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| photo: wiki creative commons |
Depending
on whom you ask, you’ll get different answers about staying
connected at sea. People tend to be connected to their phone now more
than ever.
Here
are some rules to internet at sea:
1.
Buy an Embarkation Internet Package. When you board the ship
and you want to purchase a time package, there’s usually an
embarkation wireless package that gives your free minutes for buying
on day one. Head to the internet café or look into the daily program
when you board. Depending on the package you can generally receive 10
to 60 free minutes.
2.
Use the Draft Feature. Don’t think just because you take a
photo that it has to be shared immediately. Consider setting up a
draft when emailing, Tweeting, Instgram and Facebook. By setting up a
draft you can logon and send everything at one time.
3.
Turn off Data. Make sure you turn off data when you board the
ship. If you don’t, you can end up with a $580 dollar cell phone
bill — like me. If your data-roaming feature isn’t turned off,
your phone will automatically try to pull down your messages and
emails — ending in a huge bill. Keep your data-roaming turned off
and just use your wifi feature if connecting with your smartphone to
the internet. It’s not a bad idea to keep your phone in airplane
mode.
4.
Watch for ‘Cellular at Sea.’ Your
cell phone will work at sea thanks to million dollar satellites
flying above earth. You will see CELLULAR
AT SEA.
You will be able to use your cell when you see those three words
across your screen — but beware — texts can run from .50 to $1.50
per text and phone service can run from $2.39 and up per minute.
5.
Wait Til Dock. When you get to the pier you’ll typically have a
few places to connect to wifi for free. Waiting til you get to shore
allows you to save money by not purchasing a wifi package on the ship
or using your own data to send and upload photos. Some popular free
wifi hotspots in the Caribbean are usually found at cruise terminal
or Starbucks locations. Also, don’t be afraid to ask a crew member.
Crew members tend to migrate towards wifi signals.
So
if you’re one of those people that can’t stay disconnected –
you aren’t alone – know that there are ways to stay connected
that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Source:Cruise
Radio News
