there in the internet center.<BR>I just called Celebrity and it is also 95 cents a minute, but you can write in word and then cut and paste your e-mail. Hope that helps.
Oct 7th, 2002, 04:56 PM
#6
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On the Carnival Pride, the internet rates seemed more expensive than that. They had internet packages but they ranged from $55 to $100. I felt very sorry for the parents of teenagers who I saw in the internet cafe everyday as I passed by.<BR><BR>I don't know if they have data ports for your laptop.<BR><BR>I totally agree with winner - I don't use the internet on the ship, nor do I make phone calls from the ship. St. Thomas is a great place to make phone calls and they have internet cafes that charge only a few dollars for an HOUR. Definitely use internet cafes in port.
Oct 7th, 2002, 05:32 PM
#7
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Just looked up some information for you. The Inspiration is an older Carnival ship - they were supposed to have internet cafes installed on all the ships by the end of 2001, I would call Carnival to verify that they have one on the inspiration. Rates are .75/minute. There is a $3.95 set up fee to get an e-mail account if you don't have one, but when I was on the Pride, it looked like it was 3.95 just to set up a ship account. .75/min doesn't seem like much, but the clock starts ticking the minute you get started. The charges can add up real fast if you are not careful. I doubt that the Inspiration has data ports for lap tops.<BR><BR>Personally, i would rather spend my money on something a little more memorable than internet.
Oct 7th, 2002, 10:28 PM
#8
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You have to understand that the cruise line will pay a staff member at least $20 an hour to work the cafe. Therefore a 12 hour shift would come to $240 to pay the staff.<BR>This along with the transmission costs is why the price for the passenger is so high.<BR><BR>Best to use the port cafes.<BR><BR>Paul
Oct 8th, 2002, 01:59 PM
#9
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Thnx Cathy for the research.....it helped. i have a nine and four year old who have never been away from us (mom&dad)for more than 2 days and I would like to e-mail them. 10-15 bucks is well worth it for me to enjoy my cruise knowing my kids a fine. thnx again
Oct 9th, 2002, 09:54 AM
#11
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"If" means exactly what it says. Why bring it IF there's no hookup???But IF there is hookup then I will.why is everyone trippin over the fact that i would like to e-mail my kids while on vacation???? how dare you jason say that i shouldn't go because of the fact that I want to e-mail my kids!!!!!If there were no laptops, phones, or any means of communication I WOULD still go but, in the times we live in with everything available I don't see the " big deal " in sending a greeting from my vacation.....just the same as a postcard only quicker. I guess then no one should should go on vacation if they want to send a postcard?????
Oct 9th, 2002, 03:17 PM
#12
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If the ship has an internet cafe I'd suggest using their machine. That way you won't have to worry about leaving your laptop in the cabin.<BR>Your children might enjoy a short call from you (in addition to the e-mail). If you do call do this from shore--check about getting a calling card since the cost per minute is lower.
Oct 9th, 2002, 04:29 PM
#13
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You are very welcome, Kiersty. <BR><BR>I would leave the laptop at home because The Inspiration probably does not have data ports(place to hook in your own computer) since it is an older ship. They probably do have computers in a internet cafe. I would not bring a laptop also because I would be afraid something would happen to it. I just got a new laptop and I am guarding it with my life!! I have had a couple of friends who have to travel with there laptop for business reasons, and two have had their laptops stolen while traveling, another had an airport inspector drop it during inspection.<BR><BR>The kids will enjoy getting the e-mail from you. A video post card is $4.95. And good for you for getting some couple time. My brother and sister-in -law take cruise vacations without their small kids and it seems to have a wonderful effect. The kids ( who are 5 yr old twins) enjoy some special grandparent bonding time and the parents come back happy and refreshed. I was with my brother and his wife on the Pride, and when they called and talked to the kids from the ports of call, the kids were having a good time with the grandparents.<BR><BR>Please post any other questions you may have.
Oct 9th, 2002, 05:12 PM
#14
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Thnx cathy!! the video postcard sounds great and we are soooo lookin forward to mommy and daddy time.....love my kids more than life but we will come back refreshed and ready to be parents again! (hehehe)the laptop is my hubby's for work, his boss bought it for him so maybe we should keep it home. where can I do the video postcard thing???? Thnx again........Kiersty<BR><BR>P.S. we are going to grand cayman, cozumel and Jamacia<BR>
Oct 10th, 2002, 06:52 PM
#15
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Carnival has the video postcards set up in the internet cafe. The internet cafe staff person will help you with the details.<BR><BR>I am going on the Conquest next year and it will be going to the same ports of call as the Inspiration. I think the Conquest will take the place of the Inspiration.<BR><BR>Have a great time on the ship!
