Internet/cell service fees?

[gomomgo]

We'll be on the Grand Princess for our first cruise in April. We'd like to keep in touch with our 18yo at home occasionally but don't want to lug the laptop. What are the options onboard? I've heard some ports have internet cafes, but would rather not waste my time there. Just want to send off a quick e-mail to him 2-3 times. What are the current rates? Is it difficult to get computer time? What about the new cell phone service--I promise I'll only use it in my room:o.

[dsfitz]

On the Caribbean Princess, the rates were:

 

250 minutes for $100 ($0.40/minute)

100 minutes for $55 ($0.55/minute)

Pay As You Go ($0.75/minute)

 

plus a $3.95 charge the first time you use it

 

I do not know about the cell phone.

[Born Cruiser 2]

Grand Princess - December 02, 2006 (our last cruise).

 

Per MINUTE cell phone charge: $l.45 plus connection fees. Time starts with dial up, not connection.

 

My advise: Don't do it.

 

Bon Voyage! We leave again on May 2nd, 2007.

[billet]

The Grand has the same internet charges as those posted above for the Caribbean. There are also a few specials that sometimes occur for periods during the cruise. The Grand Internet Cafe has over 20 terminals and generally you can get on at most times (the last afternoon sea day is probably the busiest with people printing out their boarding passes). A full time internet cafe manager is now available to assist you too.

 

Cell phone availability on the Grand has changed and is now available through your provider at their roaming charge plus long distance.

[edste]

In May we were on the Coral and the fee for using computers was 35 cents per minute. I don't know if it's gone up since then.