Should Cell Phones be Allowed on HAL Ships

[peaches from georgia]

No way will 'restrictions' work. No jeans, no shorts, no children in aft pool, no cell phones? Why would we think HAL would enforce cell phone rules any more than they enforce anything?

(Sorry, folks, I didn't mean to start another thread on this. Was trying to start a poll and got confused. :o )

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

NO - who do you need to call that it is so important to have a cell phone? You're on vacation - enjoy it.

:)

[doone]

I agree Peaches, they don't listen to the rules now, so what would be different about cell phones, ugh. I WON'T BE A HAPPY CAMPER IF THIS HAPPENS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Orcrone]

A few years ago a consortium of companies tried to put together a system called Iridium. It was going to consist of a group of 77 satelites (atomic number of Iridium). This would allow users of the service to receive and send phone calls virtually everywhere on the planet. After much design work it never got off the ground, mainly due to cost overruns. But a system like this is inevitable. When that happens people with the system will be able to make calls from the ship just as many people do while in port using their regular cell phones.

I know this doesn't answer the question, just pointing out the inevitable.

KK - If I contact my office during a cruise it's not work related. It'll just be to say "having a great time, glad I'm not there". But having two teenage kids at home I wouldn't mind the ability to check in once or twice during the cruise to make sure all is OK. Just remember, I'm the one who almost had his house blown up when his daughter drove through the hot water heater, A/C & furnace as well as the water and gas lines. On second thought, maybe I don't want anyone to reach me.

Peaches - I agree that enforcement of any kind of 'cell phone courtesy rules' will not happen.

[CruisinNana]

Why would anyone care if I made a cell phone call in the privacy of my own cabin while I was on vacation? You've lost me on this one.
Dee :confused:

[peaches from georgia]

But having two teenage kids at home I wouldn't mind the ability to check in once or twice during the cruise to make sure all is OK.


Please don't say that on your cruises communication is impossible or difficult now for an extended period of time.

Right now you can e-mail as many times a day as you wish and cell phone or regular phone from ports are relatively inexpensive. How long do you go between ports- one day or 2 at the most? In case of an extreme emergency there is ship-to-shore phone service.

DEE- Because it would never end with the cell phone staying in the cabin with the majority of pax. It would be so much nicer to be out by the pool calling everyone at home. ;)

[doone]

CruisinNana, if people make the phone calls from their cabins, no problem, but I can see it now, phones ringing in the dining room at their tables, phones ringing at the pool, phones ringing in the shows, phones ringing in the casino, heck we won't know if its a phone or if we won on the slots. I hate to go to dinner on land and hear a phone ringing in the restaurant or at the movies, drives me nuts. Now, IF, and its a BIG IF, there were rules and people followed them, like only making calls in your cabins, I would have no problem with that, but I really don't want to hear phones ringing while I am relaxing at the pool or any other public place onboard and you know it will happen.

[Tatka]

As far as I remember last year on X Captain announced that using cel phones makes it difficult for them to use navigation system (just like on the plane).

I called once (before sail away, IMHO it was safe), I had to wish my husband happy 31 birthday and to tease him a little ;) .

[Orcrone]

Please don't say that on your cruises communication is impossible or difficult now for an extended period of time.

Right now you can e-mail as many times a day as you wish and cell phone or regular phone from ports are relatively inexpensive. How long do you go between ports- one day or 2 at the most? In case of an extreme emergency there is ship-to-shore phone service.Peaches, what you say is true. However, I never said that communication is impossible or difficult. KK's question was "who do you need to call that it is so important to have a cell phone?" I was just answering her question.

I choose not to e-mail from the ship as I would rather have a 2 way conversation. And I plan on calling from San Juan, as I will receive service there. I also won't be using this new service too much at $1.69/minute. But if it is available why should I not avail myself of this service if I choose?

