Wireless all Princess ships - 35 cents/ minute. Well, it's free for Plats, but I am guessing that since your last cruise was on HAL two years ago, this might not apply.

I am constantly working on ships, so I obviously have my regular notebook computer. It would be very cost prohibitive for me to access e-mail remotely. That means I would need to stay online to read and respond to all e-mails. I log on, download messages and log off. I then read, respond and log back on to send/receive. I am online 20 minutes the entire cruise.

Most cruise lines have computers for guests to use.

Internet cafe on Saphire is located on Promenade Deck (according to Princess - One of largest Internet cafes at sea with 29 computer stations):

http://www.princess.com/ships/sa/dec...ade_index.html

I see a lot of people downloading their pictures and some getting online. Celebrity Constellation actually has computer classes that cover a broad range of programs, and I know many others do the same.

I have built in wireless, so I don't need accessories. Whatever you need is of course available onboard, but I am certain it wouldn't hurt to buy before you go.

My advice without knowing your situation. If you must stay in contact, do so in the manner I discussed. Otherwise, take a vacation from the computer. Regardless, enjoy Alaska.

Sam