Internet Cafe Questions

[Kissimmee_Family]

a ) how many pc are there?

B ) are they available 24 hours?

c ) what data rate do they seem to have?

d ) is there a USB port available for cameras?

e ) what software is available? ( or Internet explorer only?)

f ) is the network standard ethernet?

g ) is there a microphone/headset jack?

h ) has anyone tried VOIP on them?

 

[aprilgail2]

a ) how many pc are there? About 10

B ) are they available 24 hours?- Yes

c ) what data rate do they seem to have? -Pretty darn slow LOL

d ) is there a USB port available for cameras?-NO

e ) what software is available? ( or Internet explorer only?)-AOL

f ) is the network standard ethernet?

g ) is there a microphone/headset jack?

h ) has anyone tried VOIP on them

 

[Buddy Bear]

a ) how many pc are there?

B ) are they available 24 hours?

c ) what data rate do they seem to have?

d ) is there a USB port available for cameras?

e ) what software is available? ( or Internet explorer only?)

f ) is the network standard ethernet?

g ) is there a microphone/headset jack?

h ) has anyone tried VOIP on them?

I think AprilGail2 covered most of your questions, but being in the technology field I wanted to chime in.

The computers are set up so you only have access to the keyboard and monitor although I thought I saw some using headphones so I can't say for sure on that.

Each station has a tower locked behind a cabinet door so you won't have access to any ports, USB or otherwise. Transferring files from a digital camera is not an option.

The browser available is a customized (stripped) version of Internet Explorer and the Internet connection is via the ship's satellite, of course, which is not a fast connection. It is faster than dial-up, but slower than DSL. I never tested the bps rate, but it isn't all that great.

I can't say whether they are using Ethernet which they probably are, but again it is not relevant since I don't have access to the "boxes" nor can I control or have access to the network connection.

I do have a question for you. VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) is a service that is provided by certain phone and Internet companies so if DCL doesn’t' provide the service on their ships then how can you "try" that service??

 

[Kissimmee_Family]

I do have a question for you. VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) is a service that is provided by certain phone and Internet companies so if DCL doesn’t' provide the service on their ships then how can you "try" that service??

I use Vonage and Broadvoice. Both use a VOIP/router box combo. I can take that box ( size of a paperback novel ) anywhere in the world where Ethernet internet access at > 128kbs data rate is available and my home/business phone is there with me. The box does not care which internet service provider it is connected to. I take it with me on business trips and my office phone is there in the hotel room with me.

There are also Java scripts that provide VOIP services on a PC. Assuming two things, a ) that Java is enabled and b ) the there is a microphone/headset jack to plug into.

It was a long shot and there is also ~ 250 ms path delay on a satellite link which is a real pain on a phone call.

My guess is that the ship shares a single 300-500 kbs sat link between all the on board internet users, both crew and passengers.

Not sure this is what you wanted to know.

PS Thanks for the comments. Your explanation of how the Internet Cafe is set up was the most informative I've seen. In fact, all the posts on this thread were useful. Thanks everyone..

 

[Buddy Bear]

Not sure this is what you wanted to know.

Yes, your information about VOIP was interesting. Thanks.

 

[natdencro]

There are also some computers for internet access in Cove Cafe - which we found by accident when we went for a cappuccinno.Nat

 

[COPancho]

Does anybody know if you can print off of the computers? (My thought is if I need to print an email, do I have that capability?)

How about fax capabilities onboard?

Thanks.

 

[mmouse37]

There is a per page charge for printing...there is usually a CM monitoring the area for specific questions...but there is a printer there. I think the system automatically charges your account when you send something to the printer.

 

[minniemouse1]

How much is the internet package for a 7 day cruise and is there a charge for per minute usage? I thought I read somewhere that they had a 5 minutes free promotion on a sea day.

 

[arlenesp]

I believe it is .75 per minute and there is alot of wasted time with that. The 7 day package I believe is somewhere around 70.? It all depends how much you use it. On my 4 day my bill was 16.50 and yes the first night they offered the first 5 min free between certain evening hours which saved me additional 3.75.
I basically used my aim to speak to family members.

 

[Buddy Bear]

How much is the internet package for a 7 day cruise and is there a charge for per minute usage? I thought I read somewhere that they had a 5 minutes free promotion on a sea day.

The 7 day package is $89.99 and the per minute is 75 cents so the breakpoint is two hours which equals $90 based on 75 cents a minute.

If you plan on being online more than two hours then pay for the package.

 

[COPancho]

Any word on the ability to receive faxes? Would I be better off setting up a Web-based fax number for the trip?