WI-Fi Ipad or use Ships PC's for e-mails

[Howasaur]

Our daughter has offered her new Ipad air to us to use on the cruise for e-mails instead of using the Ships Computers to send e-mails. Ca you do this? Is there a cost to us to use the ships Internet connection? We have used the ships computers to send e-mails can be a bit slow but also you have to consider where you are.

[CruiserBruce]

Yes, you can use a tablet. It has been our experience that using a tablet is faster than the ship's computers, but not real quick.

 

Yes there is a charge, the same rates, no matter if you use your tablet or the ship's computers. A quick search of the board would reveal the various packages available.

Edited June 24, 2014 by CruiserBruce

[sail7seas]

You pay the same cost for using the ship's WiFi whether on your own device or using the ship's computers in Exploration Café. I have always bought a package and used my netbook.

[sail7seas]

These are the available HAL packages:

 

You will be charged a one-time activation fee of $3.95

Satellite Internet Time Plans

Pay as you go $0.75 Per Minute

Time Plan 1 1000 Minutes / $250.00

Time Plan 2 500 Minutes / $175.00

Time Plan 3 250 Minutes / $100.00

Time Plan 4 100 Minutes / $55.00

 

There was a 'test' of new internet rates tried on at least one of the ships but it seems they are still offering the packages I listed.

 

[superoma]

If you take the ipad you will be able to find free or cheaper internet at your ports of call. The crew will lead you to the best places. I did this on our last ryndam cruise in the Caribbean - it did cost a couple of beers but that would have happened anyway.

 

works really well if all you want is to stay in touch via email.

Edited June 24, 2014 by superoma
added thought

[TheOldBear]

You can also use the iPad [or any computer] to compose or review/reply to messages 'off line' [not burning WiFi minutes] then connect, let the machine send & receive, then disconnect.

 

It would be very expensive [and frustratingly slow] to use an online webmail system [e.g. gmail or yahoo] no matter what computer you use.

[PeetNL]

How to Access Gmail Offline in Your Browser:

http://email.about.com/od/gmailtips/qt/offline_gmail.htm

[BearInStPete]

All good tips. You generally always want to rely on your own device that you're familiar with, has not been exposed to malware or viruses, and can retain your emails for later viewing and responses. Your exposure is always increased on a public computer.

[Typhoon1]

Costs would be the same. A tablet is slightly faster than the Explorations Café. Flip a coin, the tablet also saves you the effort of having to sit in front of a PC when you could be mobile.

[OHCruiser]

We always use the ship computers, and I have to tell you that on multiple occasions I've been sitting at a machine reading e-mail, etc. and overheard guests complaining to the Internet Cafe manager that they cannot get their tablet to work properly. The manager has tried to help them, but in one case told the guest that he deals with the problem all of the time and sometimes it just can't be fixed.

 

Of course, the solution is to just sit down at a machine and go from there because the package you buy can be used on your own device and those in the cafe.

[POA1]

Just make sure that you are familiar with the machine. You need to know how to turn the WiFi off and on, how to find and connect to new wireless networks, and how to check your signal strength.

 

It's not hard, but you want to make sure you have the basics down before you leave home.

[Hlitner]

We are talking about HAL, so you are going to pay for every minute of connect time (we get lots of free internet on several other cruise lines). So the key to keeping your costs under control is to minimize the time you are online...and you can only do this with your PC, iPad, etc. When using your own device you can write all your own e-mails while offline, and even catch up on reading e-mails you have received. When you write an e-mail, you simply hit "send" and, if you are offline, it will be held in an outbox until you later logon. Once you have finished all your writing (and reading) you simply log your device onto HALs WiFi. Once you are connected, the iPad (or PC) will send your e-mails and also update any e-mails headed your way. Once the sending and receiving is finished (often no more then a minute) you immediately sign-off. With an iPad it is also wise to go into settings and turn off the WiFi (this ensures that you are truly off the ship' system and not being charged for more time). Using these kind of techniques we are able to take very long HAL cruises and keep our total WiFi costs quite low.

 

I have to add that we cruise many different lines, and HAL is the only line that does not give us any free WiFi time. With most other mass market lines you get free internet as a perk for frequent cruisers (and we are talking about only after a few cruises) where with HAL, despite the fact that we are 4 Star Mariners and have about 300 days with the line we get ZIP.

 

Hank