Sept 25, 2011 Wonder - Mexican Riviera

[swx72]

OK so here's a question that my husband and I were discussing last night and I didn't know if anyone had the answer. It's not that we'd be lost so much without access to the computer but we thought it would be nice if we could email pictures across to the family in the UK whilst we were on the cruise. I looked at the cost of the wifi on board and felt it was quite expensive. The question I have, for those of you who have been before, is we both have 3g ipads although we haven't activated the 3g part we just use them at home on the wifi. If we activated the 3g would we be able to use the cellphone coverage from Mexico or will we be too far out?

Does this question make sense?

Sigrid

 

[swx72]

OK so here's a question that my husband and I were discussing last night and I didn't know if anyone had the answer. It's not that we'd be lost so much without access to the computer but we thought it would be nice if we could email pictures across to the family in the UK whilst we were on the cruise. I looked at the cost of the wifi on board and felt it was quite expensive. The question I have, for those of you who have been before, is we both have 3g ipads although we haven't activated the 3g part we just use them at home on the wifi. If we activated the 3g would we be able to use the cellphone coverage from Mexico or will we be too far out?

Does this question make sense?

Sigrid

OK think I've found the answer out myself, but if anyone does have any input, of course, it is always appreciated.

 

[Super*Mum]

OK think I've found the answer out myself, but if anyone does have any input, of course, it is always appreciated.

Not going to touch the iPad question as I am unsure if there is roaming on the 3G. If there is, it could add up fast in Mexico... especially with something "high data" like photos. However, many of the excursions have free wifi so it may be worth composing the emails (with the photos) while on the ship and then hitting send while at/on your excursion.

Maybe someone else will have more info on the iPad. I know it runs off of AT&T so they should have the data plan info on their site.

 

[Jennifer in MI]

OK think I've found the answer out myself, but if anyone does have any input, of course, it is always appreciated.

What is the answer? We are buying an iPad before this trip and it would be great to be able to have access while in Mexico!

I cannot believe our family leaves in 38 days!!!!!

I was at a party yesterday and there was a woman there who had just booked her first Disney cruise!!! I was SO excited for her! We had a great time talking cruising!!!

 

[swx72]

Not going to touch the iPad question as I am unsure if there is roaming on the 3G. If there is, it could add up fast in Mexico... especially with something "high data" like photos. However, many of the excursions have free wifi so it may be worth composing the emails (with the photos) while on the ship and then hitting send while at/on your excursion.

Maybe someone else will have more info on the iPad. I know it runs off of AT&T so they should have the data plan info on their site.

Our IPads are actually verizon as the new IPad2 you had the option of AT&T or Verizon. After doing some research yesterday and I did find 1 thread on the disforums yes there would be the roaming on the 3g but I think I also read that the cell tower you would be using would be the one on the ship so you would still have to pay the ship too to use the wifi so if we wanted to do anything best to spring for the wifi on board. Otherwise if on board make sure you turn wifi off so as not to acrue large costs. We'll still be bringing the IPads anyway as we have another week in CA afterwards and our condo has free wifi.

Jennifer if you do get an ipad which I highly recommend as it can do so much the camera connection kit is a great add-on as you can really easily upload all your pictures to it and use it as a back-up device whilst away. My husband got the first IPad (and now has the 2nd after selling my youngest brother his first) and we used the camera connection kit when we were in the uk for 5 weeks over christmas. It is just so easy. Love, love, love. As for which network it is entirely up to you. We have the 3gs, but as yet haven't even turned on the 3g. It is purely there as a "just in case".

Hoping we get to see you when you are here before the cruise!

 

[Jennifer in MI]

Our IPads are actually verizon as the new IPad2 you had the option of AT&T or Verizon. After doing some research yesterday and I did find 1 thread on the disforums yes there would be the roaming on the 3g but I think I also read that the cell tower you would be using would be the one on the ship so you would still have to pay the ship too to use the wifi so if we wanted to do anything best to spring for the wifi on board. Otherwise if on board make sure you turn wifi off so as not to acrue large costs. We'll still be bringing the IPads anyway as we have another week in CA afterwards and our condo has free wifi.

Jennifer if you do get an ipad which I highly recommend as it can do so much the camera connection kit is a great add-on as you can really easily upload all your pictures to it and use it as a back-up device whilst away. My husband got the first IPad (and now has the 2nd after selling my youngest brother his first) and we used the camera connection kit when we were in the uk for 5 weeks over christmas. It is just so easy. Love, love, love. As for which network it is entirely up to you. We have the 3gs, but as yet haven't even turned on the 3g. It is purely there as a "just in case".

Hoping we get to see you when you are here before the cruise!

Thanks!!! I haven't heard of the camera add-on. Did you get that at the Apple store? That was one of our reservations about buying an iPad - we really wanted the ability to download pictures while on vacation as a backup. Awesome! And, we're definitely getting the 3G. My kids have done the research on that and I forget which one they picked. I'll let you know in Sept!

And, I'll definitely keep in touch with you about getting together. It will have to be quick (maybe coffee in the AM or at a park (provided it's not too hot!)) as my MIL (the one we're visiting in Scottsdale) has us booked pretty solid, unfortunately!

Our note to you went out yesterday. Dd wanted to add pictures of herself in her new bathing suit! So, you'll get to see what she looks like.

 

[Super*Mum]

Today Amazon's deal of the day is a waterproof Kodak camcorder for $29. I have no experience with it and am making no reccomendation (please look at reviews) but it is not HD. Just thought I would pass the info along if someone was looking for something for their kids to mess around with.

