NEW YORK, August 2, 2006 - First came Internet
access, then Wi-Fi service. Now, the members of the Cruise Lines
International Association
(CLIA) have tackled the next frontier in onboard
technology: cell phone and PDA service at sea.
"Because cell phones have become so deeply
entrenched in today's hi-tech world, many CLIA cruise lines believe
travelers should have the option of choosing just how 'connected'
they'd like to be with the outside world while on vacation," said
Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA, the chief marketing
organization for 19 premier North American cruise lines and nearly
17,000 North American travel agencies.
Although for some vacationers, one of the
benefits of cruising is leaving the "real" world behind, other
travelers simply don't have that option and expect to be available
no matter where they are. "Some people feel that they can't leave
home without a viable connection to put them in touch with family
and business associates," said Dale.
All things considered, this latest trend in
ship-to-shore communications is just another example of how CLIA-member
cruise lines strive to offer guests the amenities they desire while
on vacation.
CLIA cruise lines have made onboard cell phone
service possible by inking agreements with service providers
including GeoLink, MTN, SeaMobile and Wireless Maritime Service. The
cost to make cell phone calls ranges from about $1.99 to $4.99 per
minute based on different roaming zones across the world, compared
with ship-to-shore satellite phone calls via stateroom phones, which
can run from $5 to $25 per minute.
The following CLIA-member cruise lines offer cell
phone service at sea:
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Since American Cruise Lines is never too far
from land, cruising on the inland and coastal waters, cell
service is always available to passengers.
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At the rate of three ships per month,
Carnival Cruise Lines' cell phone service will be available
fleetwide by early next year.
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Celebrity Cruises' Summit features cell phone
service. Fleetwide service will be activated on one ship each
month beginning in August 2006.
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Costa Cruises' cell phone service
availability is offered aboard its entire fleet.
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Cell phone service aboard Crystal Cruises'
two ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, becomes
available later this year.
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Currently, Holland America Line's Volendam
offers cell phone service, and fleetwide access will follow in
the coming months.
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Guests sailing aboard MSC Cruises' MSC Musica,
MSC Opera and MSC Lirica can use their cell phones.
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Norwegian Cruise Line has fully implemented
cell phone service aboard its entire fleet of vessels.
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Oceania Cruises offers cell phone service
aboard Insignia, and will be available on Nautica and Regatta by
year's end.
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With the exception of Paul Gauguin, all
Regent Seven Seas Cruises' ships boast cell phone service.
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Ten of the 20 ships in the Royal Caribbean
International fleet offer guests mobile phone service.
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Two of four Silversea Cruises' ships feature
cell phone access; service will be fleetwide in the coming
months.
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Come 2007, Windstar Cruises' will provide
cell phone service aboard its fleet of three ships.
The best way to learn more about cell phone
service aboard CLIA member-line ships is to seek the professional
counsel of a CLIA travel agent. To locate a CLIA-member travel
agency near you, use the Travel Agent Locator on CLIA's website at
