wireless on ship?

[sha88]

We're sailing on the Grandeur later this month and I wanted to know if wireless internet is available. I see that the Kruz family is emailing us from their ship, so I was hoping the Grandeur would also have wireless available. Anyone know? My husband wants to keep (or needs to) keep in touch with his office and it would be easier to do so from our state room. Thanks.

 

P.S. I, on the other hand, DO NOT plan to keep in touch with my office! No way!

[fflady]

We were just on Grandeur on 5/27 sailing out of Baltimore. No wireless and no ability to get internet service in the stateroom. :(

[sha88]

We were just on Grandeur on 5/27 sailing out of Baltimore. No wireless and no ability to get internet service in the stateroom. :(

 

 

 

 

 

 

;) Okay, thanks for the info I think I read somewhere that on Deck 8, you can get online for a fee, I think. We, are sailing out of Baltimore for a 9 day cruise.

[fflady]

;) Okay, thanks for the info I think I read somewhere that on Deck 8, you can get online for a fee, I think. We, are sailing out of Baltimore for a 9 day cruise.

 

Yes, on deck 8, they have an internet cafe. I have recently found that getting AOL is extremely difficult anymore. I don't believe RCCL has updated their systems on their older ships in a long time. I don't know about other Internet Service Providers. The cost to use RCCL internet service is 50 cents/minute.

[2forthesea]

The internet cafe on Deck 8 is wired internet. I haven't been on the ship lately, so I won't speak to the wireless capability; fflady knows more than I about this.

 

The connection into AOL has always been a problem on all the ships where I've used the internet cafe. I think it's a snag with RCI's internet provider. I've heard people complaining about not being able to log on to AOL on every single cruise I've been on since they started offering the interenat capability on board their ships.

[sha88]

This is kind of off my original question, but since you both seem to be really experienced cruisers (lucky you!). How many formal or semi formal or casual dining nites did they have on Grandeur. I am getting a little confused on this whole suggested proper attire thing, but want to do the right thing and look forward to dressing up a couple of nights.

 

By the way, I am a first time cruiser!

 

Shoo

[fflady]

We did the 9 night carib sailing and had 2 formal nights, 2 smart casual nights (if think) and the rest casual. Check your cruise docs for the breakdown. It is normally listed in the back under the "Cruise Vacation Guide"-"Getting Ready"-"Evening Attire".

 

Congratulations on your first cruise! You will probably be one of the many cruise addicts by the end of your cruise:D. A word to the wise.....DON'T PACK TOO MUCH!! From experience, I normally only wear about 1/2 what I take. But I keep overpacking every trip!!

 

This website is probably the best for getting your questions answered. Don't be afraid to ask anything.

 

Have fun on your first cruise!

[2forthesea]

Agree with fllady. I have embarked upon my own Overpackers Anonymous program for my cruise this October. I am DETERMINED to take less this time.

 

7 night cruises have 2 formal nights, and then the are a mix of smart casual and casual. If you go to the Cruise Fashions board you'll find a huge amount of info on the subject, as well as a a lot of opinions that contradict each other. Standard rule of thumb is dress like you were going to a really nice restaurant. Whatever that is, wear it!

[sha88]

Thanks for the info, ladies!

[Terpnut]

In the most recent C&A newsletter, RCCL says that they will be rolling out wireless internet access fleetwide-- starting this fall if my recollection serves me right.

[2forthesea]

That is really good news! Thanks.

[Terpnut]

Found the reference on page 11 of the latest issue of C&A:

 

"... But what happens when you've just got to tell your friends back home about all the fun you're having? With our new wireless Internet service - available fleetwide in November - you can stay connected with your own laptop from a variety of locations onboard. All you need is your laptop, a Windows operating system and wireless network capability. Even if you don't have a wireless card, you can rent on at the Guest Relations Desk. Then just head to a Hot Spot and you're all set to surf the Web or keep in touch."

 

So it looks like wireless Internet access will be available:

 

1. Fleetwide in November meaning they will be done rolling out by November so perhaps it will be available earlier in some ships?

2. Only in certain hot spot locations and not shipwide. Thus most staterooms would not have access unless you are lucky enough to be close to a hot spot!

[jerzygrl]

See now if I would have asked a family memeber that question about

internet access they would have laughed at me. I am sailing for the

first time next year on the freedom of the seas and I read that they

will have WI -Fi internet access. I would like to bring my laptop

not so much for the internet, but more for the pictures I will take on the

cruise. I take thousands (literally) of pictures and the computer is better

than buying a bunch of memory cards.

 

I would also like to email pictures home to friends and family while

I am away.

 

Thanks for making me see that I would not be the only one with

a laptop on board.

 

[cinnarose]

Found the reference on page 11 of the latest issue of C&A:

 

" All you need is your laptop, a Windows operating system and wireless network capability."

 

I realize that Apple only represents about 3% of the market share, but why are they limiting wireless access to Windows only? That seems like a big mistake, not to mention allowing (what are most likely to be) unsecured computers onto their network. Hopefully RCCL has some good IT support for their networks, they're going to need it! :rolleyes: I guess I'll be re-thinking the idea of bringing the laptop, unless I'll need it to download photos from the digital camera.

Me, bitter much? Nah, perish the thought!

[brigidfreeman]

Cinnarose: I have the same question about using an alternate operating system. My DH uses Linux.

So, I e-mailed RCCL about using an operating system other than windows and I'll let you know what the answer is.

brigid-

[Druke I]

i know I'm dating myself, but when I see a question about "wireless" on a ship, I think - yes, all ships have been equipped with wireless (Marconi) since Titanic, if not before.