[jhannah]

Unless someone had a satellite phone, it wouldn't be a huge issue IMO. Cell phones would work in port ... but not for long once underway. With that said, however, I certainly agree that there would be phones ringing while in port or close enough by to receive a signal. That would not be a good thing. That's one reason I go on vacation ... to get away from the normal everyday junk.

[CruisinNana]

CruisinNana, if people make the phone calls from their cabins, no problem, but I can see it now, phones ringing in the dining room at their tables, phones ringing at the pool, phones ringing in the shows, phones ringing in the casino, heck we won't know if its a phone or if we won on the slots. I hate to go to dinner on land and hear a phone ringing in the restaurant or at the movies, drives me nuts. Now, IF, and its a BIG IF, there were rules and people followed them, like only making calls in your cabins, I would have no problem with that, but I really don't want to hear phones ringing while I am relaxing at the pool or any other public place onboard and you know it will happen.

Hi Doone! I agree with you completely and wholeheartedly; however, I guess we just have to be realistic and know the ship is filled with some considerate people and some inconsiderate people. I rate myself as being considerate, but I don't let it "get to me" when putting up with the inconsiderate. I would, however, be quite upset if the cruise line confiscated my cell phone upon embarking as someone suggested.
Dee

[doone]

CrusinNana, it would be a pleasure to sail with you. I try to be considerate as well, and most people are, but your right, there's always a few in the crowd.

[gizmo]

if people make the phone calls from their cabins, no problem, but I can see it now, phones ringing in the dining room at their tables, phones ringing at the pool, phones ringing in the shows, phones ringing in the casino, heck we won't know if its a phone or if we won on the slots. .:) I would be hoping it was the slot machine !

How many times must a person be subjected to "Ride of the Valkyries" before rage sets in?

Everytime one goes off in a public place, Hal should collect the phone and turn it over to the "Blender Gang" for skeet shooting practice.

[jhannah]

Good one, Gizmo! Great idea!

[doone]

EXCELLENT IDEA, GIZMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would hope it would be the slot machine also, but who would know??

[saltydog28]

Except for the ringing, what's the differance between a cell phone and a walkie-talkie?
They're both annoying.
Pat.

[Sunviking]

At the risk of being slammed, may I say that my DH and I took a satellite phone w/us when we went 'round the Horn in January on the Royal Princess. We were gone for 3 weeks and wanted to be in touch w/ some folks back home. We used the phone out on the open deck; usually we were the only ones up there, and I don't think we bothered a soul. When we went to Antarctica for the day we took it with us and called 2 elderly aunts, one in Germany and the other in the US from the shoreline of the bay and I think gave them a little excitement. How many can say they've received a phone call from Antarctica? I don't like hearing cellphones ringing all the time either but sometimes people do have a need to stay in touch for some important reasons, not just for the sake of vanity.

[gizmo]

Except for the ringing, what's the differance between a cell phone and a walkie-talkie?
They're both annoying.
Pat.More Static on those walkie-talkies !!!

They should be turned over to the "Blender Gang" too.

[iluvcruzin]

I don't like hearing cellphones ringing all the time either but sometimes people do have a need to stay in touch for some important reasons, not just for the sake of vanity.
I agree. For those who are respectful of others I see no problem with cellphones onboard. However, I hope common sense and rules such as we have in place at entertainment venues are put in place. In most theaters, churches and Movie theaters they have a "turn off" or "turn on vibrate" rule. This should apply. I don't know why they don't do this for 2-ways (as I mentioned before I use them but with Vibrate and never would I have a conversation in a ship lounge to disturb others).

[FlorenceItaly]

While cruising last month to Canada/New England states, I DID use my cell phone while on the ship and in port to contact my husband and son, who were at home. It was sure cheaper than the internet rates on the ship .

I would support it being allowed in restricted areas.

My dh and I will be cruising in October, with someone staying here with my son, and I do like being able to use the cell phone, if needed. Our plan is to stay in contact via email. We will be sailing W. Caribbean.

