My US-based dad frequently travels overseas for pleasure, often on several-month-long cruises stretching across dozens of countries. He likes to be able to access his email and on-board internet facilities tend to be obscenely expensive.

I use a Verizon Blackberry 8830 overseas (w/a $65/month data plan), but I don't think it would work well for him because: a) he's a bad typist with fingers, let alone thumbs, b) there's no camera on the 8830.

What would be a good device for him to carry along? Who would be a good service provider? Extra points if there's a way for him to upload and share photos or if it could double as his daily-use cell phone while he's at home. I should clarify that he doesn't need something which works at sea, just in ports or elsewhere on land.