Regular cruisers are all too familiar with the frustration of slow and expensive internet connectivity. Now - at last - cruise lines are beginning to address the problem.
Royal Caribbean is setting high standards on its new "smart ship", Quantum of the Seas, having experimented with 03B high-speed broadband on Oasis of the Seas, which offers connections equal to or better than those on land.
The service won't be free, but will be improved to the point that passengers can download streaming content and post videos and images to Facebook, Twitter, Vine and Instagram at super-fast speeds.
This benefits the cruise line too, as passengers spread the cruise message to friends and family on social media.
Seabourn is launching a customised digital newspaper and magazine service, PressReader Offline, on Seabourn Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest.
The ships will download content requested by passengers and store it on the ships' local network so it can be accessed without having to go online.
If you don't have a smartphone or tablet, the ships will supply a limited number of tablets with PressReader already loaded.
Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises recently upgraded the Wi-Fi system across their fleets and are offering free Wi-Fi to passengers travelling in their top-level staterooms and suites.
The new service starts on Regent's Seven Seas Voyager on October 31, and on Mariner and Navigator in November. Oceania's five ships will be rolling out free internet later next year.
And when Viking Ocean Cruises' Viking Star sets sail next May, free Wi-Fi will be part of the package - as it is on the company's river ships.
It's all good news for cruisers who need or like to be connected, but don't forget that it's equally important to switch off.
Meet the crew
NAME: Emese Balizs, from Hungary.
POSITION: Cruise director, APT's AmaVerde, AmaReina, AmaDante, AmaBella (on Magnificent Europe cruises).
MY JOB: Managing the cruise, from organising sightseeing and entertainment, to guest inquiries and maintaining communication with captains and hotels.
MY TYPICAL DAY: An early start ensures the day's sightseeing runs smoothly, and everyone leaves and returns to the ship with smiles on their faces. During the evenings, I write reports, chat to my guests and my family.
FAVOURITE CRUISE MOMENT: When guests tell me they've had the time of their lives.
FAVOURITE PORTS: My home city of Budapest, Durnstein, Bamberg and Amsterdam.
TIP FOR PASSENGERS: Don't miss the exclusive APT concert at City Palace, in Vienna. You'll be transported back to the 19th century - it's a magical night.
What's in a name?
French cruise line Compagnie du Ponant has officially shortened its name to Ponant - it's easier to remember and, for non-French speakers, to pronounce. As the company expands - it has four ships and a fifth, Le Lyrial, is due to launch next May - it is increasing its reach to international markets, so it makes sense to have an easier handle. Ponant recently opened offices in Sydney, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Miami and Hamburg.
Viking of the high seas
Booming river cruise line Viking Cruises is launching its first ocean ship, Viking Star, next May. The 928-passenger ship will be the first of three, with Sea and Sky to follow in 2016. Fans of Viking's river ships will recognise several familiar features on the ocean vessels: clean-cut Scandinavian design, fares that include drinks with lunch and dinner, and free shore excursions. Every cabin will have a balcony, and itineraries include overnights and long stops in small ports.
Deals
OFFER OF THE WEEK
Book APT's new 18-day Columbia and Snake River cruise package, departing April to August 2015, and your companion will fly free, offering a saving of up to $2625 a couple. From $11,495, offer valid until November 28. Phone 1300 196 420, see aptouring.com.au.
MORE DEALS
CRUISECO Book a 20-night cruise on CMV Astor from Sydney to Fremantle by October 15 and you'll fly free to Sydney or Perth. Departs February 9, 2015. Phone 1800 225 656, see cruising.com.au.
TRAVELRITE is running a Craft Fair at Sea on board Voyager of the Seas, during its 11-night Pacific cruise, departing Sydney on March 5. There will be workshops in quilting, embroidery and more, led by craft specialists. From $2780; phone 1800 630 343, see travelrite.com.au.
Fleet streets ahead
Norwegian Cruise Line, which has 13 large, colourful resort-style ships in its fleet (and a new addition to its Breakaway Class is being launched next year) is buying Prestige Cruise Holdings, the parent company of the upmarket Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises. This makes Norwegian Cruise Line one of the biggest players in the cruise industry, along with the Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises. How this will affect passengers of the different lines remains to be seen, but as Prestige chief executive Frank Del Rio will continue in his role we don't imagine Oceania and Regent ships will sport brightly-painted hulls any time soon.