Marie

[cactuslady]

In my experience, even judges have trouble keeping cell phones quiet in the courtroom, they have the power to put people in jail for contempt of court!

[jhannah]

For those who are respectful of others I see no problem with cellphones onboard. However, I hope common sense and rules such as we have in place at entertainment venues are put in place. In most theaters, churches and Movie theaters they have a "turn off" or "turn on vibrate" rule. This should apply. I don't know why they don't do this for 2-ways (as I mentioned before I use them but with Vibrate and never would I have a conversation in a ship lounge to disturb others).In an ideal world, yes. However, I hear phones go off in theaters and at church (just last Sunday.) Sorry. Rules don't apply to everybody, don't you know?
It's not a problem now. But if the technology is encouraged and proliferated, then it will be a major issue. Chair hogs, liquor smugglers, and casual dressers on formal night will all become choir boys by comparison!

[CruisinNana]

CrusinNana, it would be a pleasure to sail with you. I try to be considerate as well, and most people are, but your right, there's always a few in the crowd.

Doone, it would be a pleasure to sail with you, also. Thank you for all the useful information you supply to this board.
Dee

[CDRMark]

Please! on formal nights fones must be in a black leather case and play only classical ring tunes.

[gizmo]

Please! on formal nights fones must be in a black leather case and play only classical ring tunes.
OH NO, The Ride of the Valkyries again !!!

[ekerr19]

I've used mine in St. Thomas - turned it on, made a call, checked my work voicemail & turned it off. DH couldn't believe I'd bother - but we had something important going on at work the week I was gone, otherwise I'd never have done so.

I get so tired of hearing other people talking (loudly) on their cell phones in public places - it is very annoying. Waiting in line for movie tickets, a guy in front of us was yelling, cursing, threatening, etc. for about 30 minutes. Many people in the line were annoyed, we had our kids with us and didn't think any of us should have been subjected to his yelling & swearing.

I can just see it now - lounging by the Lido pool and some idiot starts up....

NO THANKS! Cell phones dominate too much of our society already.

[KSCnCA]

The problem is that people think their phone call doesn't bother anyone! Unless you are in an empty room there's a good chance your call is bothering someone - on land or sea! Pretend you are on vacation and leave it behind! Oh for the good old days of not knowing if your boss is having a problem while you are not in the office.

NOBODY is indispensible. If you can leave your kids, business, pets, etc. with someone you trust you just have to cut the cord and allow them to figure it out and tell you about it when you get back. It really will be okay! It might not be what you would have done, but there is more than one solution to most situations.

If you leave your kids with someone you don't trust to make decisions in your absence then you really should not be on a cruise without them!

[taszmom]

My cell stays off and locked in the safe the duration of the cruise. It doesn't get turned on until the end of the cruise, after we dock and clear customs, to call my ride to meet me outside the pier. I can't imagine free use of cell phones everywhere during the entire cruise...that sounds horrible to me. I also don't like the idea of seeing wireless laptops out at the pool deck. I don't understand this one. If you want to use a computer, go to the Internet Cafe. Better stay away from me with that laptop by the pool...can you say cannonball....SPLASH!!!!

[ekerr19]

My cell stays off and locked in the safe the duration of the cruise. It doesn't get turned on until the end of the cruise, after we dock and clear customs, to call my ride to meet me outside the pier. I can't imagine free use of cell phones everywhere during the entire cruise...that sounds horrible to me. I also don't like the idea of seeing wireless laptops out at the pool deck. I don't understand this one. If you want to use a computer, go to the Internet Cafe. Better stay away from me with that laptop by the pool...can you say cannonball....SPLASH!!!!

taszmom-

Couldn't agree more about the laptops. People bring them poolside and expect that they may not get wet? Sorry, if you bring something (anything) poolside, be prepared to have it exposed to a bit of water...

[Cracker Ken]

I couldn't agree more with taszmom. Our cell ph stays locked up too, and it is only used if there's some reason while at a port, or when we are back home.

