Free WiFi on Carnival

[tommy2tone_1999]

You would think so, yet 1/4 of those who voted, voted no.

[msbr]

Sorry.

 

One of the PRIMARY reasons my dds love to cruise is because their daddy cannot be contacted by the office while on board. His Blackberry is without a signal 90% of the time. When in port, we plan excursions that he is either snorkeling, fishing or in some area where a signal is non existent or where talking is greatly prohibited!

 

Vacation is vacation. 7-10 days without cyber technology is a blessing for some of us....;)

[SATXLady]

No, I don't think it would attract more people. I think those of us who really want to use the internet will pay for it. I always buy an internet package. But I don't think those who don't use it should have to subsidize my use of it. Just like I would not be in favor of unlimited booze included in the price of the cruize -- I don't drink enough to make it worth the extra cost to me. Because the cost will be made up somewhere.

 

I don't even want to get into the part about the kids being on the computers all day and boggin down the already slow satellite internet speed.

 

I'd rather keep paying for what I need.

[msbr]

But I don't think those who don't use it should have to subsidize my use of it.

 

I really like your thinking and response!!! I'll second your opinion:)

[tommy2tone_1999]

I understand all the reasons people would not want to have access to the internet on board, but that's not really what the question asks

[kebhouse]

I don't think any of the answer options really fit for me. I think that free wifi might attract a small number of customers- but most people do go on cruises to get away from it all. Not having free wifi probably isn't a big decision factor for most people when picking a vacation. So, it probably wouldn't make a big difference.

 

I wouldn't mind free wifi- it would be nice to check email, etc, a couple of times while on board. But, honestly, I'd be happy with a cheaper wifi package- it's just too expense now to be worth hauling the computer along for.

[firefly333]

I understand all the reasons people would not want to have access to the internet on board, but that's not really what the question asks

 

how about some options that fit?? Since most of us dont agree with your premise that Carnival would attract enough new business to be worth the cost to give everyone free wifi, kinda hard to answer with your very limited choices....

 

How about, should Carnival give us some free internet with a upgraded platinum package .... as a perk for loyalty as a few other cruiselines are doing. I dont think giving it to everyone is feasible, but on a more limited basis, I say YEA!

[WMQueenie]

The things I love most about taking a cruise - shut off my husband's cell phone and put it in a drawer for the entire trip and the lap top stays home! His cell is his work phone and they manage to call us wherever we travel EXCEPT on a cruise!

[1BDNANA]

But only if it only worked in your on own room. No klicking at the pools .

[notme1955]

Free WiFi would be nice, but I don't see how it would attract more customers. I think most people are on vacation and want to get away from the gadgets they have to deal with every day. I'm only taking my cell in case there is an emergency and my iPod Touch because it has a couple books on it that I plan to read. Everything else stays home.

[Pegs222]

My question to you, do you get Free WIFI at home? If not, why would you think Carnival should provide Free WIFI on their ships?

 

They have made it very convenient to have WIFI on almost all of their ships now. I do not think the prices they ask for are that out of line.

[VolzCruiser]

When WiFi first appeared at places like Starbucks, McDonalds, and the big hotel chains, they charged their guests for the privilege to access the internet over their networks. Now these companies have found that offering WiFi access for free is a major selling point, and attracts tons of new customers. Carnival is one of the few companies that offers WiFi access to it's customers. Do you think Carnival would attract more customers if they offered WiFi access on board for free?

 

Not sure free internet is a major selling point. Not all of the places you listed give free internet so is it a major selling point or just a courtesy?

[WitchyWoman14]

I don't really know if it would help them book cruises, but it sure would be nice if they did have free WiFi. I know when we have tried to use it, we spend forever trying to get connected, and are only on for about 5 minutes, but end up with a large bill from the time it started charging to when we actually used it... I would not be on it alot, but it would be nice to be able to touch base with a few people at home just to make sure everything is OK (I am a worrier)... :o

[dmdiver]

Free wifi would not make me choose one cruise over another, nor would it entice me to cruise if I were not already hooked on it. Yes, it would be nice to be able to touch base with family while I'm away, but other than that, I'm on vacation & want to be out & about. No, we do not pay for internet access while cruising & we keep our cell phones off - they are only for use before boarding & after disembarking to let family know we made it ok.

[TamLaiSang]

I've read several articles where major restaurant chains have either pulled wi-fi completely or started charging for it.

 

Coffee houses noticed that even though their seats were filled, they were selling less coffee. Many people would buy a cup, and nurse it while they were on the internet...and other potential customers would go somewhere else due to the crowds.

 

I don't know about anyone else...but the McDonald's in my neighborhood charges for WI-Fi access, and it isn't cheap.

 

All the same...I wouldn't complain about free Wi-Fi :)

 

And I would certainly pick Carnival over other lines that didn't offer such a service.

 

If you really want to be nickled and dimed, go cruise NCL, lol.

[tommy2tone_1999]

I could get free WiFi where I live. There are many locations near where I live that I can get a signal from.

 

Don't misunderstand. This poll is not a complaint against Carnival for not providing free WiFi. It's purpose is to collect enough data to demonstrate to them that it may be profitable for them to consider providing this service for free based on the response of the polls.

 

After all, the decision is totally up to Carnival. No one on these forums can force a major corporation to make such decisions.

