WiFi Hot spots in Alaska?

[Raya]

We are leaving behind a medically fragile pet and my business, as well as a few outstanding time sensitive issues regarding a new home. I don't want to buy a wifi plan on the ship because we'd be checking all the time and never get a chance to relax. We prefer to 'unplug' while on the cruise but can't be completely without access to emails for that time.

Is Wifi available in the various ports we visit? We have cell phones with data plans, so all we'd need is a coffee shop/public library/hotel WiFi or (not preferred) a cellular connection.

 

[Dug720]

In theory? Yes. There are places that have the little signs up.

In my experience? Very sketchy and hard to connect to. Even most Alaskans will tell you they are much more wired than wireless.

You can always ask the crew where they go, but no guarantees on wireless in Alaska. From reports from multiple lines, even the paid shippernet does not work as well or as easily in Alaska as in other parts of the world.

 

[mstephen87]

Is Wifi available in the various ports we visit? We have cell phones with data plans, so all we'd need is a coffee shop/public library/hotel WiFi or (not preferred) a cellular connection.

haha absolutely not. As an Alaskan, I can assure you there are hardly any hotspots. You will be lucky if your phone even has internet in town. Get the wifi and practice self control.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I'm on the Wonder in Juneau right now Skagway will be the most challenging as the only place they offer free wifi is the library and the cell service is so very slow, even on 4G with AT&T. Seriously it took over an hour to send a text with two pictures. Juneau is full on LTE and Ketchikan should be too (they have the technology and fiber optics that Skagway doesn't).

Remember to sign up for the free internet plan the first day and it works well, but not perfect. I honestly wouldn't count on free wifi but that's just me. I'd use the DCL plan when needed and my cell phone service while in port.

If you are sailing out of Vancouver they have lots of places with free wifi (restaurants, hotel, cafes, Capilano Suspension Bridge, etc.)

Heather

 

[xavier2001]

Be warned in Skagway and Juneau my hubby used cell service thinking he was on our Sprint Network but really he was connected to the ships tower as it was a stronger signals than Sprint. We came home to a $450 bill!! I was eventually able to get the charges reverse but it was a lOT of hassle. So if you use your cell service make sure you are connected to your carrier and NOT the ships tower.

 

[phinz]

Skagway Brewing doesn't have free wi-fi. I know this for a fact.

 

[phinz]

http://www.openwifispots.com/

 

[KristiMc]

We are on AT&T and had full coverage at all ports last year.

 

[Robin"D"]

there is a free app called "wefi" that shows you the hot spots in the area that you are.
We have used it on many cruises....

Hope this helps

Robin & Angel "D"

 

[MMR]

I have Verizon and had coverage at all ports

 

[khsu]

I have Verizon and had coverage at all ports

Did you have to do anything special to have Verizon coverage in Alaska? We were getting conflicting reports when we stopped at the Verizon store this week.

 

[MMR]

Did you have to do anything special to have Verizon coverage in Alaska? We were getting conflicting reports when we stopped at the Verizon store this week.

Not for Alaska but we needed to do something for the Canada plan we had. We just called the 1-800 number for customer service. Never dealt w anyone at a store.