I think, by far, the best thing to do is leave the ships phone number with the folks back home. Tell them that if there's an emergency, call you. No news is good news. Go on your cruise and enjoy it. If something happens, they will call. If they don't call, great. If they do call, about all you can do is worry yourself sick while waiting for the next port, or until you get home.

Once it starts to be a trendy thing to have the cell phone repeaters installed on cruise ships, this is bound to get out of control and absolutely annoying. It will be just like at home. I truly believe there is an addiction element with cell phones, and I mean that seriously. Some folks would break into a sweat and get the shakes if they had to do without a cell phone for a week or two (or even a day). What did we do before we had these things?

As far as the laptops, that's not good. I use computers 5 days a week. On Sat. and Sunday it stays in a place where I don't see it. I hate to see people who cannot stop working, even when on vacation. It's good to take your time off, OFF. Not all, but some people think of a laptop as a status symbol, quite similar to the cell phones when they first came out. It's like, "Look at me, I'm cool, I have a laptop and I'm so dedicated to work that I'm out here at sea pecking away." I'm not impressed. As I said, not all people do this, and some might be fooling with their digital pictures and stuff like that. At least laptops (most of them anyway) don't make noise, and the person using them is most often silent.;) Also, right, if water gets into them at the pool, too bad, sooo sad.

Ken

[Joedog]

So where exactly are we expecting cell phones to be a problem? During dinner? During the shows? I go to the theatre occasionally and have never even heard a cell phone ring, same at dinner (at least at nicer restaurants).

Would a cell phone be a problem out by the pool? Maybe, but the problem would be not being able to hear the cell phone over the sound of kids playing and music playing and everyone else having conversations at various levels.

Lets get real here, it is not a "church like" environment on a cruise ship, at least not the ones I've been on.

Yes, I would be unhappy if one of my tablemates at dinner pulled out a cell phone or if the person next to me at a show did the same but I wouldnt expect that to happen any more often than I would expect one of my tablemates to come to dinner drunk and make a fool out of him (or her) self. I am sure it has happened but not often enough to be a problem.

[sail7seas]

I would be very annoyed to have the person next to me at the pool screaming into their cellphone while I was trying to peacefully read my book or lay there and gaze at the ocean. I do not want to listen to someone's conversation on a cell anywhere, anytime on a cruise ship. Bad enough we have to put up with it at grocery stores, department stores, some restaurants, walking on the street....EVERYWHERE!!

[lknick]

Like it or not, cell phones are part of today's life. Soon, interuterine transplants will be made.

My club at one time tried to ban them in the dining room. Didn't work.

Like everything else, it comes down to consideration. They're here, they'll be used if a circuit is available, and there is little anyone can do about it.

[sail7seas]

Well...they best line up those "undercover security guards" you have told us about because I shall be violating HAL's nothing overboard rule.

The question is whether it will be the cellphone or the user that is going over the rail!!! :)

[Joedog]

Who said anything about anyone "screaming" into their cell phones? In my experience most people just talk at a normal conversational level when using their cell phones and what is the difference if someone is talking normally into their cell phones or just sitting next to you talking normally to someone sitting next to them? Is it that you can only hear one side of the conversation that bothers you? Just curious.

Oh, and so the reaction to someone talking on a cell phone near you is to throw the cell phone or them into the ocean? What about the band making much more and louder noise? Going to throw them in too? My advice to you is, unless you are a good swimmer, dont throw anything that belongs to anyone else into the ocean.

Again, much like the ruined cruises due to people not dining in the proper attire or smuggling alcohol, a problem is being created that doesnt exist.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Well...they best line up those "undercover security guards" you have told us about because I shall be violating HAL's nothing overboard rule.

The question is whether it will be the cellphone or the user that is going over the rail!!! :)Sail7,;) ... me, too:)

Joedog, have you been in an airport lately? I'm in them frequently and it is a rare day that people on cellphones speak in a "normal" or "conversational" voice. Many folks, for some reason I can't understand, seem to think people around them are impressed. Beats me as to why.