[big_duck]

Sticking to the actual poll question, there is no business reason to offer free WiFi. The ships sail full as it is and any drop in that is not going to be changed by such a minor incentive.

 

Yes airlines are starting to provide WiFi, but not for free, certainly not in the cheapseats anyway.

 

I would say most of the people who responded yes didn't fully consider the question and were just looking for another freebe.

[Pegs222]

IMO it would be a selling point to attract the younger more tech savvy portion of the population to cruise travel. Airlines are now beginning to offer WiFi also. It's coming, it's only a matter of time.

 

 

You are comparing and airlplane to a cruise ship? You do understand that there is a huge difference here. While I am not sure the airlines are offering free WIFI, there is a huge difference in sitting in a seat on an airplane and being on a cruise ship. There is no place to go on an airplane, but lots of places to go on a ship. People do not go on cruises to sit in front of an Laptop for long periods of time, they go on them to relax and have fun.

 

Airports charge to use their WIFI, I can see no reason for Carnival or any cruise line to give it away either.

[tommy2tone_1999]

People do not go on cruises to sit in front of an Laptop for long periods of time, they go on them to relax and have fun.

 

Airports charge to use their WIFI, I can see no reason for Carnival or any cruise line to give it away either.

 

Who said anything about sitting in front of a laptop for long periods of time? From what I've seen here most people just like to pop on and off to check e-mail, post to a forum or blog, and download pics. It may not be fun for you, but hey, different strokes for different folks.

 

You honestly can't see a reason to give free WiFi? How about for the same reason they give free drinks at the Capt.'s Ball...to increase profitability. If a prospective customer is comparing cruise lines, you really don't think perks like free WiFi won't influence their decision?

[ChefSusan]

When WiFi first appeared at places like Starbucks, McDonalds, and the big hotel chains, they charged their guests for the privilege to access the internet over their networks. Now these companies have found that offering WiFi access for free is a major selling point, and attracts tons of new customers. Carnival is one of the few companies that offers WiFi access to it's customers. Do you think Carnival would attract more customers if they offered WiFi access on board for free?

I say no.

 

Most people, when they go on vacation, they disconnect from everything - telephone, laptop, cell phone, pager, whatever. It's their time to connect with their families and friends, as well as explore whatever ports their ship is going to.

 

I think that if CCL did offer "free" wi-fi, they would have to increase their prices across the board - cabins, excursions, photos, gift shop, bars/adult drinks, etc...

 

... and if they increased their prices, people would not cruise as much.

 

So, in the long run, they would lose money.

 

Remember, this is only my $0.02

[Pegs222]

Who said anything about sitting in front of a laptop for long periods of time? From what I've seen here most people just like to pop on and off to check e-mail, post to a forum or blog, and download pics. It may not be fun for you, but hey, different strokes for different folks.

 

You honestly can't see a reason to give free WiFi? How about for the same reason they give free drinks at the Capt.'s Ball...to increase profitability. If a prospective customer is comparing cruise lines, you really don't think perks like free WiFi won't influence their decision?

 

I find nothing fun about sitting in front of a lap top when on a cruise ship. I read my mail, make sure my family is OK and that is it. I d/l my pictures every day but I do not go online to do it, it would cost a fortune as the WIFI is very slow.

 

They are probably not going to give free WIFI away, so the question is a non issue. But lets say they do offer free WIFI, you can bet that the service would be even slower than it is now. It is worse than dial up.

 

Just so you know, Cruise Lines are taking things away not giving things away. It is very costly to have WIFI ship wide, why would you think they would give it away?

[firefly333]

I understand all the reasons people would not want to have access to the internet on board, but that's not really what the question asks

 

Most of us know there is no such thing as "free". There is a cost to someone and if the company has a smaller profit margin, its doubtfull to most of us they could make it up with more sales (more sales would equate to higher demand and higher prices for the rest of us).

[tommy2tone_1999]

its doubtfull to most of us they could make it up with more sales (more sales would equate to higher demand and higher prices for the rest of us).

 

HUH??? More sales = more profit. So let me get this straight, you would rather see a cruise line suffer financially to keep prices low? If their business is hurting, they are more likely to cut out the perks, thus you pay more for the things they would normally be willing to give away during times of economic prosperity.:confused:

[Mack2]

HUH??? More sales = more profit. So let me get this straight, you would rather see a cruise line suffer financially to keep prices low? If their business is hurting, they are more likely to cut out the perks, thus you pay more for the things they would normally be willing to give away during times of economic prosperity.:confused:

 

 

Meh... Look at it this way... on a "sales" perspective.

 

 

If you got 15 people on a cruise with free WiFi playing World of Warcraft of EVE Online... that's 15 people not buying drinks, gambling, playing Bingo, walking around the shops buying overpriced momentos, socializing, and did I mention not buying drinks?

 

Instead, they are using up bandwidth and putting stresses on the satellite network... which I'm sure charges by the download %.

 

Why in the world would any cruise line want to offer something free when they can nickel and dime it to death? They're obligated on the food... but really, what else is there that they MUST provide that's included in the price of the cruise?

 

edit:

We get food and Iced Tea at no extra charge... oh...a deck of cards, and maybe a lanyard from the casino.

We're charged for everything else.

[tommy2tone_1999]

That argument I can understand. In the end, it's still up to Carnival.