Vacation from technology

I just disembarked from a 7 day cruise to Alaska with my family. The scenery was fantastic, the weather was unbelievable, the food was edible, but the availability of technology was virtually absent. The cruise line brochure mentioned that Internet would be available online, but it didn't say that it would be a $1.00 per minute! And it didn't mention that an old-fashioned dial-up connection would be faster than the connection provided.

After spending about $6.00 and realizing that resistance was futile, I stored my laptop and didn't pull it out until today when we left the ship.

I already knew that cell service would be unavailable on the high seas, but I didn't realize that my cell provider did not cover Alaska.

This brings me to two quick tips to give cruisers who enjoy their technology:
1. Verify with the cruise ship exactly what type of Internet coverage is available and what extra costs it might impose.
2. Visit your cell phone provider's web site and check for coverage in the area you are traveling.

After struggling with my digital disconnection the first day, I gave into the reality of the situation and actually enjoyed the break. However, now I have an Inbox full of messages needing replies and a voice mail box full of messages from computer users who need their calls returned.

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