Hey Cruisers! Only EIGHTEEN days!! I have a few updates on cells phones on board the ship for everybody!
Mel asked, "Would I come into contact with any pay phone? I have an 800 number which can charge the call on the home phone bill if I use it on a pay phone but maybe it would work on the cruise phone too. Or would they charge me their rate no matter which number number I use? So that's another question. Would 800 numbers be free on a cruise phone?"
And the response I got back from Jeannie at Rose Tours was:
Hi Janine,
Cell phones work on board the ship but you have to check with your carrier to see what your rates and plan covers for ship to sea. The phones in the cabin are charged for numbers that you do call any outgoing calls.
There is a number that people call shore to ship if there is an emergency and they will put them in touch with you.
Thanks and have a great day!
Also, April added that, "I'm with ATT and have a droid. I added the 50MB roaming data plan and a 9.99 plan that gives me 50 roaming texts.
If you're with Verizon and have a smart phone, you can go with the global email plan that will give you unlimited roaming data for 64.99. If you're already paying 29.99 for your data plan, you should go with this, because teh awesome part is that you only have to leave it on for the time you're gone, and change back to your old plan when you get home. It prorates the monthly charge but you'll still have unlimited data.
As someone who works in the wireless industry, I do want to make a slight correction to this article. You aren't being charged like you make a phone call when your phone updates or downloads email. You're being charged data rates as though you were on a pay per kilobyte/megabyte plan, but a higher rate because it's roaming.
I also want to add that while you are in port in Miami or on Key West, to check your roaming indicator! There is a small chance that you will pick up the cruise ship tower instead of American towers."
Hopefully those things were helpful! :) I haven't talked to my cell phone provider (AT&T) yet, so I will let you know what I find out! Anybody else have any tips or advice?
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Cell Phones
Hey Cruisers!! I can hardly believe we're only TWENTY days away from being on a ship with the Boys!! SO exciting! But to not get too caught up in the excitement to forget a few key details, such as cell phones on the ship. Thankfully Katie from the nKoTb Cruise blog has laid it all out here in her blog entry (Thanks again, Katie!! You've been so helpful!):
First things first: your cell phone WILL work on the ship. But think twice about using it. Case in point: Cruiser disputes $28,000 bill for wireless session on ship. And I'm not even going to talk about the in-room phones, which are about $10/minute.
While cell phone rates at sea vary by wireless company, they generally reflect international roaming rates, which can be breathtakingly expensive. On the cruise, your only connection is through the ship's provider "Cell at Sea." This on-board tower works with both GSM and CDMA. Once you are a certain distance from port, they will turn it on.
Here's what I found for calling rates, but don't take my word for it. Check with your provider!
The problem is, if you have a BlackBerry or other smart phone that downloads e-mails and texts automatically, every time it scans for incoming messages, you are charged as if you are making a call. And some cruise lines charge extra for attachments or photos due to the extra bandwidth they consume. (There are lots of horror stories out there of $3000 phone bills for week-long cruises.) Some carriers will even charge for incoming calls that aren't answered.
There is usually an option to turn off data/e-mail on smart phones, but if you are sending texts, there's no way to turn off the phone service. So you risk the cost of receiving incoming texts and phone calls while your phone is on for you to send texts. I've also read stories of people who had their phones turned off but were somehow still picking up a signal and getting charged for roaming. That's why last time I left my phone in the room safe with the battery out.
But let's say you are okay with the rates and want to use your phone anyway. It may not be an option everywhere. Many people said last year they were unable to get a signal on the lower decks of the ship. And since Half Moon Cay is a private island, there's no cell service there. There's also no wireless there, so it's going to be a several hour stretch of no tweets for those at home.
There is, however, internet access on board. You can bring your own laptop/iPod/iPad/what-have-you or use the Internet cafe. The rates for both are the same: 75 cents per minute. You can also buy blocks of minutes. Last year I paid $24 for 60 minute blocks. There was a minimum charge of two minutes, which was about a minute and 45 seconds longer than it took me to send a tweet. I did not figure this time minimum out till Sunday night.
