Apple Store

[willow949]

How do the prices of the onboard Apple Store compare to regular Apple Store? Taxes? I am thinking of buying a iPad Air.

[Charles4515]

How do the prices of the onboard Apple Store compare to regular Apple Store? Taxes? I am thinking of buying a iPad Air.

 

The prices are the same but no taxes are charged.

[cb at sea]

Apple (and other "brand names") don't discount.

[Phxazzcruisers]

And there is not a great selection. I would not count on it just to save the tax

[Charles4515]

And there is not a great selection. I would not count on it just to save the tax

 

 

They had all the WiFi only models of iPad Air 2 s on the Summit in June. I think it would be likely they would have the iPad Airs in stock. They have other Apple stuff too. Last December I was able to use up some leftover Onboard Credit on an external DVD drive for my MacBook Pro which does not have one built. (Have not used it once though LOL)

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Edited August 7, 2015 by Charles4515

[Phxazzcruisers]

They had all the WiFi only models of iPad Air 2 s on the Summit in June. I think it would be likely they would have the iPad Airs in stock. They have other Apple stuff too. Last December I was able to use up some leftover Onboard Credit on an external DVD drive for my MacBook Pro which does not have one built. (Have not used it once though LOL)

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

They did not have any iPad Airs on the Silhouette on our last cruise. The selection of Apple products was very limited.

[cardcrafter]

If you are in UK there are offers currently at John Lewis, Currys and Tesco.....

[Charles4515]

They did not have any iPad Airs on the Silhouette on our last cruise. The selection of Apple products was very limited.

 

When I was on Silhouette they were pretty well stocked. I guess then they may run out if a lot buy. My friend bought an iPad on Summit to use up OBC.

[A Sixth?]

I have bought a number of iPods', iPad mini's and iPad's on Celebrity including an iPad Air 2 in May on the Summit and all were the most current model and the max memory (like I want)

 

With all the cabin credit we get they are near or completely free! We use the minis as TV remotes around our house. :D

 

Trick is show up the first day. By day two and three stock can start running low.

Edited August 7, 2015 by A Sixth?

[perditax]

Does anyone know how soon the onboard stores tend to get stock of normal product upgrades? For example, I'm hopeful that a new iPad Mini model will be released sometime in fall, and I would hold out for buying it on board during my December trip if there was some chance it would be there.

 

(I understand that for a high demand product like the Apple Watch or a brand new phone model, all bets are off.)

[FreestyleNovice]

Does anyone know how soon the onboard stores tend to get stock of normal product upgrades? For example, I'm hopeful that a new iPad Mini model will be released sometime in fall, and I would hold out for buying it on board during my December trip if there was some chance it would be there.

 

(I understand that for a high demand product like the Apple Watch or a brand new phone model, all bets are off.)

 

If not, try your luck in some of the ports in the Caribbean.

[Charles4515]

Does anyone know how soon the onboard stores tend to get stock of normal product upgrades? For example, I'm hopeful that a new iPad Mini model will be released sometime in fall, and I would hold out for buying it on board during my December trip if there was some chance it would be there.

 

 

 

(I understand that for a high demand product like the Apple Watch or a brand new phone model, all bets are off.)

 

 

I cruised last December on Silhouette and they had the new iPad Air 2. So there is a good chance they will have any new iPad Mini models that come out in October. Of course there is no guarantee but in general new iPad models have not been constrained in supply the last couple of years like other Apple products when new ones come out.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[perditax]

If not, try your luck in some of the ports in the Caribbean.

 

I'm still very new at this (see my sig). I hear about electronics in the Caribbean ports, but totally struck out in St Thomas, I could only find jewelry stores. :) Can you recommend any islands in particular?

 

I'm enough of a gadget nerd that just seeing these places would be entertaining in itself, I wouldn't be looking to score a bargain.

 

Thank you also, Charles. Very familiar with Apple but not sure of demand for a new iPad Mini. On the one hand, industry analysts think the minis may be phased out after the next one. On the other, there's some talk of possible changes on the next release, e.g.:

 

http://ipadmini.macrumors.com/

 

...so I have zero idea what the demand will look like, all I know is that I have a very beaten-up and slow (but much loved) iPad Mini 2 and that I will have several hundred dollars in OBC in December. :)

Edited August 7, 2015 by perditax

[Crown Vic]

I'm still very new at this (see my sig). I hear about electronics in the Caribbean ports, but totally struck out in St Thomas, I could only find jewelry stores. :) Can you recommend any islands in particular?

