On-Board Communications

Internet Access

Believe it or not, even on a cruise Internet access is available. All cruise ships have Internet cafes located on-board ship along with wireless access if you plan on bringing a laptop with you. In order to connect, you need to purchase Internet time. Generally, without purchasing a block of time, the charge per minute is $0.50. Buying a package will reduce the per minute charge. Packages are usually available in blocks of 30, 60 and 90 minute blocks. Some offer even more. These packages can be charged to your onboard ship account. If you plan on just sending the occasional email to family and friends, take a smaller package. However, if you plan on doing other things with the Internet like games and updating your social networking profile (ie. MySpace or Facebook), you may want more time. If you run out of time, you may purchase additional time.

If you are planning on bringing a computer with you, instructions on configuring your wireless settings are available on-board ship. Once configured, you may go anywhere in the ship that has wireless access. Most public lounges are wireless.

Cell Phone Coverage

Cell phone service is available at sea through Cellular At Sea. However, service is limited to those passengers who have cell phones that operate on a GSM network. This would cover all AT&T and T-Mobile customers. Even though coverage is offered while at sea, it is relatively expensive at around $2.00 per minute. Thus, refrain from using the phone unless there is an absolute need. When in a port, you will have the ability to use the network(s) available at the port. Bear in mind that there might be roaming charges.

Cabin Room Phone Usage

Even though it is available for your use, it is best to refrain from using the ship's phones to make long distance calls as the rates are high. It is advisable to wait till the next port to make any phone calls from port. When using phones in ports, consider using inexpensive phone cards available at drug or convenience stores.

Two-Way Communications

A great way to keep in contact with family and friends while on board ship and in port is with inexpensive 2-way radios that can be purchased at any electronics store. The radios usually have a line of site 1 to 2 mile range, so in port they will do very well. However, considerations have to be taken into account when on-board ship. Like cell phones, which are also radios, there are dead spots due to construction of the ship. Metal and concrete reduce the coverage and reception. In a nutshell, 2-way radios are a better bet than relying on cell phones at sea and even in ports.

History of Cruising

The cruise line industry history has a very interesting story to tell. Taking to the open seas was always considered a mode of transportation to get from one land to another in the same way we consider air, train, bus and automobile travel. In fact, they weren't called cruises, but crossings as one was "crossing" from one land to another. One boarded the ship in one country, spent several days "at sea" and then arrived at a destination.

As in air travel, ships used to be divided into different classes, first class, second or tourist class, and third class or steerage. Each class had its own characteristics some of which still are carried out today on board cruises. However, for the most part, the actual distinctions and limitations have been eliminated. Dining and cabins were unique to each class in how they were done. First class passengers had the best of everything, (of course, even then they paid for it too.) dining was formal every night and cabins had all the newest amenities a ship had to offer. Third class or steerage, offered the least and what the most restrictive. Accommodations were also very basic and done very similar to military style. Passengers had cabins that were similar to barracks on naval ships and dining was served family style at long tables. Second class was the best of both extremes.

When the airplane began to replace transatlantic ships to move people from one part of the world to another in the 1950s, the shipping companies began to explore ships as a means of travel that would enable guests to see more than one port-of-call in a sailing. Many of the first cruise ships were trans-oceanic liners that were converted to cruise ships. With the development of technology and guest wishes, ships began to change to what they are today, floating vacation destinations.

Today, cruise lines have to compete with major travel destinations like Las Vegas, Nevada and Disney World. Not only do cruises have to cater to early target markets, but now have to cater to a whole new vacation seeking crowd.

Reputation

Cruises prior to the last decade or so were said to be for three categories of people, the newly wed, nearly dead or over fed among other presumptions. Yes, these groups still populate cruises, but it is not the normal situation any longer. This reputation, which many people seem to categorize cruises vacations, has been fading and becoming more of an alternative to traditional vacations. Cruises are now more like a one-stop-shop in that they have something for everyone in both age and interest. Cruises have become a very popular family vacation since it is all inclusive for the most part and offers many options for all ages. Families can break apart in the morning do their own thing and then reconvene in the evening.

Cruise Credits

Cruise credits or on board cruise credit is money that is credited to you for making future arrangements with the cruise line for future cruises or as compensation for other reasons. Usually, the longer the cruise you pre-book the larger the on board credit you will receive. Some lines allow a four year window to use the credit.

It is important that before you sign on the dotten line for a future cruise credit that you understand any stipulations. For example, some lines require that you book your future cruise within a certain time period and then take that cruise by a certain time. There may also be stipulations as to how you can apply the credit. Ususally, the credits given are toward one stateroom per reservation. Therefore, if you buy one for each member of your family, you may only be able to use one because the reservation is under one name eventhough there are two or more cabins.

If for some reason you need to hand in your certificate for a future cruise, you may be required to pay a penalty for cancellation. The cancellation generally is the credit that you received on board.

Frequent Cruise Programs

Each cruise line has its own organization which gives you equivalent to frequent flyer miles for every cruise you take with that line. Most lines after the first cruise automatically enroll you. Enrollment into the program offers you benefits and discounts with the line. Some examples of cruise clubs are: Captain's Cirlce (Princess Cruises), Crown & Anchor Society (Royal Caribbean), and Latitudes (Norwegian Cruise Line).

In the entry level, there are a few benefits such as discounts. After the 5th cruise with the line you are upgraded to the next level which offers additional discounts and benefits to the passenger such as luncheons with the Captain, discounted Internet rates and a few others.

After the second stage, there can be one or more levels above which will then offer even more on board benefits such as free on-board services and priority embarkation and disembarkation priviliges.