Internet & Wi-Fi on the High Seas

We all are hooked, whether its your cell phone or your iPad or even your laptop. We all have them in one way or the other these days. Well the cruise lines know this and they are here to provide you a service at a cost of course. Planning ahead might be a helpful tip in budgeting for your supplemental cruise expense unless perhaps you are considering to be off the grid for those 15 days? Hey it was a thought.... Following are some guidelines to assist you and enlighten you of the technology on the wide seas...

Internet and Wi-Fi: Wireless hotspots are available in public areas and cabins on all ships. However, pending where your cabin is on the ship the reception may be weak and limited. The Ruby Princess ship has an Internet Cafe with approximately 20 plus computer terminals. High bandwidth activities like VoIP and streaming video may be restricted onboard ships and the most importantly tip....don't forget to logout so you 
don't use up your minutes.

Fees: Princess Cruise Line's pay-as-you-go rate is 79 cents per minute. There are also four time plans: 100 minutes for $69 (pre-purchase for $72.95 with 20 bonus minutes); 200 minutes for $99 (pre-purchase for $102.95 with 40 bonus minutes); 400 minutes for $159 (pre-purchase for $162.95 with 60 bonus minutes) and 600 minutes for $199 (pre-purchase for $202.95 with 80 bonus minutes). World cruisers also can buy 1,000 minutes for $249 or pre-purchase for $252.95 with 100 bonus minutes included. Princess also offers a last-day-of-sailing, 15-minute Internet special for $8.99. Passengers in the top tier of the line's frequent cruise program (Elite & Platinum status) gain credit towards Internet package use.

Cell Phones: All Princess ships are cell phone operational (service provided by Maritime Communications Partners). Phones must be activated for international calling with the passenger's home provider before sailing. Roaming fees apply and are set by your phone service provider. You should prepare by calling your mobile provider and see what is the most cost effective plan for your usage as International and Roaming rates can quickly add up and you certainly don’t need a large phone bill after your cruise. So remember to set your phone setting accordingly.

Below are some additional articles you might want to check out for more information. But the best advice is from your service provider... just double click on the titles below for more read:

Cruise Critic - Connecting at Sea: Internet and Phone Use Onboard

Internet at Sea: 9 Things You Need to Know