Yup:
Thanks for the update, Ray!
Now, in addition to having to find one of the few spaces on Silversea where
passengers aren't allowed to puff away on cigars or cigarettes, we also need
to locate an area where someone isn't screaming into a cellphone.
Great!
"Ray Goldenberg" wrote in message
news:qcdf521ubd40k5ifg7mqria5os91b4qa1a@4ax.com...
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I received this press release from Silversea and thought it would be
> of interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings, they are
> available on my web site.
>
> Best regards,
> Ray
> LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
> 800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
> http://www.lighthousetravel.com
>
>
> SILVERSEA MAKES IT EASIER TO STAY CONNECTED
> AT SEA WITH NEW CELLULAR PHONE SERVICE
>
> Most Advanced Wireless Voice and Data Service Now
> Available aboard Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper
>
> (Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- May 2, 2006) Silversea Cruises has reached
> another milestone in its continuing enhancement of onboard
> communications services with the installation of a new, cutting-edge
> technology that enables guests to use their own cellular phones and
> wireless PDAs while at sea, just as they do on land. The new service
> is now available onboard Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper, and will be
> expanded to the line's other two ships, Silver Cloud and Silver Wind,
> in the coming months.
>
> The ultra-luxury cruise company has partnered with SeaMobile, a
> leading global provider of advanced at-sea wireless voice and data
> communications services, to offer guests the convenience of using
> their personal cell phones during a cruise -- even as their ship may
> be sailing many miles away from shore. The new technology works for
> both GSM and CDMA mobile phones as well as PDA devices such as
> BlackBerries. GSM is the digital standard in Europe and other parts
> of the globe, while CDMA is the wireless standard for North America
> and the Far East.
>
> "Last year we outfitted our ships with Wi-Fi hot spots so guests could
> use their own laptops, and now we're taking things a step further and
> giving them the convenience of being able to use their personal cell
> phones and PDAs while at sea as well," said Rick Kneale, Silversea's
> vice president of information technology and chief information
> officer. "In today's world, we know how important it is to stay
> connected with family, friends and business associates while on
> vacation, and so we're doing everything we can to facilitate that."
>
> Added Kneale, "Although we're pleased to offer this enhanced service,
> we realize cell phone use can be disturbing to others, so quiet zones
> (areas without reception) such as the restaurants, spa, library and
> other public lounges, have been created thereby ensuring the comfort
> of all our guests. We will continue to encourage guests to use their
> cell phones primarily in their suites."
>
> Rates for the at-sea cellular service will vary, depending on the
> guest's wireless provider. Generally, the rates can range from $1.99
> to $3.99 per minute, based on different roaming zones across the
> world. Charges appear as roaming calls on the guest's regular
> wireless bill from their home carrier, which may include additional
> taxes and fees charged by various carriers.
>
> When the ship is in port, guests' cell phones will be switched to the
> carrier for that geographic area and roaming rates for the country
> they are visiting will apply. As with all cell carriers, guests' cell
> phones that work while the ship is at sea may not work in some ports.
>
> Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment,
> offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels,
> Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all
> designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance.
> For the ninth year, Silversea was named "Number One" small-ship line
> in the 2005 "Readers' Choice" survey conducted by Condé Nast Traveler
> magazine. For the sixth time, Silversea was selected "World's Best"
> small-ship line in the 2004 Travel + Leisure readers' poll.
>
> For more information on Silversea Cruises, please contact a travel
> agent.
> --
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