[dakrewser]

In my experience most people just talk at a normal conversational level when using their cell phones
You're not willing to admit that your experience and someone else's could be different? I don't particularly want to hear, in detail, anyone else's conversation when I'm reading by the pool or on deck. Nor do I want to hear it while dining. Whether or not these conversations bother you doesn't really enter into the equation - they bother me.

Perhaps HAL could institute a special area (perhaps a closed room, I'd hope) where cell phones could be used any time, while the rest of us could avoid it.

[Vicar]

I have always found the loudness of the callers voice greatly increases with how grandiose the call is.

I have been on trains into NYC where the guy next to me calls his wife and in a hushed tone says " Okay milk , bread, toilet paper, ok Honey I will be home by 6"


Then a few minutes later he makes a call in a voice loud enough for the whole care to hear.

"YEA WELL THEY ARE OFFERING 2 MILLION< BUT I KNOW I CAN GET 2.5 SO I AM HOLDING OUT TIL I GET BACK FROM EUROPE AND TALK TO SO AND SO .

:)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Vicar!!! You've outdone yourself. That is soooooooooooooooo true.

[lknick]

Well...they best line up those "undercover security guards" you have told us about because I shall be violating HAL's nothing overboard rule.
How can you miss a point so badly.

HAL and other cruise lines will not interfere in any 'freedom of choice' action until it becomes a 'clear and present danger.'

Should have included cell phones in my list of grievances.

[Vicar]

Heather


Don't you just love these people? *LOL*


My aunt who is one of the most naturally funniest people I ever knew, was standing in line in a bank or wherever behind a young woman who was talking to a girlfriend on her cell phone. She was telling her friend about how she hooked up with this guy at a club last night and got into a "very Personal and descriptive act" that they did. *LOL*

Mind you everyone in line can hear this conversation and the looks (according to my aunt) on peoples faces ranged from smirks to disgust.

The girl finally finished her conversation and as she was putting her phone back in her purse, my aunt said to her "Boy I hope you brushed your teeth after that" *LOL*

Everyone in line died laughing and the girl actually got out of line and left
*LOL*

[Joedog]

If I may add to my other post, I am not saying that people with cell phones can NOT be annoying. I have been annoyed a few times by people with cell phones talking loudly. I have been annoyed by people with cell phones talking while at the cashier in some store while I was in line waiting for them to finish up. BUT that has not been the norm, at least not for me. AND I have been annoyed by plenty of other people talking loudly without cell phones. Maybe someone has even shot you an annoyed look when you were talking a little to loud for their liking.

For the most part "I" am generally unaffected by "most" people using cell phones and do not believe that cell phone use in general need be restricted in common places on cruise ships ESPECIALLY around the pool area where there are plenty of other noises, conversation, etc.

Yes, there will always be inconsiderate people doing inconsiderate things but they are usually the exception and their rude action should not be an excuse to limit the use of cell phones by the majority of others who use their phones in a respectful, considerate way.

I would say, quit looking for problems where they don't exist and if you have a problem with the bad behavior of others, bring it to their attention directly not indirectly by restricting the actions of everyone to get a few to be considerate.

[sail7seas]

lknick....... Lighten up a bit! Joshing, joking, kidding, having some fun!!!!

Save the insults.

Insults or not, I still hope the cruiselines have a tiny bit of respect for the customers remaining and give a moment's thought, even if it is just in passing, as to how to continue to make our vacations enjoyable.

When we stop "liking 'em", we'll stop "buying 'em".

Vicar.........:D GREAT and so true!!!

[lknick]

lknick....... Lighten up a bit! Joshing, joking, kidding, having some fun!!!!

Save the insults.No insult intended. Sorry you took it that way.

