Skype calls

Can you make Skype calls on board the Qm2 ?

Can you make Skype calls on board the Qm2 ?

I don't believe you can. Bandwidth, or lack of enough of it is the problem.

David.

I've never tried a Skype call because I've read about the lack of bandwidth. But I've found ship internet service has improved in recent years and I'd like to hear from any CC member who has tried Skype in the last year.

My home phone automatically pushes to my e-mail an audio recording of any voice message left. I've had no problem listening to those on board QM2. Perhaps not the same as Skype but still a voice message coming through clear.

I've never tried a Skype call because I've read about the lack of bandwidth. But I've found ship internet service has improved in recent years and I'd like to hear from any CC member who has tried Skype in the last year.

 

My home phone automatically pushes to my e-mail an audio recording of any voice message left. I've had no problem listening to those on board QM2. Perhaps not the same as Skype but still a voice message coming through clear.

Voice mail messages aren't the same as Skype. Voice mail is just a short recorded music file. Skype is an active connection that is two way.

Voice mail messages aren't the same as Skype. Voice mail is just a short recorded music file. Skype is an active connection that is two way.

Yes, much more information with Skype. I'm not 100% sure but I think they have blocked Skype on Cunard to protect the system from overload.

David.

Cunards FAQ on their website says......

"Skype and Video Calling Connections

We do not have the facilities to offer a Skype connection using our equipment, however you may be able to do so using your own device. Again, please note that this would require access to the internet which would incur a charge as detailed above. This also applies to Face Time and other such video calling facilities.

As the ship's internet signal is via satellite, this is often much slower than ashore and therefore, even using your own equipment, you may find that you are unable to make a connection for high speed facilities such as Skype."

Hope that helps.

I know a few people who were able to Skype using their own computers. Just like with the Internet though, you can't count on a connection.

The tech guy told us that it is much easier to use FaceTime (something technical - maybe about bandwidth?) on board but of course that means you and who you chat with have to have Apple products.

I know what the Cunard FAQ says, and I know how unreliable shipboard Internet can be, but last Christmas I was sitting the the Golden Lion on QM2 and saw some people skyping (or maybe it was Facetime) with folks back home.

I'm on QM2 right now, and although I don't Skype the internet service has vastly improved compared to even last July. It's not like land service but much faster then the dial-up like speeds in the past.

I have seen Skype used on Cunard ships in the past, however, I am not sure how good, or bad, the connectivity was. If video is not too good, you can always shut down to voice only.

Skype has never worked for me on any of the Queens - but there is always hope.

I have used Skype but the line was bad and cut off a few times but a quick conversation ( 5 minutes ) is possible. Late night seemed to be better I guess because less people were online.

Many thanks I will give a try in December.

We have used both Skype and FaceTime successfully on Cunard ships. However, the preference is to use FaceTime, as we found the the connection does not breakdown as frequently.