Kindle question regarding royal caribbean cruiseship

[EXUMAGIRL]

does anyone know if i can use the whispernet to access my gmail account onboard a cruiseship?

[KindleKay (aka #1652)]

I would guess no.... But I am curious since I'm cruising in late April...

[pidgeon92]

Doubtful.... and if you can, it will cost you a ton of money in roaming fees. We used my husband's Palm Treo while we were on a weeklong cruise for a little while each day, I think the wireless bill was more than $500.

[EXUMAGIRL]

How would they charge you roaming charges?

[Richard in W.Orange]

My guess is that it won't work. Even "if" there is CDMA roaming on the ship (more and more ships have the function now) there is no function within the Kindle Radio (that I've found) that would allow it to roam. You can always though use your laptop (most ships support regular internet at reasonable pricing) to get books if you run out. (I'd just go on a book buying spree now )

[pidgeon92]

The ships use satellite for the phones. Here is a FAQ from Royal Caribbean:

Cell Phone Service
Stay connected to friends and family from all over the world with Royal Caribbean International's fleetwide roaming network and Royal Caribbean Online fleetwide onboard workstations and Wi-Fi service.

Royal Caribbean International has an advanced roaming network onboard all ships, allowing you to make and receive calls, voice mail, text messages and GPRS data using your own mobile phone and telephone number.

FAQs:

What are the mobile phone rates while onboard?
Rates for usage of your mobile phone are determined by your home carrier.
For more information, please contact your home carrier customer service.


How will I be billed for the usage time on my mobile phone?
You will be billed by your home carrier for your international roaming usage on your regular mobile phone bill.
It can take up to 60 days for charges to appear on your phone bill.


Can I access GPRS data service (e.g. check e-mail, surf the Net, etc.)?
If your home carrier supports GPRS data service, you can use mobile phone service with compatible GPRS data capable devices to check email, surf the web, and share photos while onboard just as you would at home.


How do I call to the USA, Canada and the Caribbean when onboard?
Dial 1 + area code and number just as you would at home.


How do I call to other countries when onboard?
Dial "+," the country code and the full number.
Verizon Wireless/Sprint users, dial "011," the country code and the full number.

The service is called Cellular at Sea. Please remember that it costs a fortune. I am going to guess that when we used it it was at least $1 per minute.

Last time I was on a cruise ship, the rates for computer internet usage in their computer room were still 75¢ per minute. This too runs on satellite, and is exceptionally slow. It can take several minutes just to get your email page to load. If you really intend to get to your email, they usually offer a package deal that costs slightly less, like $50 for 100 minutes. All of these internet charges get charged to your stateroom account.

[Whidbeyislandgirl]

I just got back from a cruise to Mexico and could not use Whispernet. I would assume it wouldn't work in the Caribbean either. Check the Amazon coverage map to be sure, but the K2 (not the international one) doesn't work outside the US.

Carnival charges .75 a minute for internet, it was really slow, I didn't try to download a book to my Kindle, I think it would take for ever.

Load up before you go.....

Vicki

[loca]

You are guys are going to get killed with those in sea charges.  Don't do it.

[KayakerNC]

does anyone know if i can use the whispernet to access my gmail account onboard a cruiseship?

Do a Google Search for Wi-Fi hotspots in the ports you will be visiting.
A net-book would be a much better solution then the Kindle in any Caribbean ports you may visit.   
Still...you are on vacation...better to relax on a sunny beach then to be checking your email.