[sail7seas]

No problem. :)

[RevNeal]

Like everything else, it comes down to consideration. They're here, they'll be used if a circuit is available, and there is little anyone can do about it.

Sad but very true.
How ironic. This morning, in the middle of the Great Thanksgiving, a cell-phone began ringing in the choir.

Hands still raised, I turned to look. One of my sopranos ducked down, reached into her purse, and turned it off. "Sorry, she said."

It caused a chuckle in the sanctuary.

But I prefer that over what happened last year, when a (now former) member's cell phone rang, he answered it and began chatting with the person on the other end during the middle of the sermon.

NO, I didn't excommunicate him. But he didn't appreciate me pausing my sermon and waiting for him to realize what he was doing and hang up. :D

[ekerr19]

I would be very annoyed to have the person next to me at the pool screaming into their cellphone while I was trying to peacefully read my book or lay there and gaze at the ocean. I do not want to listen to someone's conversation on a cell anywhere, anytime on a cruise ship. Bad enough we have to put up with it at grocery stores, department stores, some restaurants, walking on the street....EVERYWHERE!!

Sail-

I am with you on this one! It is beyond me how anyone can think others around them are not annoyed by loud cell conversations. Everytime I'm conversing with someone who "must take this call - it's important", I walk away and don't return. I just don't believe in answering a cell phone while conversing with someone else - I don't care if it is important. If it is one of my family members, we use a code and enter 911 after the page number. We then know it is a critical phone call and can excuse ourselves to return it, but will not stop a conversation to answer a cell phone.

[sail7seas]

:) What you have described is "good manners". I also find it rude if I am on the phone with someone and during the conversation their call waiting signals. They have caller ID and know who it is and then say to me to "hold on". Nope.....I'm gone. Unless I know (because they have told me) they are expecting a call that truly is important, I do not think it polite for them to exit our conversation, expect me to hold on while they speak with someone else, and then come back to our conversation assuming I would just sit there and wait.

[ekerr19]

Sail-

You are so right! My Mom once told me, if you feel you need to answer your call waiting, fine - do so - but I'm hanging up - call me back when you can give me your undivided attention. :( I realized quickly how right she was!

This was a lesson I learned many years ago - one that we have imparted on our own children. If there is an emergency (heaven forbid) we'll know right away - they have the means to communicate this to us - without taking away from our work at hand or any business discussions we may be having.

[HeatherInFlorida]

:) ...I also find it rude if I am on the phone with someone and during the conversation their call waiting signals. They have caller ID and know who it is and then say to me to "hold on". Nope.....I'm gone. Unless I know (because they have told me) they are expecting a call that truly is important, I do not think it polite for them to exit our conversation, expect me to hold on while they speak with someone else, and then come back to our conversation assuming I would just sit there and wait.
With you again on this one!!! I fought even having CallerID for years. Finally, I do have it but with voicemail. So when I get a call while I'm on the phone and I see it isn't an emergency, it goes to my voicemail.

But when people do that to me I want to hang up so badly, but I have to admit I haven't done it. Happy to say most of my friends are polite enough not to even put me in that position

[cactuslady]

So where exactly are we expecting cell phones to be a problem? During dinner? During the shows? I go to the theatre occasionally and have never even heard a cell phone ring, same at dinner (at least at nicer restaurants).


I have heard a cell phone ring, and be answered, at a funeral. :eek:

I have heard cell phones ring in court. :(

I have heard cell phones ring in church many, many times. :rolleyes:

I have had a special Valentine's Day dinner at a fine steakhouse (at which I received a cake with "Will you marry me?" icing) made less pleasant by the constant loud cell phone conversations of the man at the next table (I don't think his "Valentine" liked it either!) :mad:

I have heard numerous people engage in vigorous cell phone conversations while in the "Ladies" Room (even while flushing). :p

[cactuslady]

How many can say they've received a phone call from Antarctica?
Well, I can't, but I have received two postcards from the South Pole. :cool:

[HeatherInFlorida]

Cactuslady, yes!!! I honestly believe that Joedog lives in an enchanted land;). But I sincerely respect that he is speaking from his own experience. But, Joedog ... honestly ... what you describe really isn't the norm. And what has been said here is true, also, that if this technology goes forward, and it will, there's nothing we can do about it.

