Smart Travel: Today's travelers choose wired options

More than 143 million Americans access the Internet, according to a Yahoo survey.

The travel industry is aware of this newly developed need for travelers witness the Internet cafes springing up in cities large and small all over the world, and the near-universal presence of data ports in hotel accommodations, particularly in the United States and Canada.

It used to be that people who wanted to go on a cruise wanted to "get away" from phones, TV and fax machines. Now, some of our travel clients tell us that they would like to take cruises but don't want to be "disconnected" for seven, 10 or more days at sea.

They are delighted to discover that the cruise lines have joined the Internet generation and many now offer either e-mail access, web surfing, or both aboard their ships. Some cruise lines have gone beyond mere access and offer dedicated computer rooms, and a staff of onboard computer instructors who provide classes in beginning or advanced computer use, application software training and Internet skills throughout the cruises during days at sea.

Crystal Cruises, for example, offers its Computer University @ Sea, designed both for those intimidated by the Internet and those who want advanced computer instruction. Each of Crystal's ships carries three to nine computer instructors who provide complimentary computer classes or personalized instruction for passengers.

Most cruise lines assess some charges, and these vary widely. Passengers with their own Internet service providers such as AOL, Yahoo or Juno, may only be charged a modest per-minute online charge. When the cruise line also provides the ISP service, charges may be higher and may include a setup charge for new users. Printers may be complimentary or may be charged on a per-page basis.

Your travel agent can inform you of the Internet fee schedules on any ship you might choose.

To attract high-powered executives, cruise lines may rent in-stateroom laptops already configured for the ship's system with data ports in every stateroom. Newer ships on nearly every cruise line are being wired for Internet ports in each cabin as well as an Internet center with multiple computers.

On the smaller ships, Internet access may consist of only one computer with 24-hour Internet access but the newest Windstar vessel, the Wind Surf, offers an Internet caf with eight computer terminals.

With satellite technology, vessels can reach the Web from even the most remote locations. Orient line's Marco Polo, a ship that regularly sails Antarctic itineraries, has regular internet connection from near the South Pole for onboard passengers.

One message is clear for the cruise industry. Passengers want to stay connected.

(Linda and Dr. Don Overend are principals in The Travel Group, a full-service travel agency formed by the merger of Ozark World Travel, Consulting Travel and Thomas Travel.)