Boat or cruise ship mobile computing considerations include:
- Internet Access: Most cruise ships now offer wi-fi Internet access and/or computer stations you can rent in their Internet cafes (rates are approximately $0.75/minute). You can get better rates (about $0.40/minute) if you purchase a set package of Internet access minutes.
- Data Roaming: Even if you aren't traveling internationally, you will likely still encounter roaming access fees from your cellular provider if you use their data or voice services while onboard a ship, since cruise ships use their own cellular antennas. Avoid the roaming fees (about $5/minute) by using wi-fi if possible.
- Connecting Without a Laptop: Cruises may also have a limited number of laptops available to rent (for about $10/day), so if your work is all web-based or you bring along a portable external drive with your work files on it, you can leave your laptop at home and use the ship's instead.
- Data Speed: Whether you use the ship's computers or your own, note that going online via a satellite connection at sea can be very slow. To conserve your allotted connection minutes, do as much work as possible offline and then use the ship's Internet service only when you need to send or receive information online.
- Environment: Avoid working on decks without cover from the elements, since you want to protect your equipment from sudden sun showers, sea sprays, and the like.