But when did that ever stop any of us from having our say about it!?:D This is, after all and thank God, America ... the land of the free. And so it shall always be. That's just how I'm feeling today.

[Joedog]

Heather,

Im not sure if I live in an enchanted land or not, maybe I am just lost in my own world but, although I have been annoyed by cell phones in the past it has not been to the point that I want to ban them, which is what this thread is about.

You are right about technology marching on with cell phones at sea becoming a reality sooner or later (I bet sooner) but the problem is not with the technology. The problem is with rude, inconsiderate people and our failure to take them to task. We blame the phone and want to ban the technology when we should be directing our energy at the offending person.

Instead of making rules and passing laws to restrict our freedoms even further we should very vocally let the offending person know that his/her actions are out of line and will not be tolerated.

If enough people take the loud talkers to task they will stop. Very few people like to be lambasted in public.

Remember, cell phones dont make loud phone calls, people do.

[jhannah]

Joedog, I agree that it should be as simple as asking the offender to stop. However, as many folks have found out the hard way offenders don't appreciate being told by their peers (or authorities, either, for that matter) to cease and desist. Ever told a parent to rein their child in? Ever commented to someone who cut line in the buffet, shoving their way in front of you? Ever told someone they couldn't save seven seats in the show lounge? Those confrontations can get fairly ugly.

[Joedog]

You are 100% right Jim but the answer is not to cancel the show or close the buffet line.

Nobody is going to be happy being told to keep it down or move and some people may even get a little nasty but, fortunately, we are talking about people on a cruise ship, not a street corner in the Bronx. Sometimes you just have to do the hard thing.

We do not live in a perfect world and one of the reasons that we have rude people is they have been getting away with it more and more. Should you "have" to say something to someone, no, but if you are really bothered by their rudeness, if you dont say something nothing will change.

[ryansmemom]

I enjoy being "cut off" from the real world on my cruise. Therefore, personally I am not in favor of cell phones on cruise ships. I spend my life on call and it is nice to be "out of touch" for a while. If a true emergency arises, my family can reach me, or I can reach them.

However, should cell phones become part of our cruise ship lives we can take comfort in the fact that those using the phone will not be driving while talking on the phone.

Linda :) :) :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Actually, Joedog, banning cellphones on cruiseships is not really what this thread is about though I admit it did take on a life of its own:) . I started a thread last week which was actually asking for everyone's opinion on an article that had appeared in The Palm Beach Post about new technology that is in the testing stages of bringing cellphone technology to sea.

Peaches tried to start a new thread with a poll, but was unable to and that is how this thread got started ... actually just a continuation of mine. If you've seen the first thread, I quoted the article at length and another poster was kind enough to provide a link to the whole article.

So there's no proposal on the table to ban them, just people's feelings about the fact that they're on their way whether we like it or not. I suppose it has branched somewhat into people saying they should be "banned", but I think that just wishful thinking for some of us.

I agree with everything else you said, but from what we have seen very little is done about rudeness because after all they're paying passengers, too, and the cruiseline doesn't really want to alienate anyone.

[joeinwpb]

OH NO, The Ride of the Valkyries again !!!