Cruise ship internet is . . . not the best. For one, it takes a good minute to get logged in and do anything. Once you're in, you can use it for sending a quick email or tweet, but don't plan to upload a photo album to Flickr or anything. Remember the internet in 1998? It's like that. Last year, I never once successfully got my email to load, even in basic HTML mode. But it's certainly better than nothing, and they do have wireless throughout the ship, which is nice.
What are your plans for phones on board?
[Taken from the nKoTb Cruise blog]
So, what are you guys doing? I haven't talked to my cell phone provider (AT&T) yet, but I plan to soon! I will definitely update with my plans as soon as I find out! :)
First things first: your cell phone WILL work on the ship. But think twice about using it. Case in point: Cruiser disputes $28,000 bill for wireless session on ship. And I'm not even going to talk about the in-room phones, which are about $10/minute.
While cell phone rates at sea vary by wireless company, they generally reflect international roaming rates, which can be breathtakingly expensive. On the cruise, your only connection is through the ship's provider "Cell at Sea." This on-board tower works with both GSM and CDMA. Once you are a certain distance from port, they will turn it on.
Here's what I found for calling rates, but don't take my word for it. Check with your provider!
- AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint: $2.49/min
- T-mobile: $4.99/min
The problem is, if you have a BlackBerry or other smart phone that downloads e-mails and texts automatically, every time it scans for incoming messages, you are charged as if you are making a call. And some cruise lines charge extra for attachments or photos due to the extra bandwidth they consume. (There are lots of horror stories out there of $3000 phone bills for week-long cruises.) Some carriers will even charge for incoming calls that aren't answered.
There is usually an option to turn off data/e-mail on smart phones, but if you are sending texts, there's no way to turn off the phone service. So you risk the cost of receiving incoming texts and phone calls while your phone is on for you to send texts. I've also read stories of people who had their phones turned off but were somehow still picking up a signal and getting charged for roaming. That's why last time I left my phone in the room safe with the battery out.
But let's say you are okay with the rates and want to use your phone anyway. It may not be an option everywhere. Many people said last year they were unable to get a signal on the lower decks of the ship. And since Half Moon Cay is a private island, there's no cell service there. There's also no wireless there, so it's going to be a several hour stretch of no tweets for those at home.
There is, however, internet access on board. You can bring your own laptop/iPod/iPad/what-have-you or use the Internet cafe. The rates for both are the same: 75 cents per minute. You can also buy blocks of minutes. Last year I paid $24 for 60 minute blocks. There was a minimum charge of two minutes, which was about a minute and 45 seconds longer than it took me to send a tweet. I did not figure this time minimum out till Sunday night.
Cruise ship internet is . . . not the best. For one, it takes a good minute to get logged in and do anything. Once you're in, you can use it for sending a quick email or tweet, but don't plan to upload a photo album to Flickr or anything. Remember the internet in 1998? It's like that. Last year, I never once successfully got my email to load, even in basic HTML mode. But it's certainly better than nothing, and they do have wireless throughout the ship, which is nice.
What are your plans for phones on board?
[Taken from the nKoTb Cruise blog]
So, what are you guys doing? I haven't talked to my cell phone provider (AT&T) yet, but I plan to soon! I will definitely update with my plans as soon as I find out! :)
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Tips for first time cruisers
With TWENTY-FIVE days until the cruise, I thought I'd post one of the entries from the nKoTb Cruise Blog to get everybody excited. So, here ya go! Tips for first time cruisers:
If this is not only your first New Kids cruise but your first cruise period, these tips will help you make the most of the weekend.
Checking In
A couple weeks before we sail, you'll receive a link for online guest registration. Make sure everyone in the room completes these forms at home and print out copies before you go to present at check in. You also print out your luggage/bag tags at home and attach them before you even leave for Miami.
After you go through the x-ray machines (just like at the airport), you bring your paperwork, passport, and credit card to the check-in agent. If you are using cash rather than a credit card, you have to pay a deposit at check-in.