 

I'm enough of a gadget nerd that just seeing these places would be entertaining in itself, I wouldn't be looking to score a bargain.

 

Thank you also, Charles. Very familiar with Apple but not sure of demand for a new iPad Mini. On the one hand, industry analysts think the minis may be phased out after the next one. On the other, there's some talk of possible changes on the next release, e.g.:

 

http://ipadmini.macrumors.com/

 

...so I have zero idea what the demand will look like, all I know is that I have a very beaten-up and slow (but much loved) iPad Mini 2 and that I will have several hundred dollars in OBC in December. :)

 

If you want to purchase an iPad whilst ashore in the Caribbean, locate an authorized Apple reseller. Also check your purchase before returning to the ship 'just in case...'

[Charles4515]

I'm still very new at this (see my sig). I hear about electronics in the Caribbean ports, but totally struck out in St Thomas, I could only find jewelry stores. :) Can you recommend any islands in particular?

 

I'm enough of a gadget nerd that just seeing these places would be entertaining in itself, I wouldn't be looking to score a bargain.

 

Thank you also, Charles. Very familiar with Apple but not sure of demand for a new iPad Mini. On the one hand, industry analysts think the minis may be phased out after the next one. On the other, there's some talk of possible changes on the next release, e.g.:

 

http://ipadmini.macrumors.com/

 

...so I have zero idea what the demand will look like, all I know is that I have a very beaten-up and slow (but much loved) iPad Mini 2 and that I will have several hundred dollars in OBC in December. :)

 

Years ago it may have been worth buying electronics in the Caribbean ports but in my opinion those days are gone. Prices are better or as good at the many online or US store retailers. And if there is something wrong, Amazon, Apple, Best Buy, B&H, Costco to name some vendors will make it right.

 

As far as what the analysts think at most they can make educated guesses from parts ordered in the supply chain about the next model. So there probably will be a new iPad mini this year with improvements. But there is no way analysts can have any idea about what is or is not coming after that.

[FreestyleNovice]

I'm still very new at this (see my sig). I hear about electronics in the Caribbean ports, but totally struck out in St Thomas, I could only find jewelry stores. :) Can you recommend any islands in particular?

 

I'm enough of a gadget nerd that just seeing these places would be entertaining in itself, I wouldn't be looking to score a bargain.

 

 

Not one in particular, and it really comes to luck indeed.. In 2013 I found the store onboard Summit the most complete and fun store (we did Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, St Maarten, St Thomas from San Juan, PR) to visit. I did not investigate each port but indeed electronics are far less common than clothing and jewelry. St Maarten had a shop (or two?) in the streets after the board walk but none of the prices I saw were lower than onboard. And often the shops I saw were more local pawn shops with the sun colored carton boxes aging away the displays. It's nowhere near a Best Buy or something..

 

But if a shop has a certain new type and the ship hasn't, you could go back, perhaps cash some OBC through the casino/guest services (if this is possible on X) and buy. :)

[little britain]

If you are in UK there are offers currently at John Lewis, Currys and Tesco.....

iPad mini 3 is £399 in all 3 stores you mention......not seeing any deals???

 

Apple iPad mini 3, Apple A7, iOS 8, 7.9", Wi-Fi, 64GB, Space Grey

 

Has anyone from UK ever bought one on board - they are $499 on board which equates to £320. Any issues?

[Charles4515]

iPad mini 3 is £399 in all 3 stores you mention......not seeing any deals???

 

Apple iPad mini 3, Apple A7, iOS 8, 7.9", Wi-Fi, 64GB, Space Grey

 

Has anyone from UK ever bought one on board - they are $499 on board which equates to £320. Any issues?

 

Why would there be any issues? They are Apple authorized. My friend bought one to use up his onboard credit.

[little britain]

Why would there be any issues? They are Apple authorized. My friend bought one to use up his onboard credit.