 

[swx72]

Thanks!!! I haven't heard of the camera add-on. Did you get that at the Apple store? That was one of our reservations about buying an iPad - we really wanted the ability to download pictures while on vacation as a backup. Awesome! And, we're definitely getting the 3G. My kids have done the research on that and I forget which one they picked. I'll let you know in Sept!

And, I'll definitely keep in touch with you about getting together. It will have to be quick (maybe coffee in the AM or at a park (provided it's not too hot!)) as my MIL (the one we're visiting in Scottsdale) has us booked pretty solid, unfortunately!

Our note to you went out yesterday. Dd wanted to add pictures of herself in her new bathing suit! So, you'll get to see what she looks like.

My husband bought it from apple.com, but I expect they sell it in the store. We have also bought one from Amazon for my father-in-laws birthday gift. Make sure you go with the official Apple one. It is $31.99 on Amazon today.

I love my IPad my husband had a first generation and I said I didn't need one but then decided I did. We got the IPad2 on launch day as my husband went to a quiet local Verizon store and bought one black and one white. By the way we have almost every gadget out there due to my hubby being a software writer/geek.

Excited to get your daughter's note.

Sigrid

 

[Jennifer in MI]

My husband bought it from apple.com, but I expect they sell it in the store. We have also bought one from Amazon for my father-in-laws birthday gift. Make sure you go with the official Apple one. It is $31.99 on Amazon today.

I love my IPad my husband had a first generation and I said I didn't need one but then decided I did. We got the IPad2 on launch day as my husband went to a quiet local Verizon store and bought one black and one white. By the way we have almost every gadget out there due to my hubby being a software writer/geek.

Excited to get your daughter's note.

Sigrid

Was there a huge difference between the iPad 1 and 2? We weren't that impressed with the upgrades (can't remember what they were right now!). But, I remember thinking we didn't need the 2 and maybe we could go with the refurbished 1. (Wait - I think there was an issue - maybe the 2 can work with Verizon? I THINK it had something to do with that.)

We need to revisit this issue and make a decision! I just don't see my husband often enough to talk about the fun stuff! So often it's just, "Can you pick up Sam from work and Andrew from baseball so I can take Meg to ballet and then William to karate?" LOL

 

[swx72]

Was there a huge difference between the iPad 1 and 2? We weren't that impressed with the upgrades (can't remember what they were right now!). But, I remember thinking we didn't need the 2 and maybe we could go with the refurbished 1. (Wait - I think there was an issue - maybe the 2 can work with Verizon? I THINK it had something to do with that.)

We need to revisit this issue and make a decision! I just don't see my husband often enough to talk about the fun stuff! So often it's just, "Can you pick up Sam from work and Andrew from baseball so I can take Meg to ballet and then William to karate?" LOL

Yes, the biggest difference is that for IPad 2 you have the option of it working on either Verizon or AT&T although I think the later original IPads could also work on Verizon. The IPad2 has the camera on it both front and rear so that you can do Facetime should you wish. The IPad2 also has a dual processor making it a little faster.

Here is a quick list of the differences:

New design
-Thinner
-Lighter
-A5 Processor
-Faster Graphics
-More RAM
-Smart Case Compatible
-iMovie Compatible
-Back Camera
-Front Camera
-Facetime
-Photobooth

Hopefully this helps a little. More than anything it depends on what you want to use it for.

Sigrid

 

[kawigrl]

I've just bought us tickets to go to Mickey's Halloween Party on Monday 3 October as we are staying in CA for another 6 days after the cruise before heading home, and thought we would take the opportunity. Anybody else also going to do the same?

Sigrid

We are staying at GCV from the 2nd till the 8th and we got tickets for the Halloween party on the 3rd and 7th

 

[Super*Mum]

We are in the 40s!

 

[swx72]

OK so I'm not going to type out a new FE list as there has been no update to last week's. The current list is at post #572 on page 39 (link below)

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42052525&postcount=572

 

[lostinyonkers]

We are in the 40s!

Doesn't it seem like we were just celebrating getting out of the 100's?!!! LOVE IT!!!

(Still no room assignment, btw!)

 

[australiankaren]

counting down.....................

 

[lostinyonkers]

Just had to report .... we finally got our stateroom assignment! No pixie dust (still an inside room), but we are right in the middle of the ship on deck 6 so I am SUPER happy with that. Looks like it'll be nice and quiet and still convenient to everything.

Yay this is really feeling REAL now!!!!

(Now wouldn't that be a cool surprise if they got us those virtual portholes during the refurb????? Ok ok yeah I know.... a girl can dream, can't she?)

 

[Super*Mum]

Where is DVC Corrys??? I thought for sure there would be a stateroom number for their family with the assignments made today. And a happy dance...

 

[Super*Mum]

We officially have a room we are going to keep! The last cabin we had terrified me for several reasons. I am happy with the inside cabin we have now (though still finding it hard to downgrade from the mini suite my DS and I stayed in last year on NCL... that is how they sucker you in... it is near impossible to go back after having an amazing balcony and large room ). You can put us down for cabin 5139... super easy access to the kid's clubs! (Must hold back from upgrading to a fancier cabin. Must hold back... let the chanting begin. Is there a support group for this?)

 

[lostinyonkers]

We officially have a room we are going to keep! The last cabin we had terrified me for several reasons...

I'm so curious why it terrified you!! Especially since now I'm wondering if maybe we got your old cabin and maybe I should be terrified too!! lol

 

[Christy323]

We just received our stateroom assignment too! We're in an inside stateroom, but this is my first cruise so I have nothing to compare it to