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Topic: Cell Phones at Sea

eroller
First Class Passenger
Member # 1649

posted 12-03-2004 01:03 PM

It used to be that taking a cruise meant getting away from it all. Not so any longer. We have computers, phones, TV's, and now cell phones at sea. I suppose we can look forward to the added pleasure of our fellow passengers chatting on their cell phones during dinner and next to you at the evening show.

I have to wonder if cruises are really that relaxing anymore. Modern conveniences are taking away the fun of being at sea and remote from the rest of the world. I'm hoping that other cruise lines don't follow, but you can rest assured they probably will.

Ernie

From Seatrade Insider:
========================
Royal Caribbean International And Celebrity Cruises Offer Guests New Way To Stay In Touch At Sea

Friday December 3, 11:30 am ET

Company Teams with Cingular Wireless and Maritime Telecommunications Network to Provide Cell Phone Service On Ships
Service Launched on Majesty of the Seas

MIAMI, Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Guests on Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises ships can soon use their personal cell phones to stay in touch while at sea.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has teamed with Wireless Maritime Services, a joint venture of Cingular Wireless and Maritime Telecommunications Network (MTN), to provide a convenient and affordable new communications option that allows guests to make and receive calls on their own cell phones -- at their personal numbers -- while in international waters. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., which pioneered the use of this service on Island Cruises' Island Escape, a joint venture with First Choice Holidays PLC, has now begun to offer this service to guests sailing on its Royal Caribbean and Celebrity brands.

"Our guests know they can count on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity to bring them the latest innovations, whether in onboard programming, ship amenities or technology," said Jack Williams, president and COO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "We know many of our guests will welcome this opportunity to stay within easy reach of their families, check voicemails or make calls."

The new capability is now available on Majesty of the Seas and is slated to launch in the coming weeks on Navigator of the Seas and the Celebrity ship Summit. The company plans to extend this service to its 29-ship Royal Caribbean and Celebrity fleet within the next year.

Most cruise guests with GSM phones will be able to take advantage of the new service, making and receiving both voice calls and text messages as they usually do while roaming on land. Guests with data-capable GSM/GPRS devices may also be able to access data services, such as email and picture messaging. In addition, the companies intend to expand the offering so that customers of CDMA carriers also can take advantage of the service.

Guests will be billed by their own wireless phone carrier at the roaming rates set by that carrier. The new shipboard service will activate when the ship leaves the range of the closest land-based cell tower. While in port, cell service will revert to the local, land-based towers.

Earlier this year, AT&T Wireless and MTN announced the formation of Wireless Maritime Services, a joint venture combining MTN's expertise in providing satellite services to the cruise industry with AT&T Wireless' expertise in delivering wireless services to consumer and business travelers. The joint venture was formed to develop and launch this innovative communications offering for cruise ships, relying on a combination of satellite and wireless services. AT&T Wireless was subsequently acquired by Cingular Wireless, creating the nation's largest digital voice and data network.

Posts: 7046 | From: Miami, Florida USA | Registered: Oct 2000 | IP: Logged

PamM
First Class Passenger
Member # 2127

posted 12-03-2004 04:01 PM

I think some other cruiselines are already there Ernie. NCL announced it a few months back. Should already be available on Norwegian Sun, with the rest of the fleet following. IE has had it since July & the Costas [not sure which ones, or if all] since a while before that.
Aurora has had it since launch & a few ferries too. No longer peaceful, however it will still be costly surely and not many will use it regularly?

I guess RCCL used IE as the 'experiment'.

Pam

Posts: 12176 | From: Cambridge, UK | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged

lasuvidaboy
First Class Passenger
Member # 4527

posted 12-03-2004 04:44 PM

I am sure we have all heard the pointless conversations many people have on their cell phone on land and now at sea! I can here it now 'You will never guess where I am calling you from....Oh come on, guess!" IMO one of the best things about being at sea is being out of touch. One of the best feelings I have had was being in the middle of the Atlantic or Pacific oceans and feeling like you're on your own private island (along with 1500 others) away from it all.

Posts: 7654 | From: Hollywood Hills/L.A. | Registered: Mar 2004 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 12-03-2004 05:17 PM

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I sometimes wish we were still in the age of Morse Code!