 

Because I believe that the charger sold with an iPad onboard will be USA -centric, and will be designed for use at 120V , rather than using our 230V/50Hz system, and will have a US plug it.

Further, any apps pre-loaded onto the iPad will be designed to work with US-based services?

Edited August 17, 2015 by little britain

[Charles4515]

Because I believe that the charger sold with an iPad onboard will be USA -centric, and will be designed for use at 120V , rather than using our 230V/50Hz system, and will have a US plug it.

Further, any apps pre-loaded onto the iPad will be designed to work with US-based services?

 

 

They don't preload that many apps and the apps they preload will work anywhere.

 

As far as the charger all iPad chargers work on 120 or 230 but the plug included with the charger for the ones sold in the U.S. fits US mains. I would guess that is what would be in the box for iPads sold on Celebrity ships. The iPad chargers they provide in the U.S. are two pieces, the charger and a plug that slides in. I don't know if they have the UK plugs available to switch out the plug adapter on the charger. They do sell an Apple kit of international plug adapters.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Edited August 17, 2015 by Charles4515

[Fouremco]

How do the prices of the onboard Apple Store compare to regular Apple Store? Taxes? I am thinking of buying a iPad Air.

A couple of years ago there was a fellow passenger who decided beforehand to buy an Apple product (Air? MacBook?) and use it during the cruise. Turned out that all his previous computing experience was on a PC and he had a lot of trouble adjusting to the different OS and apps. He regretted not having bought one before the cruise to get through the learning curve and be able to spend more time enjoying life aboard.

 

Just something to consider in the event that you are making a switch.

[Charles4515]

A couple of years ago there was a fellow passenger who decided beforehand to buy an Apple product (Air? MacBook?) and use it during the cruise. Turned out that all his previous computing experience was on a PC and he had a lot of trouble adjusting to the different OS and apps. He regretted not having bought one before the cruise to get through the learning curve and be able to spend more time enjoying life aboard.

 

Just something to consider in the event that you are making a switch.

 

The leaning curve on an iPad is not high, much less than buying a computer, but they were giving classes onboard. Buying an iPad is not making switch. It is a pretty simple device but it would help to have a class if one has never used one. If they have an iPhone there is nothing to learn. I noticed passengers were buying MacBooks onboard too and they also had classes for the MacBooks. If anyone has an Apple Store near where they live they give free classes at the store. The Apple product does not have to be bought there.

Edited August 17, 2015 by Charles4515

[hcat]

They had them on our last cruises...liked that wecould see and handle the samples...felt the Air was fairly heavy...but next cruise we will have lots of OBC, even after the spa and handbag store...might get the i pad this time around...

Edited August 17, 2015 by hcat

[Fouremco]

The leaning curve on an iPad is not high, much less than buying a computer, but they were giving classes onboard. Buying an iPad is not making switch. It is a pretty simple device but it would help to have a class if one has never used one. If they have an iPhone there is nothing to learn. I noticed passengers were buying MacBooks onboard too and they also had classes for the MacBooks. If anyone has an Apple Store near where they live they give free classes at the store. The Apple product does not have to be bought there.

I have a desktop Mac, two MacBooks, and iPad, a Mini iPad and an iPhone 6 Plus, so I'm well aware of what's entailed in using an iDevice. I also run a PC for some applications and to keep abreast of developments, including Windows 10 and Edge. But I've also seen my sister take her first step into the Apple Kingdom with the purchase of an iPad mini for travel and witnessed some of her frustrations in making things work. For those of us who operate these items without a thought, it's easy to forget that there is in fact quite a bit to learn. And let's face it, some people just have an easier time than others picking up new technologies than others. Knowing nothing about the OP's familiarity with Apple products, I stand by my original comment.

 

BTW, another reason for buying in advance is to avoid lengthy internet sessions onboard getting set up and downloading a basic set of apps.

[woodards]

Because I believe that the charger sold with an iPad onboard will be USA -centric, and will be designed for use at 120V , rather than using our 230V/50Hz system, and will have a US plug it.

Further, any apps pre-loaded onto the iPad will be designed to work with US-based services?

 

Don't worry it will work fine. Apps are tied to your UK iTunes account. Charger can easily be replaced. Have bought several devices in the States from Apple all work fine in UK.