Once you're checked in, you will have your wrist band put on for you by the agent. Not sure if we will have colored zones this year, but it will at least show your dining group. Security was very careful to check that no one from the wrong group was trying to sneak into an extra show. (There was a bit of confusion last year because red and orange looked very similar and meant the difference between row 6 and back of the balcony.)
You will also receive your Sign and Sail card, which is both your room key and onboard credit card. You use this for anything you buy on the ship. They won't accept cash or other credit cards.
If your suitcase is bigger than carry-on size, you leave it with a porter to be delivered to your cabin. Most bags were delivered by dinner time, but make sure you bring a change of clothes and all your toiletries in a carry on if you want to use them before the sail away party.
Chances are, you won't be able to get into your cabin right away. So hang out and have a drink until 2:00 p.m. or so.
Food Tips
Soda and water are not free. Coffee, tea, iced tea, and juices are. There are drink stations around the buffet and pool area. If you are addicted to soda, you can buy an unlimited soda card for something like $25.
On the other hand, room service is free. I highly recommend hanging the order form on your door the night before so you can wake up to toast, fruit, and cereal -- and a pot of coffee.
Don't worry about tipping in the dining room. You pre-paid for tips through Rose Tours. However, the room service waiters will not turn down a few singles.
Seasickness
I don't typically get motion sick, but those that do relied on behind the ear patches on board. I've also heard ginger capsules work well. Sunday morning was especially rocky, and combined with lack of sleep and excessive drinking the night before, I was not feeling great. While we were waiting in the photo op line, I saw one person throw up and one pass out.
What I did not expect was to feel so strange 2-3 days AFTER the cruise. This is called Mal de Debarquement Syndrome, and it made me feel like I was on a moving walkway for much of the following week. Eventually it went away.
Excursions
Most cruise articles will recommend you pre-book shore excursions months in advance to avoid waiting in line once on board and to make sure you can get the popular options. But don't do it for this one!
From Sarah in the comments: "I spoke with Jeannie right after we booked about shore excursions. She was quick to advise me NOT to book anything for Half Moon Cay because just about every option on the island will cause us to miss events planned on shore and the NKOTB functions."
Don't leave home without
A watch. There are were very few clocks on deck or around, and you won't want to have your cell phone turned on because of the outrageous roaming charges (even if you're not making calls).
A travel alarm clock. Even though you can request wake up calls, you'll need to make sure you're on time for all the activities. I read on a Carnival website that it needs to be battery powered because the electric ones will run slow.
A power strip. You get one outlet in the room. One.
A night light. The room is so dark at night you could think you've gone blind. Lots of deck party drinking leads to middle-of-the-night bathroom trips, and you don't want to break an arm.
A hair dryer. Unless you're in the penthouse or owner's suite, you won't get one in your room.
Disembarking
On Monday morning, be prepared to be booted from your cabin bright and early (think 8:00 a.m.). There will be lots of porters walking up and down the halls banging on doors and hurrying you out. But you can head up to the Lido deck for coffee and breakfast before you get back to solid ground.
Hope this helps you know what to expect. Experienced cruisers, please add your tips to the comments!
[Taken from the nKoTb Cruise Blog]
Do we have any experienced cruisers on the the Backstreet Boys cruise? Or has anybody heard any other good tips? Leave a comment!! :)
If this is not only your first New Kids cruise but your first cruise period, these tips will help you make the most of the weekend.
Checking In
A couple weeks before we sail, you'll receive a link for online guest registration. Make sure everyone in the room completes these forms at home and print out copies before you go to present at check in. You also print out your luggage/bag tags at home and attach them before you even leave for Miami.
After you go through the x-ray machines (just like at the airport), you bring your paperwork, passport, and credit card to the check-in agent. If you are using cash rather than a credit card, you have to pay a deposit at check-in.
Once you're checked in, you will have your wrist band put on for you by the agent. Not sure if we will have colored zones this year, but it will at least show your dining group. Security was very careful to check that no one from the wrong group was trying to sneak into an extra show. (There was a bit of confusion last year because red and orange looked very similar and meant the difference between row 6 and back of the balcony.)
