Keeping in touch - Celebrity iLounge

I am off on Celebrity Equinox in a few weeks and in my desire to keep in touch, and of course check my work emails!

Having previously about iPad technology, although on Royal rather than Celebrity, see my post by clicking here , I have found some really useful information about WiFi on Celebrity Cruises.

Most ships have some Internet or WiFi availability, either in an Internet Cafe or through WiFi hotspots throughout the ship, and if you need to keep in touch check with me before you book. With Celebrity on the Solstice class ships WiFi is available through out the ship and there is also the Celebrity iLounge, with Apple computers.

You will have to purchase an Internet Package, and prices vary from $0.75 per minute without a package to $0.48 per minute for 200 minutes; if you are addicted you can get 27 hrs worth of time at $0.24 per minute! Now that's far too long for me!

If you are at Elite level in Captains Club you will get some free time, but you have to purchase a package before you can get the benefits, but like all lines full details will be available on board.

So you buy your package and get your instructions on how to sign on and more importantly sign off so you don't waste your minutes, so what are those frequently asked questions and answers?


Is the internet connection high-speed?
•    Connection speed onboard is not as fast as the connection you have at home.  Intermittent satellite connection may be experienced occasionally depending on the ships location, weather conditions, and/or number of users. It would be best to log out or shut down your computer as charges will continue while online.

Will I be able to use VPN or VOIP (Voice-Over IP) applications like Skype on my laptop or on your computer?
•    These applications have been blocked to make effective use of bandwidth in order to provide our guests with the best possible internet speed that our satellite can provide.

Can I connect to the internet from my stateroom?
•    Yes, the Celebrity Eclipse has wireless access points throughout the entire ship.  Create a wireless account in the Celebrity iLounge.

How much does it cost if I use my own laptop?
•    Using your laptop or our computer to log on is the same price.

Am I able to print?
•    Yes, on the top menu of the screen, click “File” then “Print”.

Can I buy another package before my current package runs out?
•    No, the current package must be completed before another package can be purchased.  Once you have completed a package, you will be prompted to purchase another one the next time you log in.

If I run out of minutes while I’m surfing the net, will I get cut off?
•    No, you will continue to be charged at the discounted rate until you log off.  You can purchase a new package the next time you log in.

How do I find out how many minutes I have left?
•    Once you have logged in successfully, a screen will appear displaying the amount in dollars that you have remaining.
•    Or ask any of our Celebrity iLounge staff.

Can I plug in my camera, iPod, or USB stick into the computer?
•    Yes, you can plug in your device into the MacBooks.  Please come during our staffed hours for assistance.

So, the answer is you can keep in touch but don't expect Broadband connection speeds as everything is routed through the ships satellite connection and you are not going to be able to use Skype to phone home for free, so just try to find a free WiFi hotspot when you are in port or follow the crew, they tend to know where they are!

At least I know now that I will be able to use my iPhone on WiFi while I am away, and I hope this helps! The information is generally the same for most of the other Cruise Lines, but if you have a specific question give me a ring and I will help out as best I can.