Someone clever recently said: "Today there are so many forms of communication, but unfortunately there is nothing more to say that there ever has been"

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

CGT
First Class Passenger
Member # 3531

posted 12-03-2004 06:10 PM

I hope it is so outrageously expensive that you get raped when you use it.

Hopefully that will discourage use.

Please, God, if you exist, make it so.

[ 12-03-2004: Message edited by: CGT ]

Posts: 2760 | From: New York, New York, USA | Registered: Dec 2002 | IP: Logged

6263866
First Class Passenger
Member # 5115

posted 12-03-2004 08:32 PM

To me cruising is still very relaxingeven with all the computer and intermnet labs, and now cell phones at sea. I guess this is very usefull to some people
but not to me.

Posts: 580 | From: San Francisco | Registered: Oct 2004 | IP: Logged

Tim Agg
First Class Passenger
Member # 3185

posted 12-03-2004 10:56 PM

I swore I'd never take a cell phone on vaction until last Labour Day Weekend when we found ourselves hop-scotching across the continent to join the Zuiderdam for a 2-week cruise, which was then sailing in circles in the Caribbean while H. Frances battered Florida. That phone helped us cut through a lot of aggravation while air and hotel bookings shifted every few hours over three days. We finally made it on board a shortened cruise and delighted in phoning our nearest & dearest as we cast off - then we shut it off until we got home.

Posts: 365 | From: Vancouver BC | Registered: Jul 2002 | IP: Logged

jsea
First Class Passenger
Member # 3816

posted 12-04-2004 02:25 AM

We've brought our cell phones on our cruises since we first got GSM handsets. We don't bring them to sit in the lobby chatting, or at dinner to call friends. We have them primarily for emergencies, and for getting in contact with one another on shore.

This past summer we were in the Baltic and a family friend was having surgery. It was nice to be able to call and check in on him at $1.99/minute as opposed to $10/minute using the ship's phone.

Another example is when we docked in St. Petersburg and we couldn't find our tour guide. A quick call to her cell phone and we learned she was caught up at security for the pier area.

Posts: 644 | From: Texas | Registered: May 2003 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 12-04-2004 09:45 AM

Personally, I am of the opinion that in an emergency my family could phone the ship and vice versa.

The expensive ship rates prevent meaningless chatter, which suits me just fine!

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

PamM
First Class Passenger
Member # 2127

posted 12-04-2004 06:45 PM

I've been on 3 trips when a close family member was in hospital. There wouldn't have been anyone to phone me if there was a problem, so a quick call daily made me/them feel better. No mindless chatter at those rates! Even less when in the US, sheesh you don't want to know the cost of a few seconds call from there to the UK on a mobile.

[Many Hospitals here run a system where each patient has their own 'special' number, & the price is bumped up as the hospitals get a kickback. These numbers cannot be called from many overseas telcos and it can be a real nuisance scanning the available providers to find one which will allow the call. Phoneboxes will not make the calls either, so a mobile is the only way. I didn't try the ship's phone to see if that would connect, maybe not either.]
Pam

Posts: 12176 | From: Cambridge, UK | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged

eroller
First Class Passenger
Member # 1649

posted 12-04-2004 07:12 PM

Cell phones wouldn't be a problem *if* people were considerate. That is a big "if" unfortunately. I've always taken mine with but I have only used it in the privacy of my cabin or balcony. I can't stand it when people are walking around chatting, sitting in restaurants, or worse yet, movies! Long gone are the days when having a cell phone was impressive (anyone, and I mean anyone can get one in the US). Why some people think anyone is interested in hearing their conversation is beyond me. Some delusion of self-importance I guess.

Since I travel for living I have a GSM phone that works overseas. It was nice just recently in London to be able to call home. Rates are actually a lot better than what the hotel or ATT would charge (at least with the International plan I have with Cingular Wireless).

Ernie

Posts: 7046 | From: Miami, Florida USA | Registered: Oct 2000 | IP: Logged

Globaliser
First Class Passenger
Member # 4153

posted 12-05-2004 12:44 PM

The phone system was live on the Norwegian Sun when I was on her at the end of October.