 

Meaning of the word certainly has changed in the past 100 or so years.

[Terpnut]

I realize that Apple only represents about 3% of the market share, but why are they limiting wireless access to Windows only? That seems like a big mistake, not to mention allowing (what are most likely to be) unsecured computers onto their network. Hopefully RCCL has some good IT support for their networks, they're going to need it! :rolleyes: I guess I'll be re-thinking the idea of bringing the laptop, unless I'll need it to download photos from the digital camera.

Me, bitter much? Nah, perish the thought!

I doubt RCCL's wireless network will really be Windows-only--this is probably just some writer's misunderstanding. My guess is that RCCL will implement standard 802.11a/b-compatible hot spots.

[cinnarose]

i know I'm dating myself, but when I see a question about "wireless" on a ship, I think - yes, all ships have been equipped with wireless (Marconi) since Titanic, if not before.

 

Meaning of the word certainly has changed in the past 100 or so years.

 

Thanks for the morning laugh Michael. I giggled quite a bit at your post :D As I like to say, the language is alive and changing!

 

I also glad they have that type of wireless, in case of other, non-internet related emergencies.

[Terpnut]

My life involves the use of numerous "wireless" devices: 802.11b/g wireless network and notebook computers, Motorola radios, Blackberry handheld/phone, AT&T cordless telephones, wireless indoor/outdoor thermometers, X10 home automation, home entertainment remote controls, wireless speakers, automobile keyless remotes, garage door openers, etc. etc. However EVERY one of them still needs power (either directly or to charge batteries)! That's one wire no engineer can eliminate! :D

[brigidfreeman]

This was my original question and as you'll see, Customer Service didn't answer the question. Sigh!

I'll keep trying to get an answer, will try the IT Dept next.

brigid-

 

-----Original Message-----

 

From:

Sent: 7/12/2005 09:59:13 AM

To: web_reservations@rccl.com

Subject: Onboard Services, Jewel Of The Seas, 30/Apr/2006, 7593262

 

Issue: Technical question about using the new wireless Internet service. Can I use alternate operating systems with our own laptops? Can I use your wireless system using a Linux operating system? Or a Mac operating system?

Thanks, brigid-

 

Dear B. Freeman,

 

In reference to your email, please see below the information regarding WiFi

Wireless Internat Access:

 

Wifi Wireless Internet Access

Wi-Fi (Wireless Internet Access) and the updated Internet Cafe is available on the following ships:

 

The new I-café has rolled out to the following nine ships: Adventure, mpress, Explorer, Legend, Mariner, Navigator, Radiance, Sovereign, and Voyager. The next ship to be implemented is Enchantment for her first cruise after revitalization on July 3rd.

 

The roll-out for the rest of the fleet is as follows:

 

Brilliance - 8/28/05

Grandeur - 11/20/05

Jewel - 9/22/05

Majesty - 11/4/05

Monarch - 10/14/05

Rhapsody - 12/4/05

Serenade - 7/24/05

Splendour - 8/13/05

Vision - 12/18/05

 

 

There will be six designated *"Hot Spots" on each ship. Guests will need to

check onboard for the designated spots.

 

To use our RC WI-FI wireless internet access guests need:

- Their own laptop

- Windows operating system

- 802.11b Wireless networking capability

 

Guests who do not have a wireless ready laptop may obtain a wireless card at the Guest Relations desk.

 

Rental Fee of the card is as follows:

Card $10.00 per day or $50 per voyage - 7 nights and longer

Damage Insurance $2.00 per day

Lost/Damaged Card Fee $250.00

 

The cost for Internet access either by the Internet Workstation or the guest's own laptop for Wi-Fi is below:

 

Base rate is $.50 per minute or the guest may choose from one of our prepaid

packages:

$25.00 for 60 minutes

$35.00 for 90 minutes

$50.00 for 150 minutes

 

These prices are in addition to the rental of the card for those guests who do

not have a wireless ready laptop.

 

All prices are subject to change without notice

 

 

 

Thank you for choosing Royal Caribbean International.

 

Tavi Vilorio

Customer Service Representative

 

[THREAD ID:1-NNAS8]

[kenandlaura06]

Isn't Wireless supposed to be one of the big draws for Freedom?

[Terpnut]

This was my original question and as you'll see, Customer Service didn't answer the question. Sigh!

I'll keep trying to get an answer, will try the IT Dept next.

brigid-

Bridgid, I honestly don't see how any WiFi implementation (a standard) can be made to work on only a specific operating system such as Windows. WiFi is a standard and as long as you have a working WiFi card and drivers for your computer--it must work. My guess is that an overzealous IT specialist at RCL put "Windows operating system" as a requirement when it should not.

[zydecocruiser]

I realize that Apple only represents about 3% of the market share, but why are they limiting wireless access to Windows only? That seems like a big mistake, not to mention allowing (what are most likely to be) unsecured computers onto their network. Hopefully RCCL has some good IT support for their networks, they're going to need it! :rolleyes: I guess I'll be re-thinking the idea of bringing the laptop, unless I'll need it to download photos from the digital camera.

Me, bitter much? Nah, perish the thought!

 

What it means is the internet manager only speaks one language and that is all they want to support. Doesn't mean it won't work.

 

Don't know of any cruise wifi that is encrypted, so it is wide open.

 

Glad to see the Grand will be ready for my Christmas cruise!

[jules71]

Do any of you techies know if having the wireless connection will make it run faster? It was soooo slow that last time we cruised.

[dewayneg]

Wi-Fi access will probably make it slower if it means more people are using it.