Hi Gizmo - I think I'm missing something here. Assistance requested

The Valkyries

The Valkyries were the maidens who chose which warrior would be slain in a battlefield. They served Loki, the goddess of the Underworld and their names were: Brynhild, Geironul, Geirskogul, Goll, Gondul, Gunn, Guth, Herfjotur, Hervor [Warder of the Host], Hild , Hlathguth [Necklace-Adorned Warrior-Maiden ], Hlokk, Hrist, Mist, Olrun [One Knowing Ale Rune], Randgrith, Rathgrith, Reginleif, Sigrdrifa, Sigrun, Skeggjold, Skogul, Skuld [Necessity], Svava, and Thruth

[B]Which one had the cell phone? :confused:

[jhannah]

Think Richard Wagner, composer. One of his compositions was The Ride of the Valkyries. Think ring tone. Make sense now? :)

[joeinwpb]

Think Richard Wagner, composer. One of his compositions was The Ride of the Valkyries. Think ring tone. Make sense now? :)

Ride of the Valkyries Ringtone
I see. The set of the four operas was also referred to as the ring.

Thanks Jhannah! I wouldn’t have got that connection for many moons. :)

Gotta give that gizmo credit - Great sense of humor. :cool:

[Seadoc]

If one "googles" after entering "satellite telephone" one will encounter a panoply of outfits renting these gizmos. Cost is (quote just provided me) $40 per week rental and $1.80 per minute for actual airtime (incoming or outgoing). For those who wish the "security" of having "faultless" phone service (hopefully for emergency use only and NOT to do the American incessant and meaningless babble that cell phone converations -almost universally overheard within a 50 foot radius of the babbler - have morphed into in this society), this is infinitely cheaper than the "service" offered by cruiselines. In fact, the quoter to me (his firm is in SE Florida) concluded with "...the cruiselines hate us". Perhaps that's reason enough to consider a sat phone rental on every cruise. We're doing the Zuiderdam 8/14...their docs clearly state a "shore-to-ship" rate of $16 per minute (!!) but conveniently say nothing about the ship-to-shore rate. If family or friend(s) MUST call one aboard ship, a three minute call through HAL is more expensive than the one week rental. Seems easy, doesn't it? Scary factor: if the babblers can afford $1.80/minute a ship may soon resemble an airport.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Seadoc, interesting stuff! I'm not sure if you saw the original thread I started that got this whole discussion going. It was about an article I had read about cellphones on cruiselines. In case you didn't see the article, here's the link again:

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Nation -- Cruise industry embracing technology that may soon bring cell phones to ships (http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20040718-0957-cruisetechnology.html)

[joeinwpb]

Quoting Colin Veitch Head of Norwegian Cruise Line

"Are you going to be annoyed by sitting next to the pool and having somebody talking on their cell phone? Probably not any more annoyed than just having a noisy person next to you," Veitch said. "People will just get used to it."

I was very impressed with this man's "sensitivity".
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20040718-0957-cruisetechnology.html

[HeatherInFlorida]

Quoting Colin Veitch Head of Norwegian Cruise Line

"Are you going to be annoyed by sitting next to the pool and having somebody talking on their cell phone? Probably not any more annoyed than just having a noisy person next to you," Veitch said. "People will just get used to it."

I was very impressed with this man's "sensitivity".
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20040718-0957-cruisetechnology.html
Hahaha:D ! Yeah, Joe, me too!!!:rolleyes: It speaks volumes, doesn't it???

[gizmo]

Hi Gizmo - I think I'm missing something here. Assistance requested

The Valkyries

The Valkyries were the maidens who chose which warrior would be slain in a battlefield. They served Loki, the goddess of the Underworld and their names were: Brynhild, Geironul, Geirskogul, Goll, Gondul, Gunn, Guth, Herfjotur, Hervor [Warder of the Host], Hild , Hlathguth [Necklace-Adorned Warrior-Maiden ], Hlokk, Hrist, Mist, Olrun [One Knowing Ale Rune], Randgrith, Rathgrith, Reginleif, Sigrdrifa, Sigrun, Skeggjold, Skogul, Skuld [Necessity], Svava, and Thruth

[b]Which one had the cell phone? :confused:
LOL at "which one had the phone".:D

Joeinwpb answered your question but for any other's that are not familiar with Wagner maybe they can relate to the music from "Apocalypse Now". :)