Although I didn't make any voice calls, I got charged at two different rates for texting which was a bit odd. Neither of the rates was wildly out of line with what I pay when international roaming elsewhere, which was a pleasant surprise - I'd have done more if I'd known. And I did pay a small fortune for one voice call in Cozumel - but that was the local Mexican network that did that.

There was actually very little cellphone use that I saw around the ship that week. Some of that may be because the ship system is GSM only, and most US phones (as I understand it) aren't GSM-compatible.

Posts: 1869 | From: UK | Registered: Sep 2003 | IP: Logged

elad
First Class Passenger
Member # 5150

posted 12-05-2004 02:01 PM

i remember when i was onboard a ship ' cruising
the greek islands in 2000
and i was talking with my brother in New York
with my ant in Spain and with my cusine in Israel
and all that while the ship is at sea and by a cell phone
i was really amazed!
now its a kind of standard to talk with a cell phone no matter where you are
and no matter with whom.

Elad

Posts: 747 | From: israel | Registered: Oct 2004 | IP: Logged

Cunardcoll
First Class Passenger
Member # 1226

posted 12-06-2004 04:06 PM

when I go on a cruise the telephone is turned off the minute I board and not turned on untill the cruise is over

Jochen
www.jgadv.tk

Posts: 947 | From: Belgium | Registered: Apr 2000 | IP: Logged

DAMBROSI
First Class Passenger
Member # 100

posted 12-14-2004 02:24 PM

I noticed pax. using cell phones on the SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS a few years back. GOODOOOOOOOOOOODDDDD NIGHT people. Can't you use these phones without being obnoxious about it?? I mean, is it really necessary to have them at sea? They've gotten to be like fleas, they're all over the place. I for one don't find it relaxing when I see someone with one in their hand....you're suppose to relax on a cruise......these phones are not the way to relax. I think technology has gone too far, at least for being at sea with cell phones.

Posts: 2554 | From: Florida, USA, Where the Legend SS NORWAY sailed from. Moving back to FL next yr. | Registered: May 99 | IP: Logged

lasuvidaboy
First Class Passenger
Member # 4527

posted 12-14-2004 02:31 PM

American Airlines is now testing cell phone use on their planes! The relatively high cost of using the airfone has kept most passengers off these on board phones-now we will have cell phones in use the passenger packed cabins at 30,000 feet-Sounds like fun!

Posts: 7654 | From: Hollywood Hills/L.A. | Registered: Mar 2004 | IP: Logged

Hi Seas
First Class Passenger
Member # 5085

posted 12-14-2004 02:34 PM

I understand fully with the pros and cons about cell phones and why people would need them. As stated above, it was instrumental when the hurricanes hit FL.

I'm being realistic by saying, it the service is provided, it won't be long before you see some shlomo walking around on the decks, sitting by the pools yapping, probably about nothing.

I couldn't care less if people use their cell phones. ONLY if it's in their own cabin, or their own balcony, if they keep their voices down.

More twists and turns to turn amazing technology into another daily annoyance I say.

Posts: 449 | From: Rockland County..A little above New York City | Registered: Sep 2004 | IP: Logged

wile1170
First Class Passenger
Member # 4598

posted 12-16-2004 10:19 AM

The best is yet to come with regards to cell phones... it looks like pretty soon we'll have to deal with annoying phone talkers while we fly too... I can't imagine having to sit on a 3 hour flight in those tight quarters next to some loud mouth cell phone talker...imagine the problems this is going to cause...you think travelers are already stressed on flights, imagine how it's going to be. At least on a cruise ship you can get away from someone that is talking on the phone.

I think with allowing cell phones on cruise ships, passengers should be regulated as to where they can use the phone, ie: in their cabins, on open decks....but not in lounges or dining rooms.