You will also receive your Sign and Sail card, which is both your room key and onboard credit card. You use this for anything you buy on the ship. They won't accept cash or other credit cards.
If your suitcase is bigger than carry-on size, you leave it with a porter to be delivered to your cabin. Most bags were delivered by dinner time, but make sure you bring a change of clothes and all your toiletries in a carry on if you want to use them before the sail away party.
Chances are, you won't be able to get into your cabin right away. So hang out and have a drink until 2:00 p.m. or so.
Food Tips
Soda and water are not free. Coffee, tea, iced tea, and juices are. There are drink stations around the buffet and pool area. If you are addicted to soda, you can buy an unlimited soda card for something like $25.
On the other hand, room service is free. I highly recommend hanging the order form on your door the night before so you can wake up to toast, fruit, and cereal -- and a pot of coffee.
Don't worry about tipping in the dining room. You pre-paid for tips through Rose Tours. However, the room service waiters will not turn down a few singles.
Seasickness
I don't typically get motion sick, but those that do relied on behind the ear patches on board. I've also heard ginger capsules work well. Sunday morning was especially rocky, and combined with lack of sleep and excessive drinking the night before, I was not feeling great. While we were waiting in the photo op line, I saw one person throw up and one pass out.
What I did not expect was to feel so strange 2-3 days AFTER the cruise. This is called Mal de Debarquement Syndrome, and it made me feel like I was on a moving walkway for much of the following week. Eventually it went away.
Excursions
Most cruise articles will recommend you pre-book shore excursions months in advance to avoid waiting in line once on board and to make sure you can get the popular options. But don't do it for this one!
From Sarah in the comments: "I spoke with Jeannie right after we booked about shore excursions. She was quick to advise me NOT to book anything for Half Moon Cay because just about every option on the island will cause us to miss events planned on shore and the NKOTB functions."
Don't leave home without
A watch. There are were very few clocks on deck or around, and you won't want to have your cell phone turned on because of the outrageous roaming charges (even if you're not making calls).
A travel alarm clock. Even though you can request wake up calls, you'll need to make sure you're on time for all the activities. I read on a Carnival website that it needs to be battery powered because the electric ones will run slow.
A power strip. You get one outlet in the room. One.
A night light. The room is so dark at night you could think you've gone blind. Lots of deck party drinking leads to middle-of-the-night bathroom trips, and you don't want to break an arm.
A hair dryer. Unless you're in the penthouse or owner's suite, you won't get one in your room.
Disembarking
On Monday morning, be prepared to be booted from your cabin bright and early (think 8:00 a.m.). There will be lots of porters walking up and down the halls banging on doors and hurrying you out. But you can head up to the Lido deck for coffee and breakfast before you get back to solid ground.
Hope this helps you know what to expect. Experienced cruisers, please add your tips to the comments!
[Taken from the nKoTb Cruise Blog]
Do we have any experienced cruisers on the the Backstreet Boys cruise? Or has anybody heard any other good tips? Leave a comment!! :)
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Game Show Survey
Hey Cruisers!! :) In less than a month, we will be on a boat with the Boys!! How excited are you guys?? I can hardly wait!! :) In case you missed it, here's the newest email from Rose Tours:
Backstreet Boys Cruise
2010 Game Show Survey
We are going to have a Family Feud Style Game Show on board with the Backstreet Boys! They will be competing against some lucky fans who will get a chance to prove they know the boys better than they know themselves!
To help us get the best answers to all the questions, please fill out the survey with the first answer that comes to your head! We will tally all the answers, and use them to play during our game show!
To help us get the best answers to all the questions, please fill out the survey with the first answer that comes to your head! We will tally all the answers, and use them to play during our game show!
Monday, November 8, 2010
NKOTBSB Tour Announcement
So, this isn't exactly cruise related, but...