Posts: 50 | From: Miami, FL | Registered: Mar 2004 | IP: Logged

mec1
First Class Passenger
Member # 4287

posted 12-16-2004 12:49 PM

The biggest problem with cellphones 9or mobiles as we europeans call them) is that the people who use them - particularly Americans who use them - don't just talk banal rubbish: they tend to yell it at such an enormous volume that the phone seems superfluous. Having said that, let's all get real about what is happening. we are supposed to be liner fans and the one inexorable force in passenger shipping has always been the introduction of land-based amenities - from electric light to refrigeration tio private bathrooms to balconies to internet access and Tv. Every shipping company has done it and every passenger has enjoyed at least some of the benefits. for instance, whilst I am not enamoured of rock-climbing walls, I am eternally grateful for air-conditioning. Whilst i prefer formal dining, I do enjoy eating in a well organised al fresco restaurant as opposed to queuing for an amateur picnic lunch on deck. And so on. If you look back, most of the great liners have traded heavily on their capacity to offer facilities that rival those of shore-based resorts.

Posts: 1675 | From: London, England | Registered: Nov 2003 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 12-16-2004 07:33 PM

There is no problem with mobile phones, just peoples increasing lack of consideration and manners.

Everyone seems to dislike intrusive mobile phone calls, yet they think that their phone call are O.K. - because theirs is more IMPORTANT!

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

steeplechase
First Class Passenger
Member # 4056

posted 12-17-2004 06:59 AM

Personally I can not wait to be next to the pool of some cruise ship listening to some speedo wearing thirtyish guy try and impress the three teenage girls with his "look how important I am phone call". The world is full of ignorant self absorbed don't care what you think people. they are all driving around with this phone stuck in thier ear or some air control microphone looking thing. I think that the cell phone in the sky will start trouble as will the phones on cruise ships. The ignorant clods can't even turn them off in a restaurant.

Posts: 663 | From: elkton maryland | Registered: Aug 2003 | IP: Logged

Cambodge
First Class Passenger
Member # 906

posted 12-17-2004 08:36 AM

I am waiting for someone to invent the "all-frequency interference generator." This will be a small black box which I could secretly activate, as appropriate, and which would generate an intolerable squeal in all the cellphones within, say 100 feet.

Is it not delicious to contemplate?

I am sure the technology is out there. Of course the FCC (US) would object, but they have been pretty ineffective anyway.

A market for this device is guaranteed.

Posts: 2149 | From: St. Michaels MD USA , the town that fooled the British! | Registered: Nov 1999 | IP: Logged

Hi Seas
First Class Passenger
Member # 5085

posted 12-17-2004 01:02 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Cambodge:
I am waiting for someone to invent the "all-frequency interference generator." This will be a small black box which I could secretly activate, as appropriate, and which would generate an intolerable squeal in all the cellphones within, say 100 feet.
Is it not delicious to contemplate?
I am sure the technology is out there. Of course the FCC (US) would object, but they have been pretty ineffective anyway.
A market for this device is guaranteed.

Well Cambodge.. That technology is here and now, and it is available, albiet, it's illegal here in the states. They start at about $200 USD, and they look exactly like a modern cell phone. I WOULD LOVE TO USE IT ON MY BUS RIDE IN THE MORNINGS!! However, the police use it here, they just dont' tell you about it, and they can intercept the calls.

The main reason they are illegal is being you might block calls coming in from physicians and I don't need to go on with the what if's regarding that.

The fines are heafty if you get caught, but who the heck is going to know if YOUR signal blocker is turned on, and as stated above, they look just like modern cell phones. Ya gotta love it!!

Posts: 449 | From: Rockland County..A little above New York City | Registered: Sep 2004 | IP: Logged

tg_lindo
First Class Passenger
Member # 806

posted 12-20-2004 02:07 PM

On my recent Hawaii cruise, yup, folks were just sitting on deck, chatting with who-knows-who over their cell phones. I overheard a grandma talking to her grandkids. People were talking on the tenders, on the piers, everywhere but thankfully not in the main dining room or in the theater.

Personally, I'd rather receive a post card from a vacationing family member than a phone call "in medias res."

Posts: 349 | From: San Francisco, CA | Registered: May 99 | IP: Logged

Hi Seas
First Class Passenger
Member # 5085

posted 12-20-2004 04:56 PM

I agree!

Posts: 449 | From: Rockland County..A little above New York City | Registered: Sep 2004 | IP: Logged

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