Who's excited for the NKOTBSB tour??! :)
I'm sure you all received this email, but here it is, in case you missed it:
As announced exclusively on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show, NKOTB and BSB are making it official. NKOTBSB on ONE STAGE will begin in the summer of 2011. Tickets to this historic event go on sale beginning November 19th at Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com.
The NKOTBSB tour, produced by Live Nation includes confirmed dates in Toronto, New York, New Jersey, Chicago and Los Angeles with additional dates to be announced soon.
The public will get their first sneak peak of what’s to come on November 21, 2010 as all nine men perform LIVE at the American Music Awards in their first joint televised appearance.
With over 200 million albums sold between both bands, and smash hit after smash hit, these two pop sensations have dominated the music scene for over three decades.
Toronto, CAN
Air Canada Center
ON-SALE 10am ET FRIDAY, NOV 19
BSB Fan Club Pre Sale TBA
BSB VIP Packages On Sale TBA
SAT 11-JUN
Uniondale, NY
Nassau Coliseum
ON-SALE 10am ET FRIDAY, NOV 19
BSB Fan Club Pre Sale Friday, Nov 12th 8am EST
BSB VIP Packages on sale Friday, Nov 12th 8am EST
SUN 12-JUN
East Rutherford, NJ
Izod Center
ON-SALE 10am ET FRIDAY, NOV 19
BSB Fan Club Pre Sale Friday, Nov 12th 8am EST
BSB VIP Packages on sale Friday, Nov 12th 8am EST
FRI 17-JUN
Rosemont, IL
United Center
ON-SALE 10am CT SATURDAY, NOV 20
BSB Fan Club Pre Sale Friday, Nov 12th 8am CST
BSB VIP Packages on sale Friday, Nov 12th 8am CST
FRI 1-JUL
Los Angeles, CA
Staples Center
ON- SALE 10am PT MONDAY, NOV 22
BSB Fan Club Pre Sale Monday, Nov 15th 8am PST
BSB VIP Packages on sale Monday, Nov 15th 8am PST
For complete ticket, VIP/Fan Club and tour information visit: BackstreetBoys.com, NKOTBSB.com, Ticketmaster.com, and LiveNation.com.
So, we definitely have something to look forward to after the cruise! :) And even more dates to be announced later!! How exciting!! What shows so far is everybody thinking of attending?
Who's excited for the NKOTBSB tour??! :)
I'm sure you all received this email, but here it is, in case you missed it:
As announced exclusively on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show, NKOTB and BSB are making it official. NKOTBSB on ONE STAGE will begin in the summer of 2011. Tickets to this historic event go on sale beginning November 19th at Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com.
The NKOTBSB tour, produced by Live Nation includes confirmed dates in Toronto, New York, New Jersey, Chicago and Los Angeles with additional dates to be announced soon.
The public will get their first sneak peak of what’s to come on November 21, 2010 as all nine men perform LIVE at the American Music Awards in their first joint televised appearance.
With over 200 million albums sold between both bands, and smash hit after smash hit, these two pop sensations have dominated the music scene for over three decades.
CURRENT LIST OF SHOW DATES (As of November 8, 2010)
THU 9-JUNToronto, CAN
Air Canada Center
ON-SALE 10am ET FRIDAY, NOV 19
BSB Fan Club Pre Sale TBA
BSB VIP Packages On Sale TBA
SAT 11-JUN
Uniondale, NY
Nassau Coliseum
ON-SALE 10am ET FRIDAY, NOV 19
BSB Fan Club Pre Sale Friday, Nov 12th 8am EST
BSB VIP Packages on sale Friday, Nov 12th 8am EST
SUN 12-JUN
East Rutherford, NJ
Izod Center
ON-SALE 10am ET FRIDAY, NOV 19
BSB Fan Club Pre Sale Friday, Nov 12th 8am EST
BSB VIP Packages on sale Friday, Nov 12th 8am EST
FRI 17-JUN
Rosemont, IL
United Center
ON-SALE 10am CT SATURDAY, NOV 20
BSB Fan Club Pre Sale Friday, Nov 12th 8am CST
BSB VIP Packages on sale Friday, Nov 12th 8am CST
FRI 1-JUL
Los Angeles, CA
Staples Center
ON- SALE 10am PT MONDAY, NOV 22
BSB Fan Club Pre Sale Monday, Nov 15th 8am PST
BSB VIP Packages on sale Monday, Nov 15th 8am PST
For complete ticket, VIP/Fan Club and tour information visit: BackstreetBoys.com, NKOTBSB.com, Ticketmaster.com, and LiveNation.com.
So, we definitely have something to look forward to after the cruise! :) And even more dates to be announced later!! How exciting!! What shows so far is everybody thinking of attending?
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Backstreet Boys Q & A!
Hey Cruisers!! :)
We are so close it's almost ridiculous! How excited are you guys??! I can hardly believe it's almost a month away!!
So, I'm sure all of you received this email today from Rose Tours, but just in case, here it is:
We are so close it's almost ridiculous! How excited are you guys??! I can hardly believe it's almost a month away!!
So, I'm sure all of you received this email today from Rose Tours, but just in case, here it is:
Got a Question for the Backstreet Boys?
During the Q & A session with the boys, we will be randomly selecting from among the questions you give to us.
PLEASE SUBMIT ONLY ONE QUESTION PER PERSON. MULTIPLE ENTRIES WILL RESULT IN ALL QUESTIONS BEING DISREGARDED.
Please submit your question below:
Q & A Survey
PLEASE SUBMIT ONLY ONE QUESTION PER PERSON. MULTIPLE ENTRIES WILL RESULT IN ALL QUESTIONS BEING DISREGARDED.
Please submit your question below:
Q & A Survey
How exciting!! :) I can't wait to hear all the questions and, of course, the answers the Boys have!! Only 36 more days!!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Themes!!
Hey Cruisers!! :) I'm sure you guys already got the email, but we got the cruise themes today!! Here's the email, in case you missed it:
Thank you, Boys!! :) Tomorrow will mark the two month mark! How excited is everybody??! Time to do some shopping!! :)
Hey everyone,
We are so excited to be experiencing our FIRST EVER cruise with all of you! AJ has already bought a ton of Dramamine just to be safe!! We’ve put together a jam packed FUN schedule for our four days at sea, so rest up now because there will be no sleeping on this cruise!!
Here is a sneak peak at our theme nights. Can’t wait to see all your faces there!
A more detailed schedule will be coming closer to our sail date!
KTBSPA!
Hugs,
AJ, Brian, Howie and Nick
| Theme Nights |
| Thursday, December 9th- INTERNATIONAL LUV NIGHT Away, Internationally, Away, Eh…. We are all going AWAY together on a four night adventure. Let’s start the cruise off right by celebrating us all coming together from around the world and showing off your Country pride with flags, Tshirts, Countries colors, etc. Let’s see how each country represents! Friday, December 10th- MASQUERADE NIGHT It’s a Masquerade, A Love Parade, So wont you stay and dance with me… Let’s dress up and dance the night away at our Masquerade ball – feathers, beads and lots of fun! So all you solider boys and beauty queens better be ready to lose control! Don’t forget to bring your mask! Sunday, December 12th – BLACK AND BLUE PARTY You were there from the start! We know who you are…and this one goes out to you! Let’s celebrate 17 years plus TOGETHER! Come ready to party on our final night in black and blue attire… |
| Door Decorating Contest |
Want a chance to prove you are the most creative Backstreet Boys fan onboard the cruise this December? Well, this is it! We’re announcing the OFFICIAL BACKSTREET BOYS CRUISE CABIN DOOR DECORATING CONTEST! All you have to do is have the best decorated door on the cruise!
Get together with your cabin mates and show off your BSB Pride! You can use photos, letters, poems, keepsakes, banners, streamers, glitter, whatever fits on the door to make yours stand out! Use your imagination and design the door that everyone wants to see! Best-decorated door will win a fabulous prize.
*The cabin door is 22" x 6’8" and is magnetic so we suggest you bring magnets and masking tape to decorate and